What Does It Mean to Recall a Judgment in Legal Terms?

Definition & Meaning

To recall a judgment means to revoke or cancel a court's decision. This process is often pursued to correct factual errors in the judgment. If a judgment is annulled due to a mistake in law, it is considered a reversal rather than a recall. The primary goal of recalling a judgment is to ensure that any errors are rectified, allowing for a fair outcome.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

(Hypothetical example) A person receives a judgment in a civil lawsuit that incorrectly states the amount owed. They can file a motion to recall the judgment to correct this factual error, ensuring that the correct amount is reflected.

(Hypothetical example) In a family law case, a judge issues a custody ruling based on incorrect information about a parent's living situation. The affected parent can seek to recall the judgment to present the accurate facts.

State-by-state differences

State Recall Process
California Allows recall within 60 days of judgment.
New York Requires a motion to be filed within 30 days.
Texas Allows recall for specific grounds, usually within 30 days.

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

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Alter To change or modify a judgment. Altering does not cancel the judgment but adjusts it.
Amend To make corrections to a judgment. Amending is typically about correcting legal errors, not factual ones.
Annulled To declare a judgment void. Annulment often involves legal errors rather than factual ones.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe a judgment needs to be recalled, consider the following steps:

  • Review the judgment for factual errors.
  • Gather any new evidence that supports your claim.
  • File a motion to recall the judgment within the required timeframe.
  • Consider using legal form templates from US Legal Forms to assist with the process.
  • If the situation is complex, seek advice from a legal professional.

Quick facts

  • Typical timeframe to file a motion: 28 days.
  • Common legal areas: Civil, family law.
  • Potential outcomes: Correction of judgment, annulment.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Recalling focuses on correcting factual errors, while appealing addresses legal errors.