Rule 55-1 Applications for Default Judgment

When someone asks the court for a default judgment (meaning the other side never responded to the lawsuit), this rule gives the court some extra options and requirements before it grants that request.

First, the court can decide that the other party deserves to get written notice about the default judgment request, even though they already missed their chance to respond. The court will order this notice if it seems fair given the situation.

Second, there are special rules for cases involving repossessed property, like a car that was taken back after someone stopped making payments. If the lawsuit is about money still owed after the property was sold (called a deficiency), the person asking for the default judgment must show the court specific proof. This includes a description of the property, how much money it sold for or how much credit the other person got, and how much it cost to sell it. The court needs this information to make sure the amount being asked for is fair and accurate.