Default judgment in Arizona: how to set it aside

How to undo a default judgment, how long you have, and what to do while you wait.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

A default judgment means the court decided against you because you didn't answer. File a Motion to Set Aside/Vacate Judgment under JCRCP Rule 141.

Time to answer
20 days

How a default happens in Arizona

If you do not file a written answer in time, the plaintiff can file an Application for Entry of Default and mail you a copy. If you file your answer within 10 court days after that application was filed, the default does not take effect and no default judgment is entered. After those 10 court days, the plaintiff can ask for a default judgment. If you miss a trial or hearing, the court can also enter judgment against you.

Canceling a default judgment in Arizona

File a Motion to Set Aside/Vacate Judgment under JCRCP Rule 141. Explain why you did not answer or appear and what your defense is. If this is your first filing in the case, you also pay the answer fee. The other side has 10 court days to respond. If the 14-day appeal time has passed, the motion must be formally served like a summons. Act as fast as you can.

Law: Superior Court: Ariz. R. Civ. P. 60; JCRCP Rule 141; Maricopa County Justice Courts, How to file a Civil Answer (default procedure) and Motion to Set Aside/Vacate Judgment instructions

Count your deadline to set aside a default

The date is counted in your browser.

The court's name is at the top of the judgment.

An estimate from our state data, not legal advice. Court holidays and local rules can change a deadline. File early, and ask the court clerk if you are not sure.

Interest and how long it lasts in Arizona

Interest after the judgment

If the contract sets an interest rate, the judgment carries that rate. If not, the rate is the lower of 10% a year or the prime rate plus 1%, fixed on the day of judgment. Medical debt judgments: no more than 3% a year or the 1-year Treasury rate, whichever is lower.

How long it lasts

10 years. The creditor can renew it for another 10 years by filing a renewal affidavit within the 90 days before it expires, or by suing on the judgment.

Law: A.R.S. § 44-1201(A)-(B); § 12-1551; § 12-1612

After a judgment in Arizona

If you are in the military

Before the court gives the plaintiff a default judgment, the plaintiff must file a sworn statement saying whether you are in military service.

Law: 50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(1)

Steps after a default in Arizona

  1. Find the judgment

    Get the judgment from the clerk; the date on it starts your time limits.

  2. Act within the time limit

    Arizona's rule: File a Motion to Set Aside/Vacate Judgment under JCRCP Rule 141.

  3. Say why you missed it

    Write down why you missed the deadline and why you don't owe what they claim.

  4. Protect your money

    Until it is set aside, the judgment can be collected: read After a judgment in Arizona.

Free legal help in Arizona

Questions about default judgments in Arizona

What is the deadline to answer a debt suit in Arizona?

20 calendar days after you are served in Arizona; 30 days if you were served outside Arizona. Do not count the day you were served. If the last day is a weekend or holiday, you have until the next business day.

Can the plaintiff win by default in Arizona?

If you do not file a written answer in time, the plaintiff can file an Application for Entry of Default and mail you a copy. If you file your answer within 10 court days after that application was filed, the default does not take effect and no default judgment is entered. After those 10 court days, the plaintiff can ask for a default judgment. If you miss a trial or hearing, the court can also enter judgment against you.

How long do I have to undo a default in Arizona?

File a Motion to Set Aside/Vacate Judgment under JCRCP Rule 141. Explain why you did not answer or appear and what your defense is. If this is your first filing in the case, you also pay the answer fee. The other side has 10 court days to respond. If the 14-day appeal time has passed, the motion must be formally served like a summons. Act as fast as you can.

Related Arizona pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources