The court will send you a notice that a default judgment has been entered against you. The courts have a mechanism called a petition to open default judgment which is effectively a chance for a defendant to ask the court to consider.The party seeking the default judgment can apply to the clerk of the court for entry of a default judgment. You may have to request a hearing so that the judge can rule on your motion for a default judgment. You will need one copy of the civil complaint with original signature for the magisterial district judge. No, you don't HAVE to show up.