Case Results & Next Steps
Understand your hearing outcome and learn what actions to take next.
After Your Hearing
Whether you won, lost, or settled, there are important next steps to take. Select your outcome below to see a detailed guide for what to do next.
Select Your Outcome
Click on your case outcome to jump to detailed next steps:
You Won - Full Judgment
The judge ruled in your favor for the full amount you requested.
You Won - Partial Judgment
The judge awarded you some, but not all, of what you requested.
You Lost - Judgment Against You
The judge ruled against you. The defendant won the case.
Case Dismissed
The case was dismissed without a decision on the merits.
Default Judgment
You won because the defendant didn't respond or appear.
Settlement Reached
You and the defendant agreed to resolve the case outside of a full trial.
Detailed Next Steps by Outcome
You Won - Full Judgment
The judge ruled in your favor for the full amount you requested.
What This Means
You have a court order (judgment) stating the defendant owes you the specified amount plus any awarded court costs.
Next Steps
Get a Copy of the Judgment
HighImmediatelyRequest a certified copy of the judgment from the court clerk. you'll need this for collection.
Wait for the Appeal Period
MediumUsually 30 daysMost states give the losing party 30 days to appeal. Collection may be delayed during this time.
Send Payment Demand
HighAfter appeal periodSend the defendant a letter demanding payment by a specific date, referencing the judgment.
Begin Collection If Unpaid
HighAfter demand deadlineIf the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily, start formal collection procedures.
Collection Methods Available
- ā¢Wage garnishment - Have employer deduct from defendant's paycheck
- ā¢Bank levy - Seize funds from defendant's bank accounts
- ā¢Property lien - Place a lien on defendant's real estate
- ā¢Till tap order - Collect from a business's cash register
- ā¢Asset seizure - Sheriff can seize and sell personal property
You Won - Partial Judgment
The judge awarded you some, but not all, of what you requested.
What This Means
You won your case but received less than the full amount claimed. This may be due to insufficient evidence for some damages or the judge finding shared responsibility.
Next Steps
Review the Judgment
HighImmediatelyCarefully read why the judge reduced the amount. This helps understand what evidence was lacking.
Decide Whether to Accept
HighWithin appeal periodConsider if the partial amount is acceptable or if you want to appeal for the full amount.
Begin Collection Process
MediumAfter appeal periodIf accepting the judgment, proceed with collection for the awarded amount.
File Appeal If Warranted
MediumUsually 30 daysIf you believe the reduction was in error, you may appeal within your state's deadline.
Collection Methods Available
- ā¢Same collection methods apply as full judgment
- ā¢Collection is for the awarded amount only
- ā¢Court costs may also be collectible
You Lost - Judgment Against You
The judge ruled against you. The defendant won the case.
What This Means
The court found that you did not prove your case by a preponderance of the evidence, or the defendant had a valid defense.
Next Steps
Understand the Ruling
HighImmediatelyAsk the judge or review the written decision to understand why you lost.
Consider an Appeal
HighUsually 30 daysYou may have the right to appeal to a higher court if you believe legal errors were made.
Request a New Trial
MediumUsually 10-30 daysSome courts allow motions for a new trial based on new evidence or procedural issues.
Pay Any Awarded Costs
HighAs ordered by courtIf the defendant was awarded costs, you may need to pay their filing fees and expenses.
Appeal Considerations
- ā¢Appeals are generally based on legal errors, not disagreement with facts
- ā¢Appeals cost money (filing fees, transcripts, potentially attorney)
- ā¢Success rate for small claims appeals is relatively low
- ā¢Consider whether the amount at stake justifies the appeal cost
Case Dismissed
The case was dismissed without a decision on the merits.
What This Means
The case was ended without the judge ruling on who was right or wrong. This can happen for procedural reasons.
Next Steps
Understand Why
HighImmediatelyFind out whether the dismissal was 'with prejudice' (can't refile) or 'without prejudice' (can refile).
Fix Any Issues
HighBefore statute of limitationsIf dismissed for procedural reasons (improper service, wrong venue), correct these issues.
Refile If Allowed
MediumBefore statute of limitationsIf dismissed without prejudice, you can file a new case with corrected procedures.
Request Reconsideration
MediumUsually 10-30 daysIn some cases, you can ask the judge to reconsider the dismissal.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
- ā¢Improper service of the defendant
- ā¢Wrong court or venue
- ā¢Filing deadline (statute of limitations) expired
- ā¢Plaintiff failed to appear at hearing
- ā¢Claim not suitable for small claims court
- ā¢Missing required documents or fees
Default Judgment
You won because the defendant didn't respond or appear.
What This Means
The court ruled in your favor automatically because the defendant failed to participate in the case.
Next Steps
Verify Proper Service
HighImmediatelyEnsure you have proof the defendant was properly served. This protects against the judgment being overturned.
Get the Judgment Entry
HighImmediatelyObtain a certified copy of the default judgment from the court.
Be Prepared for a Motion to Vacate
MediumWatch for 30-60 daysThe defendant may ask the court to set aside the default if they have a good reason for missing court.
Begin Collection
HighAfter waiting periodProceed with collection efforts, but be aware the judgment could potentially be challenged.
Important Notes
- ā¢Default judgments can be set aside if the defendant shows good cause
- ā¢Keep all service documents and proof carefully filed
- ā¢Some defendants avoid court hoping you won't pursue collection
- ā¢Collection from non-responsive defendants can be challenging
Settlement Reached
You and the defendant agreed to resolve the case outside of a full trial.
What This Means
Both parties negotiated an agreement, often involving payment terms or other resolution. This may have been done before, during, or instead of a hearing.
Next Steps
Get It In Writing
HighImmediatelyMake sure the settlement agreement is documented in writing and signed by both parties.
File With the Court
HighBefore case closesHave the agreement entered as a court order (stipulated judgment) so it's enforceable.
Set Up Payment Schedule
HighIn the agreementIf payments are over time, document exact amounts and due dates.
Include Default Provisions
MediumIn the agreementSpecify what happens if the defendant misses payments (e.g., full amount becomes due).
Settlement Tips
- ā¢A settlement you can enforce is often better than a judgment you can't collect
- ā¢Consider accepting less than the full amount for guaranteed payment
- ā¢Payment plans should include interest or late fees for missed payments
- ā¢Keep copies of all communications about the settlement
Judgment Collection Methods
If you won your case and the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily, these are common ways to collect:
Wage Garnishment
Request the court to order the defendant's employer to withhold a portion of wages.
Limit: Usually 25% of disposable earnings
Bank Levy
Freeze and seize funds from the defendant's bank accounts.
Limit: Up to full judgment amount
Property Lien
Place a lien on real estate that must be paid when property is sold or refinanced.
Limit: Full judgment amount plus interest
Debtor's Examination
Court-ordered questioning to discover the defendant's assets and income sources.
Limit: Information gathering only
Important Deadline Reminders
- ā¢ Appeal deadlines: Usually 30 days from judgment - missing this deadline waives your right to appeal
- ā¢ Judgment renewal: Judgments expire (often 10 years) - you may need to renew to keep them valid
- ā¢ Interest accrual: Many states allow interest on judgments - calculate from the judgment date
- ā¢ Collection timing: Some methods have their own filing deadlines and expiration dates