The judgment in a lawsuit is the court’s final determination of the rights and obligations of the parties regarding the disputed matters. It describes the relief or recovery that one party should have from the other—whether in the form of money, ownership of disputed assets, or injunctive relief that requires a party to take a certain action (make mortgage payments or sell a piece of real or personal property) or refrain from taking an certain action (contacting another person by phone or email or coming within 100 feet of them).

The date on which the court signs the judgment usually triggers or begins the running of postjudgment deadlines such as for filing a notice of appeal of the judgment.

In Georgia, a judgment in a lawsuit represents the court's final decision on the rights and obligations of the parties involved in a legal dispute. This decision establishes what one party is entitled to receive from the other, which can include monetary compensation, transfer of asset ownership, or injunctive relief—mandating a party to perform specific actions (like making mortgage payments or selling property) or to abstain from certain behaviors (such as contacting someone or approaching them within a specified distance). The judgment is legally binding and enforceable. The date the judgment is signed by the court is critical as it typically starts the timeline for various post-judgment actions. For instance, in Georgia, a party generally has 30 days from the date of the judgment to file a notice of appeal. This time frame is crucial for any party considering an appeal, as missing this deadline can result in the loss of the right to appeal the court's decision.