Looking for a lawyer's input on a small claims judgment please

FyreFry5

If any lawyers wouldn't mind giving their input, MH and I are royally confused and would really appreciate the help!

We just sued our ex-landlord.  Basically, he held onto our security deposit and was also charging us additional money for supposed damages to the townhouse we were renting.  We sued him for a portion of the security deposit, and the additional money he was charging.  The judge "dismissed" the case.  We took that to mean that we were responsible for paying this jerk.  (Jerk does not adequately describe this Grade A as$hole, but that's not the point).

I got an email from our lawyer today, to which was attached the Notice of Judgment.  It says that judgment was entered for Jerk, and against us for .00 dollars.  Does this mean that neither of us has to pay the other, or that we are still responsible for the original bill?

I did email our lawyer to ask for clarification, but I just got this email a minute ago and am anxious to find out what in the hel! this all means.  Thanks if you can help.  I can pay you in

 

KdgTeacher

I don't think a lawyer can legally give out advice over the internet.

MH (who is a cop) would take that to mean that you don't owe additional money but he gets to keep the money you already "paid."

NMscubagirl

YGPM 

FyreFry5

KdgTeacher:

I don't think a lawyer can legally give out advice over the internet.

MH (who is a cop) would take that to mean that you don't owe additional money but he gets to keep the money you already "paid."

Thanks Kdg, didn't even think of that.  I guess I could have been more hypothetical about this whole thing.  Thanks for asking your husband.

FyreFry5

NMscubagirl:

YGPM 

You too.

cantalopes24

I'm not a lawyer but I have dealt with people owing me money and know other people who have and if the judgement is in his favor for $0 it means he doesnt have to pay you and you don't owe him anymore than you have paid him,but he does get to keep any money he has. If the case was dismissed then it is what it is, and no additional money is owed.

FyreFry5

cantalopes24:

I'm not a lawyer but I have dealt with people owing me money and know other people who have and if the judgement is in his favor for $0 it means he doesnt have to pay you and you don't owe him anymore than you have paid him,but he does get to keep any money he has. If the case was dismissed then it is what it is, and no additional money is owed.

Thank you!