When conducting a title or property search, most people think about liens, mortgages, or unpaid taxes. But there’s another powerful and often overlooked legal issue that can significantly impact property ownership and real estate transactions: Child Support Judgments.
Whether you’re a real estate investor, title company, attorney, or lender, understanding how Child Support Judgment Searches work and why they’re important can save your clients time, money, and legal headaches down the road.
This blog breaks down everything you need to know about Child Support Judgment Searches and how they fit into a thorough property due diligence process.
What Is a Child Support Judgment?
A Child Support Judgment is a legal decision, typically issued by a family court, mandating that one party must pay financial support for the upbringing of their child. When a person falls behind on these payments, the unpaid amount can be converted into a judgment lien, which can then be recorded in public records and attached to real or personal property.
Why Child Support Judgments Matter in Real Estate
Child Support Judgments are enforceable liens and can cloud a property’s title, making it difficult to transfer ownership, secure financing, or complete a clean closing.
Here’s why they matter:
- They impact ownership transfer:
A judgment lien must be satisfied or released before a clean title can be issued. - They can delay closings:
Discovery at the last minute can halt the deal, leading to delays or even cancellations. - They affect lenders and buyers:
Most lenders will not close on a property until all outstanding liens, including child support, are resolved.
Where Are Child Support Judgments Recorded?
In most U.S. states, child support judgments are recorded in one or more of the following places:
- County Recorder or Clerk’s Office
- State child support enforcement agencies
- Court dockets and civil judgment records
These are public records but finding them isn’t always straightforward. That’s where professional judgment search providers like AcerSearch come in.
Who Needs a Child Support Judgment Search?
This search isn’t just useful, it’s essential for a range of professionals:
Title Companies & Agents
- Ensure clean title before issuing title insurance
- Avoid claims and complications during closing
Real Estate Attorneys
- Verify clear property status during litigation or sale
- Avoid representing clients on properties with judgment encumbrances
Mortgage Lenders
- Reduce lending risk by confirming there are no hidden liens
- Comply with underwriting standards that require full disclosure of encumbrances
Investors & Homebuyers
- Avoid buying a property that could become legally entangled due to an unknown judgment lien
Key Elements of a Child Support Judgment Search
At AcerSearch, we conduct detailed and accurate searches by scanning a wide array of public and legal databases. Here’s what a comprehensive search typically includes:
Name-Based Search
- Variations in spelling, middle initials, or aliases are accounted for
Jurisdiction-Wide Scans
- Searches extend beyond the property’s county to adjacent jurisdictions when needed
Judgment Details
- Case number, court name, date of judgment, total amount owed, and enforcement status
Property Attachment Verification
- Confirm if the judgment is linked to the specific property in question
How a Missed Child Support Judgment Can Derail a Deal
Let’s say a seller has an outstanding child support judgment recorded three years ago. Even if they’ve been making partial payments, the original balance and accrued interest may still exist. If this judgment lien is not satisfied at closing, it can:
- Stop the deal in its tracks
- Create a clouded title
- Lead to litigation post-sale
- Result in loss of buyer trust or lender withdrawal
AcerSearch helps prevent this by ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
Benefits of Using AcerSearch for Judgment Searches
We take pride in our thoroughness, speed, and accuracy. Here’s what makes AcerSearch stand out:
Multi-Jurisdictional Search Capability
- We don’t just check one database, we search across states, courts, and agencies.
Accurate Match Identification
- Advanced matching algorithms reduce false positives and missed results.
Fast Turnaround
- Most reports delivered within 24–48 hours.
Human Review
- Every search is double-checked by experienced researchers to confirm accuracy.
Common Questions About Child Support Judgments
Are child support judgments permanent?
No, but they remain in effect until satisfied or legally removed, and often accrue interest over time.
Can they affect inherited property?
Yes. If someone inherits a property with an outstanding judgment lien, they inherit the lien too.
Are these public records?
Yes, but the accessibility and search process varies by state and county.
How to Request a Child Support Judgment Search
At AcerSearch, ordering a search is simple:
- Submit your request via our online portal or email
- Provide the name(s) to be searched and property details
- Receive your report within 1–2 business days
You’ll get a detailed, easy-to-understand report that outlines whether any child support judgments exist and how they impact the property.
Conclusion
Child Support Judgment Searches are not optional, they’re essential. Whether you’re a title agent, lender, or buyer, understanding what’s tied to a property beyond just mortgages and taxes is critical to protecting your transaction and your reputation.
At AcerSearch, we dig deeper so you don’t have to worry about what might be hidden in the fine print.