Which of the following is an example of an involuntary lien?

A judgment lien is an example of an involuntary lien because it is not created by the property owner's choice but instead arises from a court's decision resulting from a legal judgement against the owner. When someone obtains a judgment against a property owner for a debt, the court can place a lien on the owner’s property, giving the creditor a legal claim to the property until the debt is satisfied.

Involuntary liens can be placed on a property without the owner's consent, which distinguishes them from voluntary liens like mortgages, where the property owner agrees to secure a loan with their property.

Construction liens, sometimes referred to as mechanic's liens, can also be seen as involuntary since they are placed on the property by contractors or suppliers when they are not paid for work performed or materials supplied. However, the term 'judgment lien' specifically denotes a lien that stems from legal proceedings and the owner's liability for a court-ordered debt. On the other hand, encumbrances refer broadly to claims or liabilities against a property and may include voluntary or involuntary liens but are not strictly defined as such. Thus, among the choices, the judgment lien is the clearest example of an involuntary lien.