How to remove judgment lien against vacant real estate house lot that was filed in 1995 and has not been renewed?

I own an interest in this property. The judgment lien was filed against a former partner's (a relative) properties which included these lots I owned in partnership with this relative. The property is not worth 1% of the amount of the judgment against him. I have paid taxes; kept lots mowed these many years. The relative is out of state. I desparately need to do something with these lots. Cannot find that any renewal of the lien was ever filed. I would like to build rental houses on the property but afraid to. The partner would be pleased to deed over to me in return for what I have spent on it over the years; but, I am afraid we would still have a cloud on title?