Default judgment in Wyoming: 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 to set aside. The court may set aside an entry of default for good cause, and a default judgment under Rule 60(b).

Shortest time to ask
1 year (Rule 60(b): mistake, neglect, new evidence or fraud)
Time to answer
20 days

What a default judgment means in Wyoming

If you do not answer in time, the plaintiff can apply for entry of default, with an affidavit, and then a default judgment.

Asking the court to undo a default in Wyoming

File a motion to set aside. The court may set aside an entry of default for good cause, and a default judgment under Rule 60(b). A motion based on mistake, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect, newly discovered evidence or fraud must be made within a reasonable time and no more than 1 year after the judgment.

Law: Wyo. R. Civ. P. 55(c), 60(b)-(c)

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 Wyoming

Interest after the judgment

10% a year from the date of judgment until paid. If the judgment is based on a contract that set an interest rate, the judgment carries that rate.

How long it lasts

A judgment becomes dormant if no execution is issued within