Opt-out (exclusion)

Opting out, also called requesting exclusion, means formally telling the court that you do not want to be part of a class action. When you opt out, you give up any payment from the settlement.

People usually opt out to keep the right to file their own separate lawsuit. If you stay in the class and the settlement is approved, you generally give up the right to sue the defendant over the same claims.

Opting out has its own deadline and instructions, which appear on the official settlement notice. If you do nothing, you normally remain a class member by default.