Default judgment in Kentucky: how to set it aside

What a default judgment means and how to ask the court to set it aside, with a deadline calculator.

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 written motion with the court that entered the judgment asking it to set aside the default judgment, explain why you did not answer, and state your defense.

Time to answer
20 days

If you didn't answer in Kentucky

If you do not file an Answer in time, a default judgment may be entered against you for what the complaint asks (AOC-105). The court uses a Default Judgment form (AOC-125). After judgment, the creditor can use garnishment or execution to collect.

How to set aside a default in Kentucky

File a written motion with the court that entered the judgment asking it to set aside the default judgment, explain why you did not answer, and state your defense. Kentucky Civil Rule 55.02 allows a default judgment to be set aside under Civil Rule 60.02. Act as soon as you learn of the judgment, because Rule 60.02 sets time limits.

Law: CR 55.02; CR 60.02; AOC-105; AOC-125

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 Kentucky

Interest after the judgment

6% a year, compounded annually, from the date the judgment is entered. If the judgment is on a contract, promissory note or other written obligation, it earns the interest rate set in that document.

Law: KRS 360.040(1), (3)

How long it lasts

An action on a judgment can be brought within 15 years, counted from the date of the last execution on it.

Law: KRS 413.090(1)

Law: KRS 360.040; KRS 413.090(1)

After a judgment in Kentucky

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 Kentucky

  1. Read the judgment

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

  2. Move fast

    Kentucky's rule: File a written motion with the court that entered the judgment asking it to set aside the default judgment, explain why you did not answer, and state your defense.

  3. Give your reason and your defense

    Courts usually ask for a good reason and a real defense.

  4. Know what can be taken

    See what is protected: After a judgment in Kentucky.

Where to get free help in Kentucky

Questions about default judgments in Kentucky

How many days do I get to answer in Kentucky?

20 days after you receive the summons. The 20 days start the day after you were served.

What happens if I don't answer in Kentucky?

If you do not file an Answer in time, a default judgment may be entered against you for what the complaint asks (AOC-105). The court uses a Default Judgment form (AOC-125). After judgment, the creditor can use garnishment or execution to collect.

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

File a written motion with the court that entered the judgment asking it to set aside the default judgment, explain why you did not answer, and state your defense. Kentucky Civil Rule 55.02 allows a default judgment to be set aside under Civil Rule 60.02. Act as soon as you learn of the judgment, because Rule 60.02 sets time limits.

More for Kentucky

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources