if a defendant in a lawsuit fails to respond to a complaint in the time set by law
(commonly 20 or 30 days), then the plaintiff (suer) can request that the default
(failure) be entered into the court record by the clerk, which gives the plaintiff
the right to get a default judgment. If the complaint was for a specific amount
of money owed on a note, other money due, or a specific contract price (or if the
amount due is easy to calculate) then the clerk of the court can enter a default
judgment. If proof of damages or other relief is necessary, a hearing will be held
in which the judge determines terms of the default judgment. In either case the
defendant cannot speak for himself/herself. A defendant who fails to file an answer
or other legal response when it is due can request that the default be set aside,
but must show a legitimate excuse and a good defense to the lawsuit.
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