West Virginia Judgment by Default — B 261B is a legal process that occurs when a party fails to respond or fails to appear in court after being properly served with a complaint or summons. This type of default judgment is permitted under West Virginia law and can be pursued by the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit. In West Virginia, there are two types of default judgments that fall under B 261B, namely: 1. Default Judgment by Clerk: This type of default judgment can be obtained by the plaintiff if the defendant fails to respond within the designated time period as provided by law. After the expiration of the specified timeframe, the plaintiff may request the clerk of the court to enter a default judgment in their favor. This process allows for a relatively simple procedure, as it solely requires the plaintiff to demonstrate non-response from the defendant. 2. Default Judgment by Court: In certain cases, the plaintiff may seek a default judgment directly from the court. This generally occurs when the plaintiff believes that specific factual or legal issues need to be determined by the judge before a judgment can be entered. The plaintiff must file a motion for default judgment and provide supporting evidence and legal arguments to convince the court to grant the default judgment. It is important to note that default judgments should not be confused with judgments on the merits of a case. A default judgment serves as a resolution in favor of the plaintiff merely due to the defendant's failure to participate in the legal proceedings. To enforce a default judgment, the plaintiff usually needs to follow additional steps, such as filing for a writ of execution or pursuing other available legal remedies. Default judgments play a significant role in ensuring the efficient functioning of judicial systems, as they prevent delays and provide timely resolutions for plaintiffs who may otherwise be left without recourse. However, defendants should be aware of their legal obligations and take appropriate action to respond to lawsuits to avoid the potential consequences of a default judgment, such as monetary damages or other legal ramifications. In summary, West Virginia Judgment by Default — B 261B refers to the process through which a plaintiff can obtain a judgment in their favor when the defendant fails to respond or appear in court. This default judgment can be obtained either by the clerk of the court or by the court itself, depending on the circumstances of the case. It is crucial for both plaintiffs and defendants in civil lawsuits to understand the implications and procedures associated with default judgments in West Virginia.