Most cases never have a trial because both sides agree to the outcome of the case in a settlement.
Most court cases are settled. In a settlement both sides agree to the outcome of the case and there is no trial before a judge or a jury. The settlement can be made with or without the help of the court. The agreement is written down and signed by both sides. This writing is called a Stipulation or sometimes called a Memorandum of Understanding. This can be done before you come to court or when you are in court. There are several stipulations available online at www.court.state.co.us.
Many people choose to settle instead of going to trial because a settlement is much faster and you can be sure of the outcome.
Be Careful
When you sign a Stipulation and it is granted, you are making a binding legal agreement that must be followed. If one side does not follow the agreement, the other side can ask the court to enforce it. Because of this, it is very important to read the agreement, understand it and be sure that you can do anything you agree to do. Make sure that the agreement clearly takes care of claims and counterclaims. You can ask the Judge to explain anything you do not understand.
You do not have to settle the case if you do not think it is fair. You do not have to speak to the other side without the Judge unless you want to. It is your right to have a trial.
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