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 Wisconsin, 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 legally binding and outlines the specific remedies or compensation awarded to the prevailing party, which may include monetary damages, transfer of asset ownership, or injunctive relief—orders to do or not do certain actions. The judgment is typically documented in a written order signed by the judge. The signing date of the judgment is critical as it often starts the clock on various postjudgment deadlines. For instance, in Wisconsin, a party generally has 45 days to file a notice of appeal after the entry of the judgment in civil cases. This timeframe 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.