This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
An entry of default against a defendant simply means that the Court notes on its records that the defendant failed to defend against the claim by filing an answer with the Court. An entry of default is not a final foreclosure judgment, nor does it give the Plaintiff the right to take and sell the defendant's home.
Take the Petition and the copies to the District Clerk's Civil Filing Department. The Civil Filing Department is in the Paul Elizondo Tower at 101 W Nueva, Suite 216. The phone number is 210-335-2621.
The motion for default judgment and proposed default judgment are entered on the docket. From the Clerk: The plaintiff should make a written request for the clerk to enter a default judgment, and provide the clerk with an affidavit of the amount owed by the defendant and a proposed clerk's default judgment.
To set aside a default judgment, the defendant must demonstrate that its failure to answer or otherwise appear and defend was due to excusable neglect under the circumstances and that it has a meritorious defense either to the cause of action itself or the quantum of damages assessed.
Another way to have a Default Judgment Vacated is by filing a Motion to Vacate Judgment. In Texas, this must be filed within 14 days of the judgment. Essentially, in a motion to vacate, you would be giving the Court a reason to set aside the judgment and keep the lawsuit active.
When the plaintiff receives the copy of the motion you mailed to her, she can file an opposition with the court. You should receive her opposition in the mail. In the opposition, the plaintiff will explain to the judge why she believes the default judgment should not be set aside.
You must file a Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment and Notice of Hearing within 30 days of the date the default judgment was signed by the judge. See Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 329(b). In Justice Court, the deadline is 14 days. See Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 505.3.
An appeal asks a higher court to change the decision made by a lower court. A Motion to Vacate asks the same court to cancel its decision, as if the case never happened.
A defendant who has a default judgment against them can apply to the court that issued the judgment to set it aside. If the court sets aside the judgment, it is as though the order was never made. The court still needs to deal with the claim.