What is a default judgment?

A default judgment is a court ruling made when a person does not respond to a lawsuit. In Virginia, default judgments can be issued when a person does not respond within 21 days of being served a summons. Default judgments are often used in consumer debt defense cases. The court will usually take the side of the creditor and will issue a judgement in favor of the creditor, granting them the right to collect the amount owed from the borrower. In Virginia, it is important to take quick action if you have been served with a summons, as a default judgment can be issued if you do not respond within the allowed 21-day window. A default judgment essentially closes the case in favor of the creditor and prevents the debtor from contesting the debt in court. When a default judgment is issued, the creditor can begin the process of collecting the debt from the borrower. The creditor can take steps such as garnishing a person’s wages or levying their bank accounts to collect the debt. It is important to understand the potential consequences of a default judgment and to take steps to protect your legal rights by responding to the summons and defending yourself against the claim. If you are facing a consumer debt defense case in Virginia, you should contact an experienced consumer debt defense lawyer to assist you in defending yourself against the lawsuit.

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