Most liens are a matter of public record, but there are public lien records as well as unrecorded liens. Liens that are part of the public record include mortgage liens, HOA liens, judgment liens that are related to lawsuits, mechanics liens, child support liens, and property tax liens.  Liens that are a matter of public information can be found through the appropriate California county, through a third-party title search company, or with the professional guidance of a title agent or real estate attorney. Unrecorded liens, on the other hand, can be located through municipal lien searches.