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Learn what to do if you miss a court date and get a default judgment, including how to file a motion to vacate it within 30 days to avoid wage garnishment, frozen accounts, liens on property, and damage to your credit.
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Undoing a default judgment after 30 days have passed
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Filing a motion to vacate a default judgment How-To
Steps to file a motion to vacate a default judgment from the forms you need to how the court hearing works.

If you miss a court date, you might lose the case. This is called having a "default judgment" entered against you.

If you file a motion to undo ("vacate") the default judgment within 30 days, you will probably succeed.

If it is has been more than 30 days, you must file a petition for "relief from the judgment." This is very difficult, so you should talk to a lawyer about it if possible. The petition must be filed within 2 years of the judgment.

Last full review by a subject matter expert
October 24, 2023
Last revised by staff
October 25, 2023

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Undoing a default judgment after 30 days have passed Text article
It is very hard to get rid of a default judgment if 30 days have passed since it was entered. You will have to file a petition for relief from the judgment.

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

The Big Picture

Learn what to do if you miss a court date and get a default judgment, including how to file a motion to vacate it within 30 days to avoid wage garnishment, frozen accounts, liens on property, and damage to your credit.
More on Vacating a default judgment

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Follow step-by-step instructions for handling your legal issue.

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Filing a motion to vacate a default judgment How-To
Steps to file a motion to vacate a default judgment from the forms you need to how the court hearing works.
icon

Learn more

Find detailed explanations, frequently asked questions, videos, and related topics.

arrow
Undoing a default judgment after 30 days have passed Text article
It is very hard to get rid of a default judgment if 30 days have passed since it was entered. You will have to file a petition for relief from the judgment.