Start My Answer

What is a Stipulated Judgment?

Chloe Meltzer | December 06, 2023

Chloe-Meltzer
Legal Expert
Chloe Meltzer, MA

Chloe Meltzer is an experienced content writer specializing in legal content creation. She holds a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University, complemented by a Master’s in Marketing from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: Is your creditor asking you to sign a stipulated judgment? Find out what effect it will have on your case and your unpaid debt.

When it comes to owing a debt, most people want to find some way to be done with it and move past it. Often, creditors feel the same way. Typically, this leads to a settlement with the creditor. If you already within the process of a court case, then you may be asked to sign a “stipulated judgment.”

What is a Stipulated Judgment?

When a stipulated judgment occurs, both parties will have agreed to a judgment. The stipulated judgment requires both parties to sign it. With that signature, you give up your right to a trial. Your signature also means that you agree to be bound by the terms of the stipulated judgment.

What's Included In a Stipulated Judgment?

Typically, there are a few common inclusions in stipulated judgment. This agreement usually includes a clause stating how you will pay. Whether you have agreed to a monthly payment or a lump sum. As long as you pay the lump sum or continue to pay the monthly payment, the creditor agrees that they will not file against you.

Respond to filed complaints fast with SoloSuit.

Why Would a Creditor Seek a Stipulated Judgment?

This form of agreement allows the creditor to be protected if you default on your monthly payments. If you do happen to default, then they have a judgment for the full amount, which typically would not have been received without going to trial.

Should You Agree to a Stipulated Judgment?

The amount you will eventually pay on a stipulated judgment is usually an amount that is far less than the original lawsuit. If you do not pay the agreed-upon amount, you run the risk of being forced to pay far more. This is the main incentive of a stipulated judgment. Although you sign and are bound to the payment, it will be less than if you would have gone to trial and lost.

Benefits of Signing a Stipulated Judgment

If you legitimately owe a debt, then signing a stipulated judgment can make sense. Especially if you cannot make a counterclaim or a dispute, then you have no legal leg to stand on to avoid paying the debt.

Rather than go to trial over your unpaid debt, it makes sense to agree to a settlement with the creditor and negotiate the terms. This will allow you to pay your debt slowly and in a method that you can manage. Instead of being given a bill and forced to pay it, you can regain some control of the situation.

Take control of a debt collection situation with SoloSuit.

Downsides of Signing a Stipulated Judgment

The primary downside to a stipulated judgment comes if you are unable to make your agreed-upon payments. After signing the stipulated judgment there will no more leeway for missed payments. If you do not make your payments then you can end up with a judgment against you. This also means that you will have waived your right to trial. This leaves you with no option but to pay the debt along with interest and often legal fees.

Consider your options before you agree to a stipulated judgment. You may have a defense to win your case or have it dismissed. If you decide to sign a stipulated judgment, be ready to stick to the terms. Otherwise, you could make things worse. Most importantly, never sign an agreement you don't understand. Get help from an attorney if you need it!

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to respond to a debt collection lawsuit.

How it works: SoloSuit is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your answer. Upon completion, you can either print the completed forms and mail in the hard copies to the courts or you can pay SoloSuit to file it for you and to have an attorney review the document.

Respond with SoloSuit

"First time getting sued by a debt collector and I was searching all over YouTube and ran across SoloSuit, so I decided to buy their services with their attorney reviewed documentation which cost extra but it was well worth it! SoloSuit sent the documentation to the parties and to the court which saved me time from having to go to court and in a few weeks the case got dismissed!" – James


Start My Answer


>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit: A Student Solution To Give Utah Debtors A Fighting Chance

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector

Are you being sued by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Resolve your debt with your creditor

Some creditors, banks, and lenders have an internal collections department. If they come after you for a debt, Solosuit can still help you respond and resolve the debt. Here’s a list of guides on how to resolve debt with different creditors.

Settle your medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Guides on arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Stop calls from debt collectors

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Federal debt collection laws can protect you

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Get debt relief in your state

We’ve created a specialized guide on how to find debt relief in all 50 states, complete with steps to take to find relief, state-specific resources, and more.

Debt collection laws in all 50 states

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt state guides

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote a guide on each state’s statutes. Check it out below.

Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection by State (Best Guide)

Check the status of your court case

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created a guide on how to check the status of your case in every state, complete with online search tools and court directories.

How to stop wage garnishment in your state

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in all 50 states.

How to settle a debt in your state

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created a guide on how to settle your debt in all 50 states. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

How to settle with every debt collector

Not sure how to negotiate a debt settlement with a debt collector? We are creating guides to help you know how to start the settlement conversation and increase your chances of coming to an agreement with every debt collector.

Other debt settlement resources

Personal loan and debt relief reviews

We give a factual review of the following debt consolidation, debt settlement, and loan organizations and companies to help you make an informed decision before you take on a debt.

Civil law legal definitions

You can represent yourself in court. Save yourself the time and cost of finding an attorney, and use the following resources to understand legal definitions better and how they may apply to your case.

Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection

How-to debt guides

Learn more with these additional debt resources