Are small claims court decisions binding?
In Indiana, small claims court decisions are legally binding. This means that upon the completion of a case, the judge will have issued an order or a judgment that must be followed. Once the decision is made, it is up to the plaintiff and defendant to abide by the court’s ruling. This is why small claims courts are often an efficient way to resolve disputes as the winner of the case can more easily enforce a decision. Binding decisions from the court can include a monetary award or order a party to take a specified action such as returning a piece of property. It’s important to note though that a judge’s decision in small claims court is not final. Parties have the right to appeal the decision. In Indiana, appeals must be filed within 30 days after the original court decision is given. All in all, when a decision is given by the judge in small claims court, it is generally legally binding. It is the responsibility of both parties to follow the ruling. However, if either party is unhappy with the decision, they can choose to file an appeal within 30 days.
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