California Form JUD-100 is the official Judgment form used by California courts to enter a final court order stating who won a civil case and what they are owed. You fill it out by entering the case caption, identifying the parties, checking the boxes that match the type of judgment (default, after court trial, after jury verdict, or stipulated), entering the dollar amounts for damages, costs, interest, and attorney fees, and submitting it to the clerk or judge for signature under the California Code of Civil Procedure section 664.
Filling out the form wrong delays your case, blocks enforcement, and can cost you the right to collect post-judgment interest at the 10% rate set by Code of Civil Procedure section 685.010. According to the Judicial Council 2023 Court Statistics Report, California courts process more than 4.6 million civil filings each year, and a large share of them end with a JUD-100 judgment.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📋 How every line, box, and attachment on the official JUD-100 form works
- ⚖️ When to use JUD-100 versus related forms like CIV-100, JUD-110, or SC-200
- 💵 How to calculate damages, costs, prejudgment interest, and attorney fees correctly
- 🧾 Three real-world examples showing default, contested, and stipulated judgments
- 🚫 The most common JUD-100 mistakes that get judgments rejected by the clerk
What Form JUD-100 Is and Why It Matters
Form JUD-100 is the Judicial Council of California form titled simply “Judgment.” The Judicial Council adopted JUD-100 as a mandatory form effective January 1, 2002, and revised it most recently on January 1, 2024. The form replaces older county-specific judgment templates and creates one statewide standard for limited civil, unlimited civil, and certain small claims matters.
The form matters because a judgment is the legal document that turns a court ruling into a collectable debt. Without a properly entered judgment, you cannot record an Abstract of Judgment (EJ-001) against the debtor’s real estate. You also cannot get a Writ of Execution (EJ-130) to levy on bank accounts or wages.
A signed judgment also starts the clock on key deadlines. The losing party has 30 days to file a motion for new trial under CCP section 659 and 60 days to file a notice of appeal under California Rules of Court rule 8.104. The judgment is enforceable for 10 years and can be renewed under CCP section 683.020.
Federal Backdrop and California Nuances
Federal courts use their own judgment forms under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 58, which requires that every judgment be set out in a separate document. California mirrors this “separate document” idea but uses JUD-100 to satisfy it in state superior courts. Federal post-judgment interest runs at the weekly Treasury rate under 28 U.S.C. § 1961, which is far lower than California’s 10% rate.
California adds nuances that surprise many out-of-state lawyers. Public entity defendants pay only 7% interest under California Constitution Article XV, section 1. Small claims judgments use Form SC-130 instead of JUD-100, and family law uses FL-180.
A common misconception is that JUD-100 creates the judgment. It does not. The judge’s ruling, the jury verdict, or the parties’ stipulation creates the judgment, and JUD-100 simply records it on paper for entry by the clerk under CCP section 664.
When You Use JUD-100 vs. Other Forms
You use JUD-100 in limited civil cases (claims of $35,000 or less under CCP section 85) and unlimited civil cases (claims over $35,000). The form covers four scenarios: default judgments, judgments after court trial, judgments on jury verdicts, and stipulated judgments under CCP section 664.6.
You do not use JUD-100 in small claims court. Small claims uses SC-130 Notice of Entry of Judgment prepared by the clerk, not the parties. Family law uses FL-180, probate uses DE-295, and unlawful detainer cases often use UD-110 Judgment instead.
The choice between JUD-100 and a specialized form matters because filing the wrong form can cause the clerk to reject the judgment. A rejected judgment delays enforcement by weeks and lets interest accrue on unpaid amounts that you cannot yet collect. Always check the Judicial Council forms list before filing.
Companion Forms You Need
JUD-100 rarely travels alone. Common companions include the Request for Entry of Default (CIV-100), the Memorandum of Costs (MC-010), and the Declaration in Support of Default Judgment (CIV-100 Item 2).
