Default judgment in Nevada: 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. The court may set aside an entry of default for good cause. To set aside a default judgment, file a motion under JCRCP 60(b): for mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud, within 6 months after the judgment or after written notice of its entry was served, whichever is later; if the judgment is void (for example, you were never properly served), within a reasonable time.

Shortest time to ask
6 months (JCRCP 60(b): mistake, neglect, new evidence or fraud)
Time to answer
21 days

How a default happens in Nevada

If you don't answer in time, the clerk enters your default. If the claim is for a set amount (like a credit card balance), the clerk can enter a default judgment for that amount and costs on the plaintiff's affidavit, without a hearing. A judgment can lead to wage garnishment or a bank levy.

Asking the court to undo a default in Nevada

The court may set aside an entry of default for good cause. To set aside a default judgment, file a motion under JCRCP 60(b): for mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud, within 6 months after the judgment or after written notice of its entry was served, whichever is later; if the judgment is void (for example, you were never properly served), within a reasonable time. If you were not personally served and never appeared, the court can also set aside the default judgment on a motion filed within 6 months after written notice of its entry was served on you.

Law: JCRCP 55(c); JCRCP 60(d)(2); JCRCP 55, 60(b)-(d)

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 Nevada

Interest after the judgment

Unless a contract or the judgment sets a different rate, the prime rate at the largest bank in Nevada (as set by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions on January 1 or July 1 before the judgment) plus 2%, adjusted every January 1 and July 1. Interest runs from the date you were served.

How long it lasts

6 years. The creditor can renew the judgment by filing an Affidavit of Renewal of Judgment within 90 days before it expires and must mail you a copy by certified mail within 3 days. It can be renewed again the same way.

Law: NRS 17.130(2); NRS 11.190(1)(a); NRS 17.214

After a judgment in Nevada

Servicemembers

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)

What to do now in Nevada

  1. Read the judgment

    The judgment's date matters. Ask the clerk for a copy.

  2. Act within the time limit

    In Nevada: The court may set aside an entry of default for good cause.

  3. Give your reason and your defense

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

  4. Watch for garnishment

    Read After a judgment in Nevada.

  5. Ask for free help

    Legal aid can help for free: Nevada Legal Services (free legal aid) and Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada.

Free legal help in Nevada

Questions about default judgments in Nevada

How many days do I get to answer in Nevada?

21 days after you are served with the summons and complaint (Justice Court and District Court).

Can the plaintiff win by default in Nevada?

If you don't answer in time, the clerk enters your default. If the claim is for a set amount (like a credit card balance), the clerk can enter a default judgment for that amount and costs on the plaintiff's affidavit, without a hearing. A judgment can lead to wage garnishment or a bank levy.

How do I set aside a default in Nevada?

The court may set aside an entry of default for good cause. To set aside a default judgment, file a motion under JCRCP 60(b): for mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud, within 6 months after the judgment or after written notice of its entry was served, whichever is later; if the judgment is void (for example, you were never properly served), within a reasonable time. If you were not personally served and never appeared, the court can also set aside the default judgment on a motion filed within 6 months after written notice of its entry was served on you.

More for Nevada

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources