Why do most people get default judgments?
If you are sued for a debt, it’s important to understand what could happen if you don’t respond. One of the most common outcomes in these cases is called a default judgment.
What is a Default Judgement?
When you are served with court papers, you usually have 30 days to respond. If you don’t file a response or show up in court, the creditor can ask the judge to issue a default judgment. This means the court automatically rules in favor of the creditor because no defense was presented.
What Happens After a Default Judgment?
A judgment gives the creditor legal rights to collect the debt. In California, judgments are valid for 10 years and can be renewed for another 5 years. During this time, interest continues to add up.
Once a judgment is entered, creditors can use stronger collection methods, such as:
- Wage garnishments – taking money directly from your paycheck
- Bank levies – taking funds directly from your bank account
- Property liens – placing a claim on your home or other property
These collection tools can have long-lasting effects on your financial stability.
Why It Matters
Default is rarely a good option. Even if you owe some or all of the debt, responding to the lawsuit gives you the opportunity to:
- Verify the debt is accurate
- Raise any legal defenses you may have
- Work toward a possible settlement
By taking action, you keep your rights in the case and avoid an automatic loss.