For enforcement, you also need the Notice of Entry of Judgment (CIV-130) and the Writ of Execution (EJ-130). To collect post-judgment fees, file the Memorandum of Costs After Judgment (MC-012) under CCP section 685.070.
A common misconception is that the clerk fills these out for you. In limited and unlimited civil cases, the plaintiff’s lawyer or self-represented party prepares them and submits them. The clerk only files them and stamps them entered.
Step-by-Step: Filling Out Every Line of JUD-100
The current JUD-100 has one front page and a checkbox-driven layout. Each box drives a different legal consequence, so do not check boxes you do not understand. The official form instructions explain the structure but do not give legal advice.
The form is divided into the caption, judgment type section, judgment terms section (money, possession, declaratory or injunctive relief), and the signature block. You also attach a JUD-100(A) if you need extra space for parties or terms.
Filling each section correctly is the difference between a clerk-stamped judgment and a rejected packet. Below, every component gets its own treatment with the rule, the consequence of getting it wrong, an example, and a common misconception.
Caption: Court, Parties, and Case Number
The caption is the top block that lists the attorney or party name, address, phone number, State Bar number, the court branch, the parties, and the case number. The plain-English rule under California Rules of Court rule 2.111 is that every caption must match the original complaint exactly.
If the caption does not match, the clerk will reject the JUD-100 because it cannot be matched to the case file. The consequence is that you must restart the entry process and lose days or weeks of post-judgment interest accrual.
A real-world example: Maria Lopez sues ABC Plumbing, Inc. in Los Angeles Superior Court. On JUD-100, she must list “Maria Lopez” as plaintiff and “ABC Plumbing, Inc., a California corporation” as defendant, exactly as in her complaint. A common misconception is that you can shorten the corporate name to “ABC Plumbing” on the judgment; the clerk will reject it.
Judgment Type: The Four Boxes
Item 1 of JUD-100 asks you to check one of four boxes describing how the judgment was reached. Box 1.a. is By Default, 1.b. is After Court Trial, 1.c. is By Stipulation, and 1.d. is After Jury Verdict. Each box has sub-boxes that ask whether the defendant appeared, whether the matter was contested, and whether the judgment is by the court or the clerk.
Checking the wrong box has serious consequences. A clerk’s default judgment under CCP section 585(a) is only available in contract or sum-certain cases. If you check 1.a. (clerk’s judgment) for a tort case, the clerk must reject it and force you to seek a court judgment under section 585(b).
Example: David Kim wins a personal injury jury trial against Sunset Trucking LLC. David checks box 1.d. After Jury Verdict and lists the verdict date. A common misconception is that the judgment date and the verdict date are the same; they are not, and you must use the actual entry date for interest calculations under CCP section 685.020.
Money Judgment: Damages, Interest, Costs, Fees
Item 4 is the money block. You enter principal damages on line 4.a., prejudgment interest on 4.b., attorney fees on 4.c., costs on 4.d., and the total on 4.e. Prejudgment interest in contract cases runs at 10% under Civil Code section 3289(b), and tort interest runs from the date set by the trier of fact under Civil Code section 3287.
If your numbers do not add up exactly, the clerk rejects the form. The consequence is that any small math error can cost you weeks of enforcement time and create grounds for the debtor to move to vacate under CCP section 473(d).
Example: Priya Shah wins a $20,000 breach of contract case. She enters $20,000 on 4.a., $1,800 in prejudgment interest on 4.b., $0 on 4.c. (no fee clause), $435 in costs on 4.d., and $22,235 on 4.e. A common misconception is that you can claim attorney fees without a contract clause or statute; you cannot, under the American Rule codified at CCP section 1021.
Possession, Declaratory, and Injunctive Relief
JUD-100 items 5 and 6 cover non-money relief. Item 5 lets you award possession of real property, often used in unlawful detainer (though most UD cases use UD-110 instead). Item 6 lets you describe declaratory or injunctive relief in your own words.
