equitable relief
Definition
Equitable relief is when a court orders someone to do something or stop doing something, rather than just making them pay money. A judge uses this tool when money alone would not fix the problem, such as forcing a competitor to stop stealing your trade secrets or requiring someone to actually complete a contract they agreed to. Courts have wide flexibility in crafting these orders to make things right in ways that dollars cannot.
Example
If a former employee breaks their non-compete agreement and starts poaching your clients, you could ask a court for equitable relief to immediately stop them from contacting those clients while your lawsuit plays out. Waiting months for a money judgment would not undo the damage fast enough.
Watch Out
If you need equitable relief urgently, you typically must act fast because courts expect you to move quickly when seeking emergency orders like a temporary restraining order.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.