As an experienced debt defense attorney here in Texas, I know how long does a judgment last in Texas after my clients think they’re in the clear. Nathan called me one day after learning that a judgment—over ten years old—had been revived.
“Chris, things have been great. I’m making so much money now—more than I ever imagined back when you helped me with all of my debts,” he began.
“That’s great to hear, Nathan. I always had faith you’d turn things around.”
“Thanks. But I have a new problem I don’t understand. It’s been so long since that default judgment was entered against me, and nobody’s done anything. Now I find out they want me to pay it? What gives?”
“Nathan, civil judgments might seem like they’ve disappeared, but the creditor has up to ten years from the date of the court order to take action,” I told him.
“Well, it’s been more than ten years.”
“Problem is, the creditor also has two additional years to revive the judgment. Has it been twelve years?” I asked.
“No, closer to ten than twelve. They can do that—revive it?”
“They can—and they do. Please, let me go over the rules and then we can make a plan to address your situation.”
“Thanks, Chris. I do need a better grasp on the rules. I don’t want to pay it, but at least I have the money now.
In Texas, a civil judgment is enforceable for 10 years and the judgments awarded are generally valid for 10 years. But with proper renewal, they can exist indefinitely.
If not renewed or revived within the required statute of limitations time frame, judgments will expire. A creditor may renew before expiration or revive the judgment within a two-year dormancy window, resetting the clock and keeping it collectible indefinitely.
Texas law allows creditors to pursue old debts by reviving dormant judgments, ensuring that even those types of debt that seem too old to collect can still be enforced. That means a Texas judgment can linger. It can cloud your bank account, real estate, and even your paycheck.
Below, we explain how long a judgment can last, what creditors may do to collect, and how North Texas families can protect themselves. If you need answers now—call us, Texas debt defense lawyers for a free consultation at phone number (888) 584-9614.
Texas Judgment Lifespan at a Glance
Under state law, a civil judgment remains “active” for ten years from the date the judge signs the court order. A judgment is a court order that establishes the money owed by the debtor to the creditor, typically as a result of a lawsuit or legal claim.
Relevant Texas Statute and Case Law
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 34.001 confirms this timeline.
- Texas case law, like Cadle Co. v. Butler 951 S.W.2d 901 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 1997), reinforces that if you take proper action—like having a writ of execution issued—the judgment won’t go dormant.
To create a judgment lien, you have to file an abstract of judgment in the county where the judgment debtor owns property. Judgment liens only attach to real estate if the debtor owns property in the county where you file the abstract. If not, no lien will attaches.
After ten years without action, the judgment goes dormant. Creditors can’t issue a writ of execution, freeze a bank account, or start wage garnishment.
Still, you’re not totally in the clear. The Texas Uniform Fraudulent Transfers Act blocks debtors from moving assets to dodge a judgment creditor. Judgment creditors must ‘follow the money’ to trace fraudulent transfers made by debtors.
| Stage | What Happens | Time Limit |
| Active | Creditor is entitled to enforce the judgment through various legal tools, including judgment liens. The creditor may seize personal property, garnish wages for limited debts, or place a judgment lien on real estate if the judgment debtor owns property in the county. | 0‑10 years |
| Dormant | Enforcement pauses, but the lien still clouds title. | Begins at 10 years |
| Revival | Creditor files a scire facias motion or “revival action” within the two year period after dormancy to revive the judgment for the money owed. | Within 2 years of dormancy |
| Renewed Judgment | Judge grants motion; new ten‑year clock starts. | Unlimited cycles |
Quick tip: Want these dates in writing? Ask the clerk for a certified copy of the original judgment.
What Happens After Ten Years? Dormancy, Revival & Renewed Judgments
Dormant Judgment—What You Can’t Do
When a judgment goes dormant, things change. Post-judgment discovery helps the winning party find out what assets the losing party owns and where they’re hiding. Discovery is specifically used to locate the debtor’s assets, making it easier for creditors to pursue collection.
To create a judgment lien, an abstract of judgment must be filed in the county where the debtor owns nonexempt property.
In Texas, post-judgment discovery doesn’t need justice court approval, so it’s pretty straightforward for creditors. Creditors can use formal discovery tools, like requests for production and requests for admission, to dig up info about the judgment debtor. Serving post-judgment discovery is a critical component in obtaining payment on the judgment.
- No writ of execution can be issued.
- Creditors cannot garnish wages (unless it’s for child support or certain student loan cases).
- Your home is protected by Texas homestead rules—foreclosure is off‑limits unless the lien is revived.
However, creditors may attempt to enforce the judgment through other legal means if possible. If a debtor ignores post-judgment discovery, they could be held in contempt and face fines or jail. The losing party gets at least 30 days to respond to discovery requests.
Two‑Year Revival Checklist
For a non government creditor, the following steps apply to revive a dormant debt in Texas:
Creditors have only two years to revive a dormant debt. They’ll need to:
- File a motion in the original court.
- Serve the judgment debtor under Tex. R. Civ. P. 21a.
- Pay the filing fee (about $75; check the Texas OCA schedule).
- Get a judge’s signature on the revival order. The abstract of judgment has to include specific info required by Texas law, like the names of the parties and the amount owed.
Note: If the original judgment came from a justice court, file the revival motion there.
Debt Collection Tools Creditors May Use—and Your Defenses
Judgment creditors are responsible for preparing the writ of execution and getting it to the right officer. A writ of execution tells the sheriff or constable to seize and sell the debtor’s nonexempt property and give the proceeds to the creditor. The local sheriff handles executing writs and selling assets at auction to satisfy the judgment.
| Creditor Tool | How It Works | Family Defense |
| Writ of execution | Seizes non‑exempt personal property such as extra vehicles or jewelry. The local sheriff or constable carries out the sale of the debtor’s assets at auction. | Texas exemptions protect up to $30k for an individual or $60k for a family. Some debtors may attempt to avoid paying judgments by transferring assets or using other legal strategies, but exemptions still apply. |
| Judgment lien | Clouds title on non‑homestead real estate and may block refinancing. | Homestead property is shielded; lien must be released at sale. |
| Wage garnishment | Generally banned for credit card debt and most collection lawsuits. | Allowed only for child support, federal taxes, or defaulted student loans. |
| Bank account levy | Freezes available funds. | Protected deposits include Social Security benefits and certain retirement funds. |
| Turnover orders | A post-judgment enforcement procedure that enables judgment creditors to access non-exempt assets of a debtor. Turnover orders are a useful tool for collecting on a judgment, as they compel the defendant to deliver assets to satisfy the debt. These orders can be directed at a person or an entity. | Certain exempt property cannot be turned over. |
Remember, creditors have to follow both Texas and federal law. If they slip up, you might have a procedural defense or even a counterclaim.
A Writ of Garnishment Order
In Texas, a writ of garnishment orders a third party, like a bank, to turn over money or property to pay off a judgment. This is a useful tool to collect from the debtor’s bank account directly
Judgment creditors can ask for a writ of garnishment to collect from a debtor’s bank account, but they have to follow all legal requirements.
Writs of garnishment work best when the judgment creditor knows how much money is in the debtor’s bank account before asking for the writ. This helps avoid unnecessary costs. If the creditor does not know the account balance, requesting a writ of garnishment can be risky. That’s because the creditor may have to pay the bank’s attorney fees even if there is no money in the account.
Knowing the funds available makes it easier to collect the money owed without extra expenses. It also helps the creditor decide the best time to request the writ. Collecting a judgment sometimes means tracking down and seizing the debtor’s assets through legal action and other judgment debt collection steps.
Credit Report Impact & Financial Repair Steps
Some folks think a court judgment will show up on your credit report. But since 2017, civil judgments aren’t included on standard credit reports from the big three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).
A civil judgment is just a court decision that you owe money to a creditor. The judgment itself won’t affect your credit score, but the debt that caused it—like the original collection account or loan charge-off—can stay on your credit report for up to seven years and keep hurting your score.
Once you pay the debt, here’s how to repair your finances:
- File a Satisfaction of Judgment with the clerk. This is key. It clears the legal record, proves the debt is paid, and is needed to remove any liens from your property or creditor interests in your assets.
- Check the Original Account on Your Credit Report. Make sure the debt is marked as “Paid” or “Settled”—it matters for your credit history.
- Keep Monitoring and Rebuilding Credit. Check your credit reports for mistakes and work on building a positive payment history with on-time payments and smart credit use.
Repairing your credit can have immediate consequences. One Collin County family improved their home refinance rate within six months of clearing a judgment. Filing a Satisfaction of Judgment removed the creditor’s lien from their home, which was the only way the new loan got approved. Proof that officially resolving the legal mess really does pay off.
Can Bankruptcy or Settlement End the Judgment?
- If you file bankruptcy under Chapter 7, most unsecured credit card or debt lawsuit judgments can be discharged. The lien stays on non‑exempt property but can’t attach to wages. If all your assets are exempt, you might be judgment proof—creditors can’t collect through your property.
- In Chapter 13, you could strip certain unsecured liens while following a court‑approved payment plan.
- Settling for a lump sum is sometimes cheaper than ten more years of interest. Debt collectors might take 50‑70 percent. A turnover order is a court order that forces the debtor to hand over property that can’t be easily attached or garnished.
Taking responsibility early can save your family a lot of stress down the road.
Source: https://www.hchlawyers.com/blog/2025/may/how-long-does-a-judgment-last-in-texas-/
A Personal Story
Not long ago, I met a Richardson couple who figured their decade‑old credit card judgment was long gone. Then, out of nowhere, their bank froze every dollar—paychecks, grocery money, even birthday cash for the kids. The court’s actions hit everyone involved, showing how fast a judgment can mess up your finances.
The creditor had quietly revived the dormant judgment just before the two‑year deadline and quickly hit the bank with a levy. We acted fast: first, we checked that the revival order was legit; then, we used Texas exemptions to release protected wages and Social Security. Finally, we negotiated a settlement that cleared the lien and unfroze the account in three days.
Watching their relief reminded me why timing is everything in judgment cases. If they’d waited another month, the levy might have wiped out their savings for good. Early legal help gives families options; waiting just hands the controls to the creditor.
Next Steps & Free Consultation Offer
A Texas judgment is active for ten years, can sit dormant for two, and may be renewed indefinitely. Acting sooner—not later—can protect your paycheck, property, and family peace of mind.
Schedule your free consultation to get the best legal aid with our law firm. Call (888) 584‑9614 or contact us online to chat about your options.
FAQs Regarding: Texas Judgment Timeline and Enforcement
Can a 10-year-old judgment be collected in Texas?
Yes, a 10-year-old judgment can still be collected in Texas. At 10 years it becomes dormant, but creditors have two additional years to file a revival motion, resetting the enforcement clock for another decade. Additional details: Before dormancy occurs, a creditor can effectively renew the judgment by having a writ of execution issued and served, which restarts the ten-year period without requiring a formal court motion. The revival motion is called a scire facias and must be filed with the original court.
What happens to a judgment after 10 years in Texas?
After 10 years without enforcement action, a Texas judgment becomes dormant. Creditors cannot issue new writs or garnish wages, but existing judgment liens on real estate remain valid. Creditors have two years to revive through court motion. Further information: If the judge grants the revival motion, a new ten-year enforcement period begins, allowing the creditor to pursue collection activities as if the judgment were newly entered. The lien continues to cloud property title during dormancy.
Can a debt collector garnish wages in Texas?
Not usually. Texas law prohibits wage garnishment for consumer debts like credit cards or personal loans. Only child support, alimony, unpaid taxes, and federal student loans can garnish wages. Texas uniquely protects wages but not bank accounts. Important note: While wages are protected, creditors with valid judgments can still levy bank accounts through a writ of execution. However, federally protected funds like Social Security benefits remain exempt even in bank accounts.
FAQs Regarding: Property Protection and Liens
Does a judgment lien attach to my Texas homestead?
No, judgment liens cannot attach to your Texas homestead. Your primary residence is protected by strong homestead laws and exempt from seizure for civil judgments. The lien only attaches to non-homestead real estate in the recording county. Additional context: While the lien cannot force a homestead sale, it creates a “cloud on title.” Title companies typically require the lien to be formally released before you can sell or refinance the property, even though the homestead itself is protected.
What personal property is exempt from judgment in Texas?
Texas exempts up to $60,000 in personal property for families ($30,000 for individuals) from judgment execution. This includes one vehicle per driver, home furnishings, tools of trade, retirement accounts, and current wages. Protected items also include: Your homestead, regardless of value, and federally protected funds like Social Security benefits, veterans’ benefits, and disability payments. These federal benefits remain exempt even after being deposited into a bank account.
