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Effective Life of Judgements

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Given the poor economy in Hawaii, it is not unusual to secure a judgment against a party who is unable to pay you. The chase for assets may prove prohibitively expensive.

I suggest that you consider recording the judgment in the Bureau of Conveyances of the State of Hawaii. The judgment will appear when the debtor is involved in purchasing a home or some other credit transactions. This presents an opportunity for payment.

Judgments here in the State of Hawaii are presumed to be paid and discharged ten (10) years after the judgment or decree was rendered. You may apply to the court for an extension of the judgment for an additional ten (10) years provided the extension is sought withing the first ten year period. No judgment or decree may be extended beyond twenty (20) years from the date of the original judgment or decree.

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