What is the statute of limitations for judgments against unknown owners?

• A. 3 years
• B. 7 years
• C. 5 years
• D. 10 years

Answer: (C)

In New Jersey, a special time limit applies when you’re dealing with judgments against unknown owners: you have five years to pursue or enforce the judgment. This shorter period exists because the owner isn’t identified at the outset, so the process must move efficiently without indefinite delay while the debtor’s identity remains unknown.

Five years is the window to act, reflecting a policy that unknown-defendant situations should not drag on for decades. If the owner later becomes known, other procedures and timeframes would apply, but the rule for unknown owners keeps the enforcement timeframe clear and time-bound from the start.

Other durations do not fit this particular scenario because they pertain to different types of claims or defendants.