Why do litigants have to leave their papers on Judge Judy?
Michael King
Updated on February 23, 2026
The participants' travel expenses are paid by the show, as are the monetary settlements. The papers that can't be removed could be anything: their contracts for the show, the settlement agreements, NDAs, etc. The fact that they can't take the paperwork is outlined in the contracts they sign to be on the show.
Do the losers on Judge Judy have to pay?
#5—On Judge Judy, the losing party doesn't pay.On Judge Judy, both sides are offered appearance fees, a daily wage and travel expenses for the duration of the taping. Once a decision is made, producers pay it to the victorious party.