If the defendant didn't file a response by the deadline, you can ask the court to enter a default. A default ends the defendant's chance to file a response because the defendant has not responded in time. You must ask for a default within 10 days of the defendant missing the deadline to respond.
Fill in case information: Enter the case number, court name, and the names of the parties involved. Provide the plaintiff's details and address (Clio Draft can help autofill case info). Declare default: Check the appropriate box indicating that the defendant has failed to respond.
(g) Request for entry of default If a responsive pleading is not served within the time limits specified in this rule and no extension of time has been granted, the plaintiff must file a request for entry of default within 10 days after the time for service has elapsed.
What relief is available? The Court may set aside the default if you provide evidence showing that the default was entered by inadvertence, mistake, surprise, or excusable neglect. The evidence must establish that the inadvertence or neglect was excusable.
Depending on whether your pleading was verified, or not, this can be as quick as a few days in cases where the clerk can enter default, or as long as a few weeks in the event a hearing is necessary in order to secure a default judgment.
A clerk default judgment may be obtained when the defendant fails to file a response to the summons and complaint within the time specified on the summons.
Challenging the Entry of Default A defendant can challenge the entry of default by filing a motion pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 55(c), which allows the court to set it aside for “good cause” shown. Under certain circumstances, the court is required to do so.