What happens if you win a motion for summary judgment?
William Jenkins
Updated on January 29, 2026
A summary judgment is a ruling by the court without a trial. Once the court enters summary judgment in favor of a party, the case is over, just as it would have been after a trial, and the losing party may either accept the judgment or appeal it.
What happens after summary Judgement is granted?
If the court granted summary judgment (not summary adjudication), a new-trial motion may be the best move for two reasons. Second, a new-trial motion can help you complete the record. This is especially applicable if newly discovered evidence surfaced after the hearing. But it is broader than that.
Can a summary judgment be overturned?
A decision granting summary judgment can be appealed without delay. A decision denying summary judgment ordinarily cannot be immediately appealed; instead, the case continues on its normal course. It is not uncommon for summary judgments of lower U.S. courts in complex cases to be overturned on appeal.
How do I fight a motion for summary judgment?
A response must be in writing and include the same supporting documents as a motion for summary judgment. The opposition to the motion for summary judgment should also include a statement of facts showing the dispute and supporting documents.
Is a summary judgment a final judgment?
The grant of summary judgment usually results in a final judgment only if the grant resolves all issues as to all parties. An order for summary judgment is interlocutory if it does not entirely end the proceedings before the trial court.
What happens at a summary judgment hearing?
What happens during a motion for summary judgment hearing? At the hearing, each party will be given a certain amount of time to reiterate their argument in front of the judge. The judge may ask some questions and at the end of the hearing the judge will grant or deny the motion.
Is a summary judgment final?
How long does it take for summary Judgement?
Decision on motions for summary judgment: About 15 months after beginning of representation. The judge will make a decision on summary judgment about three months after s/he hears arguments from both sides.
Who has burden of proof in summary judgment?
The moving party has the initial burden to show that summary judgment is proper even if the moving party would not have the BURDEN OF PROOF at trial. The court generally examines the evidence presented with the motion in the light most favorable to the opposing party.
What happens when a motion for summary Judgement is denied?
When a motion for summary judgment is denied, the nonmoving party achieves a form of premium that enables a case to settle for an additional amount. Put simply, the settlement value of a case increases when a motion for summary judgment is denied. Thus, denials of summary judgment up the ante in the litigation game.
What happens after a summary judgment is granted?
What Happens After a Summary Judgment is Granted? When a judge grants a judgment based on a summary judgment motion, it is termed a “summary judgment” because it summarily disposes of the legal issues without a hearing on the facts. A summary judgment disposes of the entire case.
Do you have to support a summary judgment motion?
In carrying that burden, summary judgment motions must be supported by evidence, such as declarations. Code Civ. Proc., § 437c, subd. (b) (1). But what is not always remembered is that declarations must contain admissible evidence. Code Civ. Proc. §437c, subd. (d).
Who is the moving party in a motion for summary judgment?
Moving Party – A party to a legal proceeding who has filed a motion with the court. Request for Admissions – A set of statements submitted to an opposing party for the purpose of having him admit or deny each of the statements.
What’s the burden of proof in a summary judgment motion?
At a basic level, the defendant’s burden in moving for summary judgment is to show that one or more elements of your cause of action cannot be established. Code of Civ. Proc. §437c, subd. (p) (2). In carrying that burden, summary judgment motions must be supported by evidence, such as declarations.