Texas Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is the final decision made by a court at the end of a lawsuit. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of those involved in the case. In Texas, judgments typically arise from issues related to finances, family law, or property disputes. Once a judgment is issued, it becomes legally binding and can result in significant consequences, such as wage garnishment, property liens, or a bad credit score.

What Is a Judgment in Texas?

In Texas, a judgment is an official document that outlines a judge's decision in a case. When a judge announces the judgment in a case, it becomes an order. A judgment establishes the rights and responsibilities of each party in the case. It might require one party to pay money, transfer property, or stop doing certain things.

In Texas, a judgment is effective as soon as it is issued. However, the time limit for appealing the judgment only starts when the judge signs it. Some types of post-trial motions do not need the judgment to be signed. In non-family civil cases, a party has 7 days from when the judgment is made to file a request for a de novo hearing. In family law cases, a party has 3 days from when the judgment is made to file a request for a de novo hearing.

Types of Judgments in Texas

Texas courts issue several types of judgments depending on the case:

1. Money Judgments

A money judgment is when a court orders one party to pay a certain amount to another. This type of judgment is commonly used in cases involving debt collection, contract disputes, or personal injury claims.

2. Default Judgments

A default judgment occurs when the respondent does not respond to the case or fails to appear for trial. This allows the court to decide in favor of the plaintiff without going to trial.

3. Summary Judgment

A summary judgment is granted when the parties agree on the facts in a case or there is no evidence to support the claim or defense.

4. Interlocutory Judgment

This is a preliminary judgment that addresses one aspect of the case before the whole case is concluded.

How to Search for Judgments in Texas

Judgment records are public information that anyone in Texas can access. The main ways to search include:

1. County District and County Clerk’s Offices – Each county court clerk maintains judgment records. You can search records in person or online.
2. Texas Judicial Branch Online Records: Some counties have online case search portals where you can find judgments.
3. County-Specific Portals: Large counties like Harris, Dallas, and Travis have their own online systems to access case and judgment information.
4. Third-Party Services – Some third-party record service providers provide the public access to Alaska judgment and case records. However, official records are generally more reliable when obtained directly from the court. Although third-party websites can be cheaper options, users should ensure these platforms are regularly updated. One advantage of third-party platforms is that they maintain judgment records from all jurisdictions in the county, making them a convenient place to check judgments from different counties.

Judgment records typically display:

• Case number
• Parties involved
• Court location
• Judgment date
• Amount owed or type of relief granted.

Judgment Records in Major Texas Counties

The process of finding judgment records can vary slightly across Alaska’s largest counties:

• Houston (Harris County):Harris County District Clerk’s Office provides access to judgment records through its electronic records portal.
• Dallas (Dallas County): Dallas County maintains an online case records system that allows the public to search court records. The county's District Court also provides physical access to records at the courthouse.
• Austin (Travis County): Travis County judgments can be accessed through the county clerk’s online portal or in person at the courthouse.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Texas?

In Texas, a civil judgment is valid and enforceable for 10 years from the date it is entered. However, creditors may renew the judgment before expiration. Failure to renew the judgment before the 10-year validity period makes the judgment dormant. Texas allows creditors to revive a judgment within the first two years after it becomes dormant.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Texas?

Once the judge has signed the judgment (the written order), you might need to take action to enforce it:

For Creditors:

• Writ of execution: With this process, you can request the court to issue a writ and send it to a peace officer. This writ gives the peace officer the authority to take the debtor’s nonexempt property. The property will then be auctioned off, and the money made will go towards paying the judgment.
• Abstract of Judgment: This creates a lien on the debtor’s property. It must be filed in the Judgment Records of every county where the debtor owns real estate. The lien must be settled before the debtor’s property can be sold or transferred.
• Turnover Statute: The court might still assist you in collecting your debt even if the debtor has assets that cannot be easily taken by a peace officer or attached with liens. According to the Turnover Statute, a trial court can instruct the debtor to “turn over” nonexempt assets to an officer or court receiver.

For Debtors:

• Credit Impact: Judgments are usually reported to credit bureaus, which can make it difficult for debtors to get loans, housing, or jobs.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: After a debt is settled, the creditor is required to submit a Satisfaction of Judgment to the court to confirm that the debt has been cleared officially.
• Appeals and Motions: If you feel the judge made a mistake in the judgment, you have the right to appeal or ask for the judgment to be overturned.