FAQs Regarding: Resolving and Removing Judgments
How do I get rid of a judgment in Texas?
To eliminate a Texas judgment: pay in full and file a Satisfaction of Judgment; settle for less (often 50-70%); file bankruptcy to discharge qualifying debts; or wait 12 years for permanent expiration if not revived. Important considerations: Each option has different consequences for your credit and financial situation. Bankruptcy discharges most consumer judgments but may not eliminate liens on property.
How do I remove a judgment lien after paying the debt?
After paying, ensure the creditor files a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court. Then obtain a Release of Lien and file it in every county where the judgment was recorded. Keep certified copies of both documents. Critical steps: The Satisfaction of Judgment shows the debt as paid in court records, while the Release of Lien clears the cloud from your property title. Both documents are essential for future property transactions or refinancing.
FAQs Regarding: Financial and Legal Consequences
What interest rate applies to a Texas judgment?
Texas judgments accrue interest at the rate set by the Texas Finance Commission on the judgment date. The rate is capped at 18% or the contract rate, whichever is less, and compounds annually. Financial impact: This compounding interest can significantly increase the total amount owed over time. For example, a $10,000 judgment at 10% interest becomes over $25,000 after 10 years, making early resolution often more cost-effective than waiting.
Does a judgment show up on your credit report in Texas?
No, since 2017 civil judgments don’t appear on credit reports from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. However, the underlying debt (charge-off or collection) remains for seven years and impacts your score. Important distinction: Filing a satisfaction of judgment clears the legal record but won’t directly change how the original debt appears on your credit report. The judgment’s absence from credit reports doesn’t mean it can’t be enforced through other means.
Can you go to jail for not paying a judgment in Texas?
No, you cannot be jailed for failing to pay a civil judgment in Texas. Debtors’ prisons are illegal, and inability to pay isn’t criminal. However, ignoring court orders can lead to contempt charges. Key distinction: The difference is between inability to pay (not punishable) and refusal to comply with court procedures (potentially punishable). Examples include failing to appear for a judgment debtor examination or violating specific court directives related to the judgment process.
What Will Nathan Do?
“Chris, do you think they’re only coming after me now because they know I’ve got money?” he asked.
“That’s possible, Nathan. Creditors can be strategic. They don’t want to waste time chasing someone who can’t pay. Maybe they sat on the judgment until they believed you could.”
“Interesting. Well, at least it’s less stressful now. I mean, I don’t want to pay—I think they say I owe twenty grand, maybe that includes interest. But I could, if I had to.”
“Nathan, let’s assume they’re preparing to enforce the judgment. If they do everything by the book, they’ll have the legal right to pursue it. What would you want to do then?”
“Ultimately, I just want it to go away. And stay gone.”
“Are you willing to pay it?”
“I guess I’m willing. I just don’t like how sneaky they’ve been—doing nothing for ten years and then boom, showing up wanting to get paid.”
“So let’s make them work for it. We’ll ensure they’ve followed all the proper procedures and obtained a valid court order to revive the judgment. If they’ve missed a step, you might catch a break.”
“What if they’ve done everything right? What can they go after?”
“If it comes to that, we’ll protect as many of your assets as possible—and be ready to negotiate a settlement before things escalate.”
“Sounds like a plan, Chris. I’m going to hope they slip up, or that this just goes away. But I’ll start setting aside—let’s say ten grand. I’d be willing to settle for that to make this disappear for good.”
“I can see it now—a few months from now, we’ll be filing a satisfaction of judgment with the county clerk, and it really will be over.”
“Thanks, Chris. As long as it’s over, I’ll be happy.”
Schedule a Consultation with our Dallas Firm to Find out How Long Does a Judgment Last in Texas
Having a judgement for money filed against you can be stressful and challenging, but you do not have to face it alone. Our team of experienced Dallas debt defense attorneys is ready to provide you with the guidance, support, and legal advocacy you need during these challenging times.
Whether you are wondering how long a judgement will last, or facing other debt related issues, we are here to help you every step of the way. We welcome you to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and case objectives. We can answer your legal questions, provide legal advice and discuss how we can help you move forward. Call our law office at (888) 584-9614 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and our firm. Legal outcomes may vary depending on your situation, including actions by creditors, lenders, or courts. You should consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific case. For personalized legal guidance, please contact our office directly.
