Understanding the Uniform Foreign-Country Money Judgments Recognition Act

Definition & Meaning

The Uniform Foreign-Country Money Judgments Recognition Act is a law established to create a framework for recognizing and enforcing money judgments from foreign countries within the United States. Developed by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Law in 2005, this act updates the previous Uniform Foreign Money Judgments Recognition Act of 1962. Its primary goal is to facilitate international business by allowing judgments made in foreign courts to be acknowledged and enforced in U.S. courts, provided they meet specific criteria.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if a business in California obtains a monetary judgment from a court in Canada, it can seek recognition of that judgment in California state court. If the court recognizes the judgment, the business can then pursue collection efforts against the debtor's assets in California.

(hypothetical example) A Colorado resident wins a lawsuit in a British court and needs to enforce that judgment in Colorado. They would file a request for recognition in the local court, following the procedures outlined by the Uniform Foreign-Country Money Judgments Recognition Act.

State-by-state differences

State Year Adopted
California 2005
Colorado 2005
Massachusetts 2010
Hawaii 2005

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

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to enforce a foreign judgment, start by ensuring that the judgment meets the necessary criteria for recognition in your state. You can use templates from US Legal Forms to assist with the filing process. If your situation is complex, consider seeking professional legal assistance to navigate the nuances of the law.

Quick facts

  • Purpose: To recognize and enforce foreign money judgments.
  • Adoption: Adopted by several states since 2005.
  • Key Requirement: Judgment must be final and not violate public policy.
  • Jurisdiction: State courts handle recognition and enforcement.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It is a law that provides a framework for recognizing and enforcing foreign money judgments in U.S. courts.