Default judgment in Ohio: how to set it aside

Missed the deadline? Here is how to ask the court to cancel the default.

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 for relief from judgment under Civ.R. 60(B). It must be filed within a reasonable time, and no more than 1 year after the judgment if the reason is mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect, newly discovered evidence, or fraud.

Shortest time to ask
1 year (Civ.R. 60(B): mistake, neglect, new evidence or fraud)
Time to answer
28 days

How a default happens in Ohio

If you do not answer in time, the plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment. If you have appeared in the case, you must get written notice of the request at least 7 days before the hearing.

Canceling a default judgment in Ohio

File a motion for relief from judgment under Civ.R. 60(B). It must be filed within a reasonable time, and no more than 1 year after the judgment if the reason is mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect, newly discovered evidence, or fraud. Courts usually also look for a valid defense.

Law: Ohio Civ.R. 55(A), (B); Civ.R. 60(B)

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.

What the judgment means in Ohio

Interest after the judgment

The judgment earns interest at the rate in your written contract, if it sets one. If not, it earns the Ohio statutory rate in effect on the date of the judgment, which stays the same until it is paid. The statutory rate is set each October 15 by the Ohio Tax Commissioner for the next year: the federal short-term rate, rounded to a whole percent, plus 3%.

How long it lasts

A judgment becomes dormant if the creditor does not take a collection step (execution, judgment lien, garnishment or debtor exam) within 5 years of the judgment or the last such step. Each step restarts the 5 years. A dormant judgment can be revived within 10 years after it became dormant; no interest is added for the dormant period.

Law: R.C. 1343.03(A), (B); R.C. 5703.47; R.C. 2329.07(B)(1); R.C. 2325.18

After a judgment in Ohio

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)

Steps after a default in Ohio

  1. Get the judgment papers

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

  2. Act within the time limit

    The rule in Ohio: File a motion for relief from judgment under Civ.R. 60(B). It must be filed within a reasonable time, and no more than 1 year after the judgment if the reason is mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect, newly discovered evidence, or fraud.

  3. Give your reason and your defense

    Most courts want to know why you didn't answer and what your defense is. Attach your answer if the court asks.

  4. Watch for garnishment

    Read After a judgment in Ohio.

Free legal help in Ohio

Questions about default judgments in Ohio

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

28 days after you are served with the summons and complaint. If you were served by publication, 28 days after publication is complete.

What if I miss the deadline in Ohio?

If you do not answer in time, the plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment. If you have appeared in the case, you must get written notice of the request at least 7 days before the hearing.

Can I cancel a default judgment in Ohio?

File a motion for relief from judgment under Civ.R. 60(B). It must be filed within a reasonable time, and no more than 1 year after the judgment if the reason is mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect, newly discovered evidence, or fraud. Courts usually also look for a valid defense.

Keep reading about Ohio

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources