WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A JUDGEMENT?

A judgment is awarded by the courts. This allow the creditor to either garnish wages, seize bank accounts, or place a lien on property.

A Lien, anybody can place one on someone. You do not need a court order to place a lien, you just have to pay the town clerks fee.

If you have one of each, then pay off the judgment first, that shows up on your credit report, a lien will not unless it was court ordered.

The previous answers are an assortment of correct and incorrect answers.

For starters, there are actually several different types of liens, and without knowing what type it's impossible to answer this question.

For example, one type of lien allows a carpenter to place a lien against your home if you failed to pay for his work.

A secured property lien is similar to having a lien placed on your car. It's not removed until the car note has been paid.

A judgment lien is placed on property, bank accounts or wages, and can only be done if you go to court and secure a court order.

Which to pay first depends on what type it is. If it's a judgment lien, you would pay off the lien and then both the judgment and lien are satisfied.

A carpenters lien is generally not reported on your credit report. So your question "which to pay first" implies which helps your credit score better. In this case, paying off the judgment first is best.

Now that I have completely confused you.....send an update to your question and I can give you better advice.

A lien is claim that they are to be paid off first when you are entitled for a loan. A lien on your house means you have to pay that debt in order to refinance.

A tax lien will prevent you from borrowing until you taxes are paid.

A judgment means your creditor went to court and the judge ruled that you owe on the debt, this gives the creditor permission to garnishee payments. They can take it out of your taxes or paycheck.

Sometimes a lien will allow the same if it is a federal debt but not always.

So to understand how to answer, I must first know the type of lien. Best answer is to pay off both.

A judgement means that you have been found liable for a debt. A lien is what happens AFTER the judgement. Pay the lien first and then make sure your credit report reflects it was paid.

a lein is better to pay off first