I received a motion default judgment because i didn't respond to plaintiff complaint , can i file opposition to motion ?

Attorney answers (4)

1. Licensed in CA

   

   Isileli Mataele

   San Diego Litigation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 18

   8

   Lawyers agree

   Answered February 20, 2013 15:47. If it is in CA, you simply try to beat the acceptance of the default. If it is already accepted you need to set it aside asap but no later than 6 months. If it is in NY, you need to ask a NY lawyer.

   This is not a comprehensive answer and it is impossible to provide a meaningful response without a consultation.... moreThis is not a comprehensive answer and it is impossible to provide a meaningful response without a consultation. Call us for more information. 619.797.5456 www.mataelelaw.com less

   • Mark as helpful
   • 1 comment
   • Flag
2. Licensed in CA

   

   Frank Chen

   San Marino Litigation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 20

   8

   Lawyers agree

   Answered February 20, 2013 22:52. You'll need to re-post and run this question by a New York attorney if the case is in New York. In California, a request for a default and/or default judgment does not even require a motion (and hence no opposition is permitted nor required).

   Frank W. Chen has been licensed to practice law in California since 1988. The information presented here is... moreFrank W. Chen has been licensed to practice law in California since 1988. The information presented here is general in nature and is not intended, nor should be construed, as legal advice for a particular case. This Avvo.com posting does not create any attorney-client relationship with the author. For specific advice about your particular situation, please consult with your own attorney. less

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag
3. Licensed in CA

   

   Robert Stempler

   Palm Springs Litigation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 18

   6

   Lawyers agree

   1

   Helpful vote

   Answered February 20, 2013 23:09. The request for a default judgment, once filed, must be challenged by filing a motion to set the default aside. If you were properly served with the lawsuit and mistakenly did not file the response within the time limits, then the motion to set aside is under Section 473 of the Cal. Code of Civil Procedure (mistake, inadvertence, excusable neglect). However, you must act very soon under this statute, or you will be barred, probably after 90 days
   
   I have an entire blog, linked below, on options to a default judgment. In particular, if you were NOT served properly, then you have more options and are not limited by Section 473, because the court did not properly acquire jurisdiction over the defendant with proper service. However, I still advise very prompt action by filing a proper motion with the court with sufficient evidence, as some judges require prompt action to set aside an invalid default judgment. Delay could mean that the judge will deny a motion to set aside a default judgment, but you would still want to explore the other options in my blog posting, below. I believe you should consult experienced defense counsel. If this is an unpaid debt, such as a credit card, then someone who has experience defending debt collection lawsuits, as many attorneys simply believe that if you had the credit card, a judgment is almost inevitable. It is not, see my blog, below.
   
   Robert Stempler (please see DISCLAIMER below)
   www.StopCollectionLawsuits.com
   www.facebook.com/SoCalConsumerLawyer
   Twitter: @RStempler

   NOTICE: The above statements are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended as legal... moreNOTICE: The above statements are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended as legal advice or advice of any sort for a specific case or legal matter. If you do not have a signed attorney-client fee agreement with the Consumer Law Office of Robert Stempler, APC ("the Firm"), then until such written fee agreement is provided and signed by both a prospective client and attorney for a particular case, neither Mr. Stempler nor the Firm will represent you nor will they be your attorney in any matter and you remain responsible for retaining your own attorney and for compliance with any and all deadlines and for any statutes of limitations that may pertain to potential claims. Comments made on a public forum, such as Avvo.com, to not have any confidentiality because others may read them. If you desire a private consultation with Mr. Stempler that is confidential, please go to www.StopCollectionLawsuits.com and submit a free eCase Review. The result portrayed for a client was dependent on the facts of that case. Results will differ if based on different facts. The Firm and Mr. Stempler are a debt relief agency. The Firm and Mr. Stempler help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. less

   • Options When Discovering A Default Money Judgment
   • A Money Judgment is Not Inevitable On a Debt Collection Lawsuit

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag
4. 

   Jeffrey Schwimmer

   New York Personal Injury Lawyer

   Contributor Level 17

   3

   Lawyers agree

   1

   Helpful vote

   Answered February 21, 2013 12:48. If the motion for default is for a New York Action, you should file and serve a Cross- Motion, which opposes the granting of a default judgment and requests the court to permit you to file and serve a late answer. A successful cross-motion will (a) provide a good faith reasonable excuse as to why your did not timely answer the complaint served on you (ie- I don't live where the papers were sent; I was in the hospital for period of time; I have been out of the country for and just got back [obviously you would have to provide documentary evidence that proves what you were claiming as an excuse]and (b) will establish that you have a "meritorious defense" to the claim(s) being made to you. It could actually also seek alternative relief to dismiss the action if you were not properly served under New York procedural law. DO NOT DELAY.
   
   Jeffey I. SchwimmerEsq
   20 Vesey Street - Suite 1200
   New York, NY 10007
   (212) 344-6700
   (212) 344-5163 (fax)
   JSchwimmerEsq@verizon.net

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag