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

In Arizona, a judgment is a formal written order from the court that resolves the claims in a lawsuit or explains the sentence of an offender in a criminal matter. In Arizona, judgments typically arise from issues related to finances, family law, or property disputes, and they can have lasting effects, including wage garnishment, liens, and impacts on credit scores.

What Is a Judgment in Arizona?

As stated in Chapter 2 of Title 22 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, a judgment is a conclusive written order that decides the claims in a lawsuit and is binding on all parties. Every judgment has to be documented in writing, and the court is responsible for sending copies to all parties involved. A judgment outlines the rights of the parties. It may require one party to pay money, transfer property, or refrain from specific actions. Judgments are legally enforceable and can significantly impact a person’s finances and property rights.

Types of Judgments in Arizona

Arizona recognizes several types of judgments, depending on the nature of the case:

1. Money Judgments

Money judgments are written orders that require one party to pay financial compensation to the other.

2. Non-Monetary Judgment

This judgment orders a party to perform a specific action or refrain from certain conduct. It usually does not require the party that lost the case to pay any monetary compensation to the other party.

3. Default Judgments

This judgment is granted when a defendant fails to respond or appear in court, allowing the court to grant relief to the plaintiff based on their claims.

4. Consent Judgments

This judgment is issued when both parties in a dispute agree to the terms of a proposed settlement.

5. Summary Judgment

This is granted when there is no genuine dispute over the key facts of the case. It allows the court to rule in favor of one party without a full trial.

How to Search for Judgments in Arizona

Judgments are public information in Arizona, meaning that anyone can access these records. Interested parties can access records through multiple avenues:

1. Clerk of the Superior Court Offices – Each Arizona county has a Superior Court. These courts maintain records of judgments entered in civil, criminal, and family cases. Records can be searched in person at the clerk’s office. Note that you may be required to pay a small fee if certified copies are needed.
2. Arizona Judicial Branch Online Case Lookup – The statewide Public Access Case Lookup system allows users to search court records by name or case number. It provides case details, including judgment information, court location, and status.
3. Justice Court Portals – Justice Courts handle various civil judgments that are below a specific dollar amount. This means you can also obtain case records and judgments from justice courts. Interested persons can access records online through the websites of individual county courts or in person at the county courthouse.
4. Third-Party Services – There are paid platforms that might offer summaries of judgments across the state. However, it is usually best to get official records directly from the courts. Third-party websites can be cheaper options, but users should ensure that these sites are updated regularly. One significant advantage of using third-party platforms is that they gather judgment records from all areas in the county, making it easier to check judgments from different jurisdictions.

Typical judgment record details include:

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

Judgment Records in Major Arizona Cities

In Arizona, the procedure for accessing judgment records varies slightly depending on the city or county. Discussed below are examples of how to obtain records from some of Arizona’s largest counties:

• Phoenix (Maricopa County): Maricopa County offers online access to court records through its Superior Court docket system and the statewide Public Access portal. In-person services are also available at the Clerk of Court offices.
• Tucson (Pima County): Pima County allows you to access case information online via its local court website and the Arizona Judicial Branch system. Certified copies can be requested at the Pima County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
• Mesa (Maricopa County): Residents of Mesa can access case records online via the public case lookup system. There are also extra services available at local Justice Court offices.

Most counties in Arizona have now connected their systems to the statewide Public Access portal, making it easier to find judgments regardless of where you are.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Arizona?

In Arizona, civil judgments remain valid and can be enforced for 10 years from the date they are issued. Creditors have the option to renew these judgments before they run out, which can extend them for another 5 years at a time.

If a judgment is not renewed, it becomes unenforceable once the time limit has passed. This lengthy period of enforceability gives creditors plenty of time to collect what they are owed. However, it also imposes considerable responsibilities on debtors, who might face garnishments or liens for many years.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Arizona?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors gain legal tools to enforce payment, while debtors face financial and legal consequences.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors can obtain a court order to have a portion of the debtor’s paycheck withheld until the judgment is satisfied.
• Property Liens: A lien may be recorded against the debtor’s property, preventing its sale or refinancing until the debt is paid.
• Bank Account Levies: With court approval, creditors may collect funds directly from the debtor’s bank accounts.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Judgments usually show up on credit reports, which can greatly lower credit scores and make it harder to get loans or housing.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: After a debt is paid, the creditor is required to submit a “Satisfaction of Judgment” document to the court to show that the debt has been settled.
• Appeal or Motion to Vacate: If a debtor thinks the judgment was made by mistake, they can appeal the ruling or ask for the judgment to be canceled, especially in cases of default judgments.