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Undoing a default judgment after 30 days have passed
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
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