The consequence of vague injunctive language is unenforceability. Under CCP section 533 and the rule in People v. Conrad (1997) 55 Cal.App.4th 896, an injunction must describe the prohibited acts in “reasonable detail.” Vague terms like “stop bothering plaintiff” will be struck down.
Example: James Carter, a small business owner, wins a non-compete enforcement case. The injunction reads “Defendant shall not solicit any customer of Plaintiff listed on Exhibit A for 24 months from the date of this judgment.” A common misconception is that you can attach an injunction by reference to the complaint; you must spell it out on JUD-100 or attach JUD-100(A).
Signature, Date, and Attachments
Item 7 is the signature line for the judge or clerk. A clerk signs only when the law allows a clerk’s judgment, such as a sum-certain default under CCP section 585(a). A judge signs in every other situation. Item 8 lists attachments such as JUD-100(A) for additional parties or terms.
A judgment without a proper signature is not enforceable. The consequence is that any levy under an EJ-130 writ would be void, and the sheriff would refuse to act. Under California Rules of Court rule 3.1806, the clerk must enter the judgment in the case register the same day it is signed.
A common misconception is that an electronically signed judgment is somehow inferior. Under CCP section 1010.6 and Government Code section 68150, e-signatures from California judges have the same force as wet signatures.
Three Common Scenarios With JUD-100
The form behaves differently depending on context. Below are the three most common JUD-100 use cases, each shown in a focused two-column scenario table.
Scenario 1: Clerk’s Default Judgment for Unpaid Invoice
| Action You Take on JUD-100 | Legal Consequence |
|---|---|
| Check box 1.a. “By Default” and sub-box for clerk’s judgment | Clerk can sign without a hearing under CCP § 585(a) |
| Enter sum-certain principal of $14,500 on line 4.a. | Locks the principal amount; you cannot later add damages |
| Add 10% prejudgment interest from breach date on 4.b. | Earns interest under Civil Code § 3289 |
| File MC-010 alongside JUD-100 | Costs become part of the enforceable judgment |
| Skip CIV-100 default request | Clerk rejects the judgment and the case stalls |
Scenario 2: Court Trial Judgment for a Slip-and-Fall
| Action You Take on JUD-100 | Legal Consequence |
|---|---|
| Check box 1.b. “After Court Trial” | Requires judge signature, not clerk |
| List the trial date and judge’s name | Establishes the entry-of-judgment date for appeal clock |
| Enter compensatory damages from the statement of decision | Limits enforcement to amounts the court actually ordered |
| Add prejudgment interest only if court awarded it | Preserves your right to seek appellate review |
| Serve Notice of Entry (CIV-130) | Triggers 60-day appeal deadline under CRC 8.104 |
Scenario 3: Stipulated Judgment for a Settlement
| Action You Take on JUD-100 | Legal Consequence |
|---|---|
| Check box 1.c. “By Stipulation” | Court retains CCP § 664.6 jurisdiction to enforce |
| Attach the signed settlement agreement | Becomes the operative terms of the judgment |
| Include a payment schedule on JUD-100(A) | Allows installment enforcement and stays writs |
| Add an acceleration clause if a payment is missed | Triggers full balance enforcement on default |
| Forget all-party signatures including counsel | Court will refuse to enter under Levy v. Superior Court (1995) 10 Cal.4th 578 |
Three Named-Person Examples
Concrete examples make the rules click. Each example below shows a different judgment type and how JUD-100 lines up with reality.
Example 1: Maria Lopez vs. ABC Plumbing, Inc.
Maria Lopez hires ABC Plumbing for a $9,800 bathroom remodel. The work is defective. She sues in limited civil court. ABC fails to answer. Maria files a CIV-100 default request, then JUD-100 with box 1.a. checked, $9,800 on 4.a., $612 in prejudgment interest, $0 in fees, $370 in costs, totaling $10,782 on 4.e. The clerk signs the judgment under CCP § 585(a).
