Default judgment in Pennsylvania: 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. Magisterial District Court: there is no motion to reopen; you appeal to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days after the judgment is entered, by filing a notice of appeal with the prothonotary (with a copy of the Notice of Judgment).

Shortest time to ask
10 days (Common Pleas: petition to open (court must open it with a meritorious defense))
Time to answer
20 days

If you didn't answer in Pennsylvania

Magisterial District Court: if you do not appear at the hearing, the judge enters judgment for the plaintiff (or continues the case). Common Pleas: the plaintiff must first mail you a 10-day notice of its intent to ask for a default; then the prothonotary can enter a default judgment.

How to set aside a default in Pennsylvania

Magisterial District Court: there is no motion to reopen; you appeal to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days after the judgment is entered, by filing a notice of appeal with the prothonotary (with a copy of the Notice of Judgment). The case is then heard anew. Because you were the defendant, you must file with your notice of appeal a praecipe (request) for a rule ordering the plaintiff to file a complaint within 20 days. Serve the notice of appeal and the rule on the plaintiff and the magisterial district judge (in person or by certified or registered mail) and file proof of service with the prothonotary within 10 days after filing the appeal, or the appeal can be stricken. Common Pleas: file a petition to open the default judgment with your proposed answer attached; if you file within 10 days after the default is entered on the docket, the court must open it if your answer states a meritorious defense.

Law: Pa.R.C.P. 237.3; Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 319(B), 1002(A), 1004(B), 1005, 1006; Pa.R.C.P. 237.1, 237.3

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 Pennsylvania

Interest after the judgment

The lawful rate, which is 6% a year, unless another statute provides otherwise.

How long it lasts

The creditor can issue execution against personal property within 20 years after the judgment. The judgment's lien on real estate must be revived within 5 years to keep it.

Law: 42 Pa.C.S. § 8101; 41 P.S. § 202; 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 5526(1), 5529(a)

After a judgment in Pennsylvania

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)

What to do now in Pennsylvania

  1. Find the judgment

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

  2. Move fast

    In Pennsylvania: Magisterial District Court: there is no motion to reopen; you appeal to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days after the judgment is entered, by filing a notice of appeal with the prothonotary (with a copy of the Notice of Judgment).

  3. Explain why and show a defense

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

  4. Know what can be taken

    Read After a judgment in Pennsylvania.

Where to get free help in Pennsylvania

Questions about default judgments in Pennsylvania

How long do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

Magisterial District Court: no written answer is required. If you want to defend, notify the court in writing (the Notice of Intent to Defend form) and go to the hearing, which is set 12 to 60 days after filing. A claim of your own against the plaintiff must be filed at least 5 days before the hearing. Court of Common Pleas: file a written answer within 20 days after you are served with a complaint that has a Notice to Defend.

What happens if I don't answer in Pennsylvania?

Magisterial District Court: if you do not appear at the hearing, the judge enters judgment for the plaintiff (or continues the case). Common Pleas: the plaintiff must first mail you a 10-day notice of its intent to ask for a default; then the prothonotary can enter a default judgment.

How do I set aside a default in Pennsylvania?

Magisterial District Court: there is no motion to reopen; you appeal to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days after the judgment is entered, by filing a notice of appeal with the prothonotary (with a copy of the Notice of Judgment). The case is then heard anew. Because you were the defendant, you must file with your notice of appeal a praecipe (request) for a rule ordering the plaintiff to file a complaint within 20 days. Serve the notice of appeal and the rule on the plaintiff and the magisterial district judge (in person or by certified or registered mail) and file proof of service with the prothonotary within 10 days after filing the appeal, or the appeal can be stricken. Common Pleas: file a petition to open the default judgment with your proposed answer attached; if you file within 10 days after the default is entered on the docket, the court must open it if your answer states a meritorious defense.

Related Pennsylvania pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources