Rule 13-3 Default Judgment

When someone sues another party and that party never responds to the lawsuit, the person who filed the suit can ask the court for a "default judgment," which means they win automatically. But before the judge signs off on that win, the person asking for it must provide specific information in writing.

That written statement must confirm exactly how and when the other party was served with the lawsuit, whether proof of that service was filed with the court within five business days, and that the other party never filed any response. It must also include information about whether the other party is currently serving in the military, since military members have special legal protections.

This written statement must be attached directly to the paperwork asking the judge to sign the default judgment. The judge will not sign the judgment without it.