Title and transfer

Involuntary lien

A lien created without the owner’s consent

Imposed by operation of law or by a court: tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic’s liens. The owner signs nothing, which is precisely what separates it from the mortgage they did sign.

Easily confused with

A voluntary lien is one the owner creates by agreement, and a mortgage or deed of trust is the ordinary example.

How the exam asks about it

Combine the two axes and the answer falls out. A property tax lien is specific and involuntary, a mortgage is specific and voluntary, a judgment lien is general and involuntary.

Quick check: Involuntary lien

One question. Pick an answer to see the explanation.

Which term is being defined: “A lien created without the owner’s consent”?

Related terms

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