Default judgment in Washington: 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 (set aside) the default judgment with a declaration stating the facts and your defense; the court sets a hearing (order to show cause).

Shortest time to ask
1 year (Mistake, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect or irregularity: outer limit)
Time to answer
20 days

What a default judgment means in Washington

If you do not answer or appear in time, the plaintiff can ask for a default and a default judgment. If you have appeared in the case (for example, by filing a notice of appearance or an answer), you must get written notice of the default motion at least 5 days before the hearing. If more than 1 year has passed since you were served with no appearance, you must be given at least 10 days' notice before a default is entered.

Asking the court to undo a default in Washington

File a motion to vacate (set aside) the default judgment with a declaration stating the facts and your defense; the court sets a hearing (order to show cause). 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 or irregularity. A default entered in the wrong district must be vacated on motion. A void judgment (for example, if you were never properly served) can be challenged later.

Law: CR 55; CRLJ 55(a)(3), (c), (f); CR 60(b), (e); CRLJ 60(b), (e)

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.

The judgment in Washington

Interest after the judgment

A judgment for consumer debt earns 9% a year, unless a written contract sets a specific interest rate and that rate is stated in the judgment. For private student loan debt it is 2 points above the prime rate.

Law: RCW 4.56.110(1), (4), (5)

How long it lasts

A creditor can collect for 10 years from the date of judgment. Within the 90 days before it expires, the creditor can ask the court for one more 10 years. No judgment can be enforced for more than 20 years.

Law: RCW 4.56.110; RCW 6.17.020(1), (3), (7)

After a judgment in Washington

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)

Your next steps in Washington

  1. Find the judgment

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

  2. Act within the time limit

    Washington's rule: File a motion to vacate (set aside) the default judgment with a declaration stating the facts and your defense; the court sets a hearing (order to show cause).

  3. Explain why and show a 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

    Until it is set aside, the judgment can be collected: read After a judgment in Washington.

Where to get free help in Washington

Questions about default judgments in Washington

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

20 days after you are served, not counting the day you were served. In superior court, it is 60 days if you were served in person outside Washington. If you were served by publication, it is 60 days from the first publication.

What happens if I don't answer in Washington?

If you do not answer or appear in time, the plaintiff can ask for a default and a default judgment. If you have appeared in the case (for example, by filing a notice of appearance or an answer), you must get written notice of the default motion at least 5 days before the hearing. If more than 1 year has passed since you were served with no appearance, you must be given at least 10 days' notice before a default is entered.

Can I cancel a default judgment in Washington?

File a motion to vacate (set aside) the default judgment with a declaration stating the facts and your defense; the court sets a hearing (order to show cause). 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 or irregularity. A default entered in the wrong district must be vacated on motion. A void judgment (for example, if you were never properly served) can be challenged later.

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Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources