Imagine you've taken someone to court, but they've ignored all proceedings. A motion for default judgment allows you to ask the court to automatically decide in your favor due to the other party's lack of response or action.
The entry of a default judgment. To secure the entry of default, the requesting party typically files a motion with the clerk.
If you do not think the default judgment was appropriately entered against you, you must file a motion with the court asking the judge to “set aside” (void or nullify) the judgment. If the judge grants your motion, the case starts back up again.
A default judgment can be entered by a clerk or by a judge.
If the defendant has a valid reason for not responding, such as never being notified, they may file a motion asking the judge to set aside the default judgment. This is also called a motion for relief from default or a motion to vacate judgment.
A motion for judgment as a matter of law asks the court to enter a judgment based on the conclusion that no reasonable jury could reach a different conclusion. The motion is made before the case is submitted to the jury but after a party has been fully heard on the issue.
Default Judgments If the defendant/respondent does not answer in time or make a motion, the plaintiff (or petitioner) can ask the court for a default judgment. A default judgment can give the plaintiff what they want because the defendant failed to respond or tell their side of the story.
For that purpose the judgment debtor should approach the plaintiff/judgment creditor or his/her/its attorney to obtain the written consent to rescission of judgment. There is however no requirement in law that obliges a plaintiff/judgment creditor to give a consent to rescission of judgment.
To vacate a default judgment in New York, the defendant must make an application to the court that rendered the judgment. In Nassau and Suffolk counties, this will most likely be either the District Court or the Supreme Court.
To vacate a default judgment in New York, the defendant must make an application to the court that rendered the judgment. In Nassau and Suffolk counties, this will most likely be either the District Court or the Supreme Court.