How to File a Satisfaction of Judgment

Creditors must follow through on this important step after a judgment debt has been paid off

Nolo was born in 1971 as a publisher of self-help legal books. Guided by the motto “law for all,” our attorney authors and editors have been explaining the law to everyday people ever since. Learn more about our history and our editorial standards.

Each article that we publish has been written or reviewed by one of our editors, who together have over 100 years of experience practicing law. We strive to keep our information current as laws change. Learn more about our editorial standards.

• A canceled check or money order written subsequent to the date of the judgment by you, the judgment debtor, for the full amount of the judgment, or a cash receipt for the full amount of the judgment signed by the judgment creditor after the date the court awarded judgment.
• A statement signed by you under penalty of perjury stating all of the following:
  • The judgment creditor has been paid the full amount of the judgment and costs.
  • The judgment creditor has been asked to file an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment form and refuses to do so or can't be located.
  • The document attached (for example, the check or money order) constitutes evidence of the judgment creditor's receipt of the payment.

  Sample Statement

  My name is John Elliot. On January 11, 20xx, a judgment was awarded against me in small claims court in Ithaca, New York (Case # 1234). On March 20, 20xx, I paid Beatrice Small, the prevailing party, $1,200, the full amount of this judgment [or, if payments were made in installments–"I paid Beatrice Small, the prevailing party in this action, installments of the following amounts on the following dates: _______________ , concluding with a final payment of $________ on March 20, 20xx."]

  I attach to this statement a canceled check [or other proof that the judgment was paid] for the full amount of the judgment endorsed by Beatrice Small. [If payment was made by money order or cash (with a receipt), modify this statement as needed. If payment was made in installments, modify this statement as needed and enclose copies of all canceled checks.]

  Beatrice Small did not voluntarily file a Satisfaction of Judgment. When I tried to contact her, I learned that she had moved and had left no forwarding address. [If the judgment creditor refuses to sign a Satisfaction of Judgment form, or is otherwise not available to do so, modify this statement as necessary.]

  I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of
  _______________________ that the foregoing is true and correct.

  DATED: June 4, 20xx. ______________________
  John Elliot