How long does a judgment stay on your record?

A judgment remains on a credit report for seven years starting from the date the judgment was filed. Some other types of adverse public records can remain on a credit report for up to 10 years, but the effect of these negative marks diminishes as time passes.

A judgment is an award given in a small claims court when a judge rules against a debtor. The judgment is a matter of public record. Other types of adverse public records that affect a consumer's credit report include tax liens and bankruptcies. Even if the amount owed is ultimately paid by the consumer, the record remains.