What Happens When a Judgment Becomes Docketed?
Once a judgment has been obtained, the judgment creditor may docket it by paying the Clerk of Court office a fee of $5. When a judgment is docketed it becomes a lien on any real estate owned by the judgment debtor in Burnett County for 10 years. However, it is not required that a judgment be docketed to attempt collection from the judgment debtor.
Reopening Judgments
The small claims court may reopen a default judgment if the motion to reopen is filed within six months after the entry of judgment and a good reason exists. To reopen a judgment a Notice of Motion and Motion to Reopen is prepared and submitted to the court commissioner. The Circuit Judge reviews the request. A date and time for the hearing may be assigned by the court.
A copy of the Notice of Motion must be served on the opposing party at least five days before the date, not including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The Judge will determine whether the judgment will be set aside and a hearing held on the merits of the case.