Which statement best defines a judgment lien?

A judgment lien is accurately described as a court-ordered claim against a debtor's property. This legal mechanism arises when a court validates a creditor's claim for unpaid debts and grants them the right to secure their interests by placing a lien on the debtor's real estate. This means that if the debtor fails to pay what they owe, the creditor can enforce the lien, potentially leading to the sale of the property to recover the debt. The essence of a judgment lien is its basis in a court ruling, which gives it official legal standing and the power of enforcement.

The other options mischaracterize the nature of a judgment lien. A tax lien, for example, is specifically related to debts owed to the government, which does not encompass the broader scope of judgment liens. An agreement between two parties regarding property sales does not involve court intervention or the imposition of a claim; rather, it is a private arrangement. Finally, while certain liens may expire after not being enforced for a duration, this does not define a judgment lien inherently, as its enforceability depends more on the debt and court ruling than on time alone.