Frequently in small claims cases, a settlement is documented by a "stipulation". It states the amount to be paid and a schedule of payments (amounts and due dates). It is signed by the parties to the lawsuit, and often confirmed by the judge who wishes to know that it accurately reflects the agreement. As long as payments are made as agreed, the court does not enter a judgment.
Stipulations also usually provide that if payments are not made as agreed, the person to whom the payments are to be made can file an affidavit with the court, and mail a copy to the other party, stating what payment was missed. Usually, the stipulation will also provide that the court is empowered to enter a judgment for the remaining amount.
Be aware that the stipulation can provide any legal terms to which the parties agree. These can include a provision for a grace period. Or, the parties can informally agree that the person owing money will have additional time to pay.
In Texas, you would pay installments on a small claims judgment directly to the individual or entity that the judgment was issued in favor of. This is typically the plaintiff who won the small claims case. It's important to follow the terms outlined in the judgment and make payments as agreed to avoid any further legal actions.
The plaintiff might assert claims such as breach of contract, alleging that the defendant failed to fulfill their obligations as agreed. They could also claim negligence if the defendant's actions caused harm or damages. Additionally, the plaintiff may pursue claims for emotional distress or punitive damages if the defendant's behavior was particularly egregious. Overall, the specific claims would depend on the circumstances of the case and the underlying facts.
If the defendant does not show up in small claims court, the judge may enter a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff. This means that the plaintiff wins the case by default since the defendant did not appear to defend themselves. The plaintiff may then be awarded the relief requested in their claim.
To collect an award in small claims court, you will typically need to ask the court to enforce the judgment. This usually involves filing additional paperwork to request the court's assistance in collecting your judgment, such as a writ of execution or a garnishment order. You may also have to work with the court to locate the defendant's assets that can be used to satisfy the judgment.
The defendant(s) (persons named on the civil summons) who then have a set time to file their exemption claims or in some cases a countersuit.
You can file a small claims case against anyone, anywhere. Out of state Defendants are normally served Summonses by the deputy sheriff or constable in their home state. If they fail to appear in the court designated on the Summons, a default judgment can be entered against him. The difficulty in this type of situation is that the service of the Summons will cost more and a judgment is more difficult to collect on. If a judgment is won by the Plaintiff in a situation like this, he has to have the judgment "domesticated" in the Deft.'s state, then proceed on collecting on the Judgment according to that state's laws.
In many cases, a defendant's failure to appear (or to request a continuance) will result in a summary judgment. This can result in further legal proceedings against the defendant even if it is eventually appealed.
(Assuming you are the defendant) If the plaintiff is awarded a judgment against you, and you do not satisfy the judgment in full, the plaintiff may file for a writ of execution on the personal property. The personal property can then be sold at a public sale to help pay for the judgment.
No, it is up to the judge to grant judgment. It is not granted by default.
If the defendant does not pick up the registered letter containing the copies from the small claims court, the court may consider the letter as being served. This means that the defendant is aware of the information contained in the letter, even if they did not physically receive it. The case may proceed in court based on this notification.
yes
Defendant should not have a lawyer in Small Claims Court. Most small claims actions forbid having an attorney appear unless the attorney is the plaintiff or defendant.