Arizona § 33-961 - Recording judgments for payment of money; certified copy; perfecting lien; information statement; exemption; retroactive applicability
Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-961 — Recording judgments for payment of money; certified copy; perfecting lien; information statement; exemption; retroactive applicability, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 33-961. Recording judgments for payment of money; certified copy; perfecting lien; information statement; exemption; retroactive applicability
A. A certified copy of the judgment of any court in this state may be filed and recorded in the office of the county recorder in each county where the judgment creditor desires the judgment to become a lien on the real property of the judgment debtor. On recording in substantial compliance with both the requirements of this section and the requirements of section 33-967 regarding an information statement, the judgment becomes a lien on the real property of the judgment debtor, including any part of the real property of the judgment debtor as otherwise provided by law. Failure to substantially comply with this section and section 33-967, results in the judgment not becoming a lien. The certified copy of the judgment shall set forth the:
1. Title of the court and the action and number of the action.
2. Date of entry of the judgment and the docket record for the judgment.
3. Names of the judgment debtor and judgment creditor.
4. Amount of the judgment.
5. Attorney of record for the judgment creditor.
B. The clerk shall furnish a certified copy of any judgment of that court on request and payment of the fee prescribed by law.
C. A judgment or decree or any renewal that requires payment of money shall also be accompanied by an information statement as prescribed by section 33-967.
D. Notwithstanding subsections A and C of this section, a civil judgment in favor of this state is exempt from the requirement to record an information statement as prescribed in section 33-967 and becomes a lien on the real property of the judgment debtor when it is recorded in the office of the county recorder. This subsection applies retroactively to all judgments in favor of this state without regard to when the judgment was recorded.
Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 33-961
What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-961 cover?
Section 33-961 ("Recording judgments for payment of money; certified copy; perfecting lien; information statement; exemption; retroactive applicability") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. 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 Arizona § 33-961?
A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-961" (Arizona). 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 Arizona law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.
How does Arizona § 33-961 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona 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 Arizona.