Civil | District of Columbia Courts

How do I collect my money judgment?

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The Superior Court does not collect or pay the judgment award to the winning party. The winning party must collect the money judgment that was ordered by the judge. Legal action to collect a money judgment cannot be done until ten business days after the clerk dockets or enters the judgment on its official record. If the losing party does not pay the winning party, the winning party may submit writ of attachment on a judgment. A writ of attachment is a form issued by the Court that allows the winning party to get monies from the losing party's wages and/or bank account and other property owed to the winning party. Only one writ of attachment may be issued against a person's wages at a time. You must may get a writ of attachment in the Small Claims Clerk’s Office.

Why do I have to redact personal identifying information?

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The Superior Court adopted a privacy rule, Super. Ct. R. 5.2, requiring that the filer redact or remove from the public record the following information: taxpayer-identification number, driver’s license or non-driver’s license identification card number, and birth date; the name of an individual known to be a minor; and a financial-account number.

How do I log into my remote hearing?

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Before your hearing, the court will send instructions explaining how you can participate remotely. You can participate in one of three ways: Option 1: Laptop or Desktop Computer. Click on the WebEx direct link provided by the court. This link takes you to the page to join the remote hearing. If you have trouble with the link, you may also go to https://dccourts.webex.com and type the Meeting ID the court sent you. You may also open your internet browser and copy and paste or type the link provided by the court. After you open WebEx, click on "Join Meeting." Option 2: Smartphone, Tablet, or iPad. Download the WebEx App called “Cisco WebEx Meetings.” Enter the meeting number or link provided by the court. Type your name and email address and click “join.” Option 3: Telephone. Call (202) 860-2110 or the toll-free number (844) 992-4726. Wait a moment, then enter the WebEx Meeting ID provided by the court and press #. Then press # again to enter the hearing. Many people may find phone participation less effective than video participation. Get more information about remote hearings at https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/DC-Superior-Court-RemoteCourt-Participants-WebEx-Instructions.pdf

What can I do if my tenant misses a protective order payment?

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You can file a motion with the court asking the court to enter sanctions against the tenant. The cost for the motion is $10.

What is a money judgment?

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If the landlord sues the tenant for possession because the tenant owes rent, the landlord can also request that the tenant be required to pay the back rent and any other monies due, such as late fees. If the landlord makes this kind of request, he or she is asking for a money judgment.

In civil matters, a money judgment is a final disposition of a lawsuit with a monetary compensation.

What happens on the court date?

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Whether remote or in-person, the judge makes important announcements about what will happen in court and the parties' rights. After these announcements, the courtroom clerk calls roll and parties must answer that they are "present" and state their names. Failure of plaintiff participation may result in a default.

What is the current interest rate on judgments?

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The interest rate on judgments is six percent (6%) for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2024 (DC Code §28-3302(c)). Pursuant to DC Code §28-3302(b), this rate does not apply to judgments against the District of Columbia or its employees acting within the scope of their employment. In such situations, the judgment interest rate is 4%. The new interest rate is for post-judgments only. The pre-judgment interest rate is 6% in the absence of an expressed contract specifying otherwise, pursuant to DC Code §28-3302 (a). Click here to see previous judgment interest rates.

What is an initial scheduling conference?

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The initial scheduling conference is the first formal hearing before the assigned judge that presents the parties with an opportunity to try and settle their case. Further, if a case does not settle, the case is placed on a track and a number of deadlines are set to complete certain events. Generally held remotely unless otherwise directed by a judge.

What is a judgment for possession?

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A judgment for possession of real property against the defendant gives the plaintiff the right to file a writ of restitution, which is a court document authorizing the eviction of the defendant under the supervision of the United States Marshals Service.

What happens if I do not settle my case at the initial scheduling conference?

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If your case does not settle, the judge may select a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) by which parties may resolve their dispute without going to trial. Learn more about ADR and mediation in general on the DC Court website.