Escrow Corner - Real Property Lien

Escrow companies play a critical role in the collection of child support. The child support agencies throughout the State are required to file liens and abstracts of judgment in all cases where there is an active child support obligation. Whenever the support obligor buys, sells or refinances a piece of real estate, the abstracts and liens ensure that the obligor's support obligation takes precedence and their children benefit in some manner from the transaction.

As an escrow agent you will no doubt encounter these liens and abstracts frequently in handling your client's real estate transaction. This web page is designed to answer the questions you may have when you encounter a support lien or abstract and advise you on the most efficient way to handle your inquiries and interaction with the Department of Child Support Services. This will ensure that your escrow transaction is handled in the most efficient manner possible.

Orange County DCSS has a caseload of over ninety-nine thousand (99,000). Sixty thousand (60,000) cases have active support orders and liens or abstracts in place. When your business increases because of a dip in interest rates or a surge in the housing market, our business also increases, so we request your cooperation in getting the necessary information to us in an accurate and timely manner. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We have three knowledgeable employees who work full time on our Demand Desk to serve you and our child support customers. We are here to help. Thank you in advance for your support.

"The most important step to take to avoid delay at closing is to determine at the escrow opening whether the customer has a child support lien on the property. This can been done several ways. To learn more click here."