What it is: an official order or decision issued by the court that resolves a legal issue. A final judgment at the end of a divorce is often called the divorce decree — the two terms are used interchangeably.
What this means for you: the judgment is what makes everything “official.” Until the judgment is entered, either spouse can usually still change direction or withdraw; after it is entered, your rights and obligations (including the family property) are settled.
Watch out for: “entered” is a date, not a feeling. The clock for appeals and for enforcing or modifying terms usually starts when the judgment is entered. Note that date; it matters for everything that comes after.
