California Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6

Definition

California Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6 provides a mechanism for the enforcement of settlement agreements in civil litigation. It allows parties to seek court approval of a settlement and obtain a judgment based on the terms agreed upon, thereby making the settlement enforceable as if it were a court judgment. This provision promotes efficiency and encourages parties to settle disputes without prolonged litigation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. California Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6 is particularly useful in personal injury cases and other civil disputes, allowing parties to quickly formalize settlements.
2. To invoke this statute, all parties involved in the dispute must agree to the terms of the settlement and sign an agreement in writing.
3. If a party fails to comply with the settlement terms, the other party can file a motion with the court to enforce the agreement without initiating a new lawsuit.
4. The statute requires that the settlement agreement is entered into the record in court, which provides an official acknowledgment of the terms by the judicial system.
5. This provision also streamlines court processes by reducing the need for lengthy litigation over settlement disputes, saving time and resources for both parties and the court.

Review Questions

• How does California Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6 facilitate the enforcement of settlement agreements?
  • California Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6 facilitates enforcement by allowing parties to seek judicial approval of their settlement agreements. When parties agree on terms and put them in writing, they can request the court to recognize this agreement as enforceable, similar to a judgment. This means that if one party does not follow through with their obligations, the other party can quickly go back to court for enforcement rather than starting an entirely new lawsuit.
• Discuss the procedural requirements necessary for a valid settlement under California Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6.
  • For a settlement to be valid under California Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6, it must be agreed upon by all parties involved and documented in writing. The agreement must then be presented to the court for approval, which integrates it into the legal system as an enforceable order. This formal acknowledgment by the court is crucial because it elevates the settlement from mere contractual terms to a binding judicial determination.
• Evaluate the implications of California Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6 on civil litigation and dispute resolution.
  • California Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6 significantly impacts civil litigation by encouraging early resolution of disputes through settlements rather than prolonged litigation. This provision enhances judicial efficiency, allowing courts to reduce their caseloads while giving parties a reliable method for enforcing agreements without additional costs or delays associated with new lawsuits. Additionally, it promotes collaborative problem-solving among disputing parties by providing them with an effective legal framework to formalize their resolutions.

Related terms

Settlement Agreement:

A formal contract between parties that resolves a dispute and outlines the terms agreed upon to avoid further litigation.

Mediation: A voluntary process where a neutral third party assists disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

Enforcement of Judgment: The legal process through which a party seeks to compel compliance with a court judgment or order.