A personal judgment is a legal decision made by a court against an individual or corporation requiring them to pay monetary damages to a plaintiff. This type of judgment establishes that the defendant has a personal obligation to compensate the plaintiff for their losses. The plaintiff can enforce this judgment by claiming the defendant's property that is accessible through legal processes.
Personal judgments are primarily used in civil law contexts, particularly in cases involving contract disputes, tort claims, and other civil matters where monetary compensation is sought. They can be relevant in various legal scenarios, including:
Individuals can often manage these cases using legal forms and templates provided by services like US Legal Forms, which can help streamline the process of filing claims and obtaining judgments.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A contractor fails to complete a home renovation project as agreed. The homeowner sues the contractor for breach of contract and wins a personal judgment for the unpaid balance of the contract.
Example 2: A driver causes an accident resulting in injuries to another party. The injured party successfully claims damages and obtains a personal judgment against the driver for medical expenses and lost wages. (hypothetical example)
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Key Difference |
|---|---|
| California | Allows for wage garnishment to satisfy personal judgments. |
| Texas | Exempts certain types of property from being seized to satisfy judgments. |
| New York | Has specific procedures for enforcing personal judgments against corporations. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Default Judgment | A judgment issued when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit. | Personal judgments require active litigation and proof of liability. |
| Summary Judgment | A ruling by the court without a full trial, based on the evidence presented. | Personal judgments typically follow a trial or settlement process. |
If you find yourself involved in a situation that may lead to a personal judgment, consider the following steps:
For complex matters, seeking professional legal assistance is advisable.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical fees | Varies by state and legal representation. |
| Jurisdiction | State courts primarily handle personal judgments. |
| Possible penalties | Enforcement actions may include wage garnishment or property liens. |
A personal judgment is a court ruling that requires a person or corporation to pay damages to another party.