Default judgment in the District of Columbia: 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 Vacate Default Judgment (Small Claims and Conciliation Branch Motion form; $10 fee unless waived).

Shortest time to ask
28 days (Motion for a New Trial or to Alter or Amend)
Time to answer
21 days

How a default happens in the District of Columbia

If you do not come to court and the judge finds you were properly served, the judge can enter a default judgment, or a default with a later hearing where the plaintiff proves the amount. In a consumer debt case, the judge must first check that the collector followed D.C.'s filing and proof rules.

How to set aside a default in the District of Columbia

File a Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Small Claims and Conciliation Branch Motion form; $10 fee unless waived). Under Civil Rule 60(c), the motion must be made within a reasonable time, and no more than 1 year after the judgment if the reason is mistake, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud. A Motion for a New Trial or to Alter or Amend the Judgment must be filed no later than 28 days after the judgment.

Law: Super. Ct. Sm. Cl. R. 12(b); Super. Ct. Civ. R. 60(b)-(c), 59; D.C. Code § 28-3814(t)

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 the District of Columbia

Interest after the judgment

The contract rate if the contract sets one. Otherwise, 70% of the IRS underpayment rate, rounded to the nearest full percent; the court can lower it for good cause or if you cannot pay in good faith. The court's posted rate is 5% a year since January 1, 2025.

How long it lasts

12 years from when it could first be enforced. The creditor can extend it for another 12 years by getting an order of revival before it expires. A new law bars revival of medical debt judgments once it takes effect.

Law: D.C. Code § 28-3302(c); § 15-101; § 15-103

After a judgment in the District of Columbia

Mediation and settlement in the District of Columbia

In Small Claims, when both sides are present, the case is sent to mediation with a trained court mediator (usually remote) before any trial. If you settle, the terms are filed with the court; if not, a judge sets a trial date (D.C. Superior Court Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division).

Military service and defaults

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 the District of Columbia

  1. Read the judgment

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

  2. Mind the time limit

    The rule in the District of Columbia: File a Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Small Claims and Conciliation Branch Motion form; $10 fee unless waived).

  3. Give your reason and your defense

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

  4. Watch for garnishment

    See what is protected: After a judgment in the District of Columbia.

Where to get free help in the District of Columbia

Questions about default judgments in the District of Columbia

How long do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in the District of Columbia?

Small Claims: in most cases you do not have to file a written answer. Go to the first court date on your notice and tell the judge why you disagree. You must file in writing only for a set-off or counterclaim, or a verified answer if you want a jury trial (on or before the first court date). Civil Actions Branch: 21 days after you are served.

Can the plaintiff win by default in the District of Columbia?

If you do not come to court and the judge finds you were properly served, the judge can enter a default judgment, or a default with a later hearing where the plaintiff proves the amount. In a consumer debt case, the judge must first check that the collector followed D.C.'s filing and proof rules.

How long do I have to undo a default in the District of Columbia?

File a Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Small Claims and Conciliation Branch Motion form; $10 fee unless waived). Under Civil Rule 60(c), the motion must be made within a reasonable time, and no more than 1 year after the judgment if the reason is mistake, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud. A Motion for a New Trial or to Alter or Amend the Judgment must be filed no later than 28 days after the judgment.

Related the District of Columbia pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources