Alabama § 30-3-198 - Notice of Lien.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 30-3-198 — Notice of Lien., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 30-3-198. Notice of Lien.
(a) The state Title IV-D agency, by or through any employee, agent, or representative, shall file a notice of a lien against any real or personal property of any noncustodial parent who resides or owns property in this state and owes past due child support payments under 42 U.S.C.A. Section 666(a) (4) as follows: (i) liens against any real property shall be filed in the office of the judge of probate where the real property is located; (ii) liens against personal property, other than personal property subject to a certificate of title, shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State in the records where Uniform Commercial Code financing statements are filed; and (iii) liens against personal property which is subject to a certificate of title shall be filed in the office of the Alabama Department of Revenue on such forms as may be prescribed by the Department of Revenue and upon delivery to the Department of Revenue of the outstanding certificate of title on the personal property and payment of the fees required under the provisions of the Uniform Certificate of Title and Anti-Theft Act, Section 32-8-1, et seq.
(b) Upon the filing of a notice, a lien shall arise by operation of law and shall serve as notice of the contents from the time of the filing of the notice. The lien shall be subject and subordinate to the following:
(1) Mortgages, security interests, and other liens perfected, filed, or recorded prior to the time the state Title IV-D agency lien is recorded.
(2) Right of set-off.
(3) Purchase money security interests and other purchase money liens.
(4) Mechanic and materialmen liens.
(c) The state shall accord full faith and credit to liens arising from any judicial or administrative action in another state. When the state Title IV-D employee, agent, or representative seeks to enforce a lien or a judicial order, notice shall not be required. The state Title IV-D agency shall not be required to obtain a judgment for an amount certain prior to filing for the enforcement of a lien.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 30-3-198
What does Code of Alabama § 30-3-198 cover?
Section 30-3-198 ("Notice of Lien.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 30-3-198?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 30-3-198" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 30-3-198 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.