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 Illinois, a judgment in a lawsuit represents the court's final decision on the rights and obligations of the parties involved in a dispute. This judgment specifies the type of relief one party is entitled to from the other, which could be monetary compensation, transfer of asset ownership, or injunctive relief—mandating a party to perform or refrain from specific actions. The relief could include making mortgage payments, selling property, or prohibitions on communication or proximity to another person. The date the judgment is signed by the court is critical as it typically starts the timeline for post-judgment actions, such as filing an appeal. Parties interested in appealing the judgment must pay close attention to these deadlines, as missing them can result in the loss of the right to appeal. It's important for parties to consult with an attorney to understand the implications of the judgment and the procedural steps that follow, including any potential appeals.