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 Massachusetts, 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 can mandate various forms of relief, including monetary compensation, transfer of asset ownership, or injunctive relief, which may compel 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 post-judgment actions, such as the period within which a party must file a notice of appeal. In Massachusetts, the notice of appeal must generally be filed within 30 days after the entry of the judgment or order being appealed. It is important for parties to be aware of these deadlines to preserve their rights to challenge the court's decision if they believe the judgment was in error.