California Academy of Mediation Professionals
(CAMP)
Effect of Small Claims Agreement:

EFFECT OF AGREEMENT

A small claims agreement is different from a court judgment.


A Judgment is a decision made by the court. If the respondent does not pay
the judgment amount, the claimant may take other action to enforce the
judgment. For example, the claimant may seek a levy, lien, wage garnishment,
etc.

In contrast, a Small Claims Agreement is a decision made by the parties. If the
parties enter into a Small Claims Agreement, the claimant will dismiss the case.
Usually, the case is “dismissed without prejudice.”  
•        If a case is dismissed without prejudice, the case can be filed again.
•        If a case is dismissed with prejudice, the dismissal is final.

If the respondent does not comply with terms of the Small Claims Agreement,
the claimant may:
1.        Re-file the claim against the respondent (if the case was dismissed
without prejudice), in which case the Agreement may be used as evidence in
seeking a court judgment; OR
2.        Attempt to work out a revised agreement with the respondent; OR
3.        Choose to not pursue the matter further.