Does anyone know what a transcipt of judgement--in regards to a lawsuit--means?

Question

I am the defendant in a lawsuit w/ my landlord. The judge sent me a letter declaring that I was to pay my landlord a specific amount of money within 30 days or file an appeal. If neither was done, he would declare a "transcript of judgement" in favor of the plaintiff. What exactly does this mean? Does she get awarded the whole amount that she sued for (instead of the amount he declared)? Will they file a warrant against me? I don't have the whole amount in full, that the judge delared I pay--so I am trying to find out what will happen if the whole amount isn't paid. I can only make monthly payments till February (tax time), then I can pay the remaining balance. Only knowlegable and serious answers reply, please. I have searched numerous legal term websites to no avail. Someone please help. Thanks!!

Answer 1

Well, it depends on your state. I looked up "transcript of judgment" and one of the sites that came up was a Missouri statute. In that state, a transcript of judgment is a Judgment entered against you for a lien or for money. So if the Court enters one against you, you will be obligated to pay that amount under law.

If the judge said you have time to appeal, it sounds like a judgment was already issued against you if the Judge is ordering you to pay. It also sounds like you have time to appeal from that judgment. I would do so if you cannot pay ... at the very least it could buy you some time. It is very unusual for a judge to send a letter to someone. From what court was it issued? Is this a small claims court? Typically, in a law suit by a creditor/plaintiff/petitioner, if a suit is filed and the other party/defendant/respondent (in this case, you) does not respond/answer within the given time frame, then the judge enters a "default judgment" in favor of the plaintiff. The default judgment sometimes gives the creditor/plaintiff/petitioner what he asks for, or sometimes only a certain amount allowed under law. You don't want a default judgment. If you can, respond in *some way* to this judge (maybe call the court) and explain that you can afford to make monthly payments and see if that is something they will consider when deciding this case. Put it in writing! Good luck.

Your best bet is to probably call the court and ask the Clerk to help you and explain the procedure.

Answer 2

I'm an attorney in California and I've never heard the term "transcript of judgment". Laws and procedures very by state, so you'll need to consult a local attorney. Do not rely on the advice you receive in forum.

Wat you described simply sounds like the judge is giving you the chance to pay before a money judgment is entered against you. If a money judgment is entered, then the landlord can take steps to collect the judge. For example, may states allow wage garnishments to collect judgments.

You mentioned the lawsuit involved your landlord, but you didn't say if it was an eviction lawsuit. The judgment might also give he landlord the right to have you removed from the property if there is no compliance with the judgment.

Finally, it would be helpful if you could specify the state where you live. With 50 different states, there may be 50 different ways to answer your questions.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Does anyone know what a transcipt of judgement--in regards to a lawsuit--means?
I am the defendant in a lawsuit w/ my landlord. The judge sent me a letter declaring that I was to pay my landlord a specific amount of money within 30 days or file an appeal. If neither was done, he would declare a "transcript of judgement" in favor of the plaintiff. What exactly does...

Answer 4

Transcript Of Judgment