Agreed Judgment: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Meaning

Definition & Meaning

An agreed judgment is a legal decision that the parties involved have mutually accepted. This type of judgment is typically established after the parties reach an agreement, often documented in a memorandum of understanding. The agreement is then incorporated into an official order, which is signed by the parties, their attorneys, and a magistrate or judge. Agreed judgments are commonly used after mediation, arbitration, or other forms of dispute resolution, allowing the parties to resolve their issues without going to trial.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: Two business partners who have a dispute over the terms of their partnership may engage in mediation. After reaching an agreement, they file an agreed judgment to formalize their resolution, avoiding the need for a lengthy court battle.

Example 2: In a family law case, parents may agree on child custody arrangements through mediation. They can then submit an agreed judgment to the court, which will be signed by the judge to make the agreement enforceable. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Key Differences
California Agreed judgments must be filed within a specified time frame after mediation.
New York Specific forms may be required to finalize an agreed judgment.
Texas Parties must provide proof of compliance with mediation requirements before filing.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Consent Judgment A judgment entered by a court based on the agreement of the parties. Consent judgments often require court approval, while agreed judgments may not.
Default Judgment A judgment awarded when one party fails to respond to a lawsuit. Default judgments do not involve mutual agreement between parties.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you find yourself in a situation where an agreed judgment may apply, consider the following steps:

  • Engage in negotiation or mediation with the other party to reach a mutual agreement.
  • Document your agreement in writing, ensuring all parties sign it.
  • File the agreed judgment with the appropriate court, using legal templates from US Legal Forms for assistance.
  • If the matter is complex or contentious, consult with a legal professional for guidance.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical Fees Varies by state and attorney fees.
Jurisdiction State courts.
Possible Penalties Failure to comply with the judgment can result in enforcement actions.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

An agreed judgment is based on mutual agreement, while a consent judgment is approved by the court.