The consequence of correct filing is a fully enforceable judgment that earns 10% interest under CCP § 685.010. Maria can record an abstract, levy on accounts, and renew the judgment in 10 years. A misstep — like overstating costs — would let ABC vacate the judgment under CCP § 473(d).
Example 2: David Kim vs. Sunset Trucking LLC
David Kim is rear-ended by a Sunset truck. A jury awards $185,000 in compensatory damages. David’s lawyer prepares JUD-100 with box 1.d. checked, lists the verdict date, enters $185,000 on 4.a., adds prejudgment interest from the CCP § 3291 998-offer date, and lists costs from MC-010.
The judgment becomes the launchpad for collection or an appeal. If Sunset appeals, David must post a bond to enforce, but interest still accrues. A common misconception is that filing JUD-100 ends the case; in reality, Code of Civil Procedure section 685.040 lets David recover post-judgment fees too.
Example 3: Priya Shah vs. Westline Marketing LLC
Priya Shah settles a contract dispute for $35,000 paid in 12 installments. Both sides sign a stipulated judgment. Priya files JUD-100 with box 1.c. checked, attaches the agreement, and adds an acceleration clause to JUD-100(A). The judge signs under CCP § 664.6.
If Westline misses a payment, Priya can file an ex parte application to enforce the full balance. The consequence of forgetting the acceleration clause would be having to sue separately for each missed payment. A common misconception is that a stipulated judgment cannot include attorney fees; it can, if the stipulation says so.
Calculating Interest, Costs, and Fees
Calculation errors are the single largest reason clerks reject JUD-100. Each money component has its own rule and its own consequence for getting it wrong.
Prejudgment interest in contract cases runs from the date the amount became “certain or capable of being made certain” under Civil Code section 3287(a). In tort cases, the date is set by the trier of fact under section 3288. Post-judgment interest runs at 10% from the date of entry under CCP § 685.010, except for public entities at 7%.
Costs are governed by CCP section 1033.5, which lists allowable items like filing fees, deposition transcripts, and service of process. Discretionary costs require court approval. Attorney fees follow the American Rule under CCP § 1021, so you need a contract clause or statute to claim them.
Sample Calculation Walk-Through
Imagine a $50,000 unpaid invoice from January 1, 2024. The plaintiff files suit on June 1, 2024. The court enters judgment on March 1, 2026. Prejudgment interest at 10% for 14 months is roughly $5,833. Costs total $850 for filing and service. With a contractual fee clause, fees are $4,000. The total on line 4.e. is $60,683.
The consequence of rounding instead of calculating to the exact day is a clerk rejection or, worse, a successful motion to vacate by the debtor. Under North Oakland Medical Clinic v. Rogers (1998) 65 Cal.App.4th 824, “interest computations must be precise.” The misconception that “close enough” works has cost many plaintiffs their judgments.
Public Entity and Federal Differences
When the defendant is a city, county, or state agency, post-judgment interest is capped at 7% under California Constitution Article XV. Federal court judgments use the much lower 28 U.S.C. § 1961 weekly Treasury rate, often under 5%.
The consequence of using the wrong rate is overcharging the debtor, which gives them grounds to vacate or seek sanctions under CCP § 128.5. A common misconception is that the 10% rate applies “everywhere”; it does not.
Mistakes to Avoid on JUD-100
Below are the most common JUD-100 mistakes and the negative outcome of each. Avoiding them is cheaper than fixing them later.
- Listing the wrong defendant name. A name mismatch with the complaint causes the clerk to reject the judgment and forces you to refile, costing days of interest accrual.
- Checking a clerk’s-judgment box in a tort case. The clerk has no power to enter a tort default; the judgment is void on its face under CCP § 585(b).
- Forgetting MC-010 costs. Costs not listed before entry are waived under CRC rule 3.1700, permanently shrinking your judgment.
- Adding attorney fees without authority. Without a contract clause or statute, fees violate the American Rule and are stricken on motion under CCP § 1021.
- Vague injunctive language. A vague injunction is unenforceable, exposing you to contempt sanctions if you try to enforce it under People v. Conrad.
- Missing parties on JUD-100. Leaving out a co-defendant on the judgment means you cannot enforce against that party at all, even if they were served.
- Using outdated form revisions. The clerk may reject pre-2024 versions; always download the current JUD-100 PDF.
- Failing to serve Notice of Entry. Without CIV-130 service, the appeal clock never starts and the debtor can challenge the judgment indefinitely.
- Skipping the JUD-100(A) attachment. Cramming terms into margins makes the judgment unreadable and grounds for the clerk to reject the filing.
- Claiming costs not listed in CCP § 1033.5. Disallowed costs are stricken, and repeated submissions can draw judicial sanctions.
Dos and Don’ts of JUD-100
A short rule set keeps you on track. Each item explains the why.
Dos:
- Do match the caption to the complaint exactly because the clerk uses captions to match files.
- Do calculate interest to the exact day because North Oakland Medical Clinic requires precision.
- Do file MC-010 before entry because CRC 3.1700 waives unfiled costs.
- Do attach JUD-100(A) for extra space because handwritten margins cause rejection.
- Do serve CIV-130 Notice of Entry within 30 days because that triggers appeal and renewal clocks.
Don’ts:
- Don’t check both 1.a. and 1.b. because dual judgment types are facially invalid.
- Don’t claim fees without authority because the American Rule applies.
- Don’t use the wrong interest rate because public entities pay 7%, not 10%.
- Don’t include conclusions of law in money lines because clerks reject mixed entries.
- Don’t ignore the 10-year enforcement deadline because CCP § 683.020 extinguishes the judgment.
Pros and Cons of Using JUD-100
Knowing the upsides and limits of the form helps you plan strategy.
Pros:
- Statewide uniform format reduces clerk confusion and speeds entry.
- Built-in checkboxes cover all four common judgment types.
- Compatible with e-filing under CCP § 1010.6.
- Designed to coordinate with EJ-130 writs and EJ-001 abstracts for fast enforcement.
- Free and downloadable from the Judicial Council website.
Cons:
- Limited room for complex declaratory or injunctive relief without JUD-100(A).
- Easy to misuse the clerk-judgment box, leading to void judgments.
- No built-in interest calculator, so math errors are common.
- Not usable in small claims, family, or probate cases, which create form-selection confusion.
- Strict caption requirements make minor typos costly.
Key Entities Involved
JUD-100 ties together several legal actors. Knowing each role makes the process clear.
The Judicial Council of California, headed by the Chief Justice and supported by the Administrative Office of the Courts, publishes JUD-100. The Superior Court Clerk receives the form, checks it for compliance, and enters the judgment in the register of actions under Government Code § 69845.
The trial judge signs the judgment in every situation except a clerk-eligible sum-certain default. The plaintiff and defendant are named in the caption and bound by the entered judgment. The county sheriff or registered process server later levies under any EJ-130 writ issued from the judgment.
A common misconception is that the judge “issues” the judgment after JUD-100 is filed. The reverse is true: the judge’s ruling exists first, and JUD-100 records it. The clerk’s “entry” of the judgment under CCP § 668.5 makes it official and triggers all enforcement rights.
Recap of Relevant Rulings
Several California cases shape how JUD-100 is filled out and enforced. Each ruling drives a specific form practice.
In Levy v. Superior Court (1995) 10 Cal.4th 578, the California Supreme Court held that a settlement under CCP § 664.6 must be signed by the parties personally, not just their attorneys. That ruling controls the stipulated-judgment box on JUD-100 and means missing client signatures can void the judgment.
In Airs Aromatics, LLC v. CBL Data Recovery Technologies, Inc. (2018) 23 Cal.App.5th 1013, the court reaffirmed that a default judgment cannot exceed the demand in the complaint under CCP § 580. That rule directly limits what you can put on line 4.a.
In Becker v. S.P.V. Construction Co. (1980) 27 Cal.3d 489, the Supreme Court held that any default judgment exceeding the prayer is “void on the face of the record.” The consequence is that the debtor can attack the judgment at any time, even years later.
A common misconception about Becker is that “amendment” can fix the problem. Under People v. American Contractors Indemnity Co. (2004) 33 Cal.4th 653, void judgments cannot be ratified by later amendment.
After You File: Enforcement Pathway
Once JUD-100 is entered, the enforcement clock starts. The first step is serving CIV-130 Notice of Entry on every party. Under CCP § 1019.5, service of notice triggers the appeal and renewal clocks.
Next, you record an Abstract of Judgment (EJ-001) in any county where the debtor owns real estate. Recording creates a judgment lien under CCP § 697.310. To reach personal property, you obtain a Writ of Execution (EJ-130) and send it to the sheriff for levy.
The consequence of skipping these steps is a hollow judgment. A misconception is that a “judgment” alone forces payment; it does not, until you take active enforcement steps under the Enforcement of Judgments Law.
Renewing Before 10 Years
Under CCP § 683.020, a judgment expires 10 years from entry unless renewed. You renew by filing EJ-190 Application for Renewal. Renewal preserves all accrued interest and adds a fresh 10-year window.
The consequence of letting a judgment lapse is total loss of enforcement rights. Even one day late kills the judgment, as confirmed in Goldman v. Simpson (2008) 160 Cal.App.4th 255. The misconception that you can “revive” an expired judgment by motion is wrong; you must file a new lawsuit on the judgment, if the limitations period still allows.
FAQs
Is JUD-100 the same as a small claims judgment?
No. Small claims uses SC-130 Notice of Entry of Judgment prepared by the clerk after the hearing. JUD-100 is for limited and unlimited civil cases only.
Can a clerk sign a JUD-100 in any case?
No. A clerk can only sign in sum-certain contract defaults under CCP § 585(a). All other JUD-100 judgments require a judge’s signature.
Do I need a lawyer to file JUD-100?
No. Self-represented parties may prepare and file JUD-100, though complex cases benefit from counsel. The form is designed for use by both lawyers and pro per litigants.
Can I add post-judgment attorney fees later?
Yes. File a Memorandum of Costs After Judgment (MC-012) under CCP § 685.070 within two years of incurring the cost or fee.
Is there a filing fee for JUD-100?
No. Submitting JUD-100 itself does not have a separate filing fee in most California superior courts because it is part of the underlying case. Recording an abstract or writ has separate fees.
Can JUD-100 be e-filed?
Yes. Most California superior courts allow e-filing under CCP § 1010.6 and local rules. Check your court’s e-filing portal for specifics.
Does JUD-100 work in unlawful detainer cases?
No. Most UD cases use UD-110 Judgment because UD-110 has fields specific to possession, holdover damages, and forfeiture not on JUD-100.
Can I correct a typo on a filed JUD-100?
Yes. File a motion to correct clerical error under CCP § 473(d). Substantive errors require a motion to vacate or amend the judgment.
Does post-judgment interest start on the verdict date?
No. Interest under CCP § 685.020 starts on the date of entry of judgment, not the verdict date. Use the entry date for all calculations.
Can a stipulated judgment include confidential terms?
Yes. Parties may incorporate a confidential settlement by reference under CCP § 664.6 and seal the agreement under CRC rule 2.551, provided the court finds compelling reasons.
Does JUD-100 expire?
Yes. A money judgment is enforceable for 10 years under CCP § 683.020 and can be renewed for another 10 years using EJ-190.
Can a default JUD-100 exceed the complaint’s demand?
No. Under CCP § 580 and Becker v. S.P.V. Construction, any default amount over the prayer is void on the face of the record.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form AT-115 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form CIV-010 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form CIV-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form MC-051 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form SC-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form SC-500 (w/Examples) + FAQs