§6.06 Separate or Several Judgment

If the defendant files a claim, you should enter a separate judgment on the defendant’s claim. [Linton v Superior Court (Obinna) (1997) 53 CA4th 1097, 1101–1102.]

If the defendant filed a claim against the plaintiff or if the judgment is against two or more defendants, the judgment, and the statement of decision if one is rendered, must specify the basis for and the character and amount of each party’s liability. In the case of multiple judgment debtors, the judgment must include whether each party’s liability is joint or several. [CCP §116.610(d).]

In an action against several defendants when a several judgment is proper, you may render judgment against one or more of the defendants, leaving the action to proceed against the others. [CCP §116.610(f).]