how long do you have to file a judgment
How Long a Judgment Is Valid. You have 10 years to enforce your judgment. But, if you cannot collect the whole judgment in that time, you can get 10 more years to collect the debt. File a form called Application For and Renewal of Judgment (EJ -190) and Notice of Renewal of Judgment (EJ-195) .You will have to pay a fee. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply to the court to have the fees waived. You have to file before the first 10 years are up.ou have to take legal steps to collect the judgment. The court will not collect it for you. You may not take action for 30 days from the date that the clerk mailed the Notice of Entry of Judgment (SC-130) to the parties.