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 Iowa, 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 is binding and outlines the specific relief granted to the prevailing party, which may include monetary compensation, transfer of asset ownership, or injunctive relief—orders to do or not do certain actions. For example, a judgment could require a party to make mortgage payments, sell property, or it could impose restrictions like prohibiting contact with another person or maintaining a certain distance from them. The date the judgment is signed by the court is critical as it typically starts the clock on various postjudgment deadlines. One of the most important deadlines is for filing a notice of appeal, should a party wish to challenge the court's decision. In Iowa, the notice of appeal must generally be filed within 30 days after the entry of the judgment or order being appealed. Failure to adhere to these deadlines can result in the loss of the right to appeal and the judgment becoming final and enforceable.