A LIEN is a form of security agreement that gives a creditor the right to take possession of a debtor's property if the debt is not paid. It is a legal claim against a property that secures the payment of a debt or performance of an obligation. A LIEN can be created by a court judgment or through a contract between the creditor and the debtor. The LIEN remains in effect until the debt is paid in full or the LIEN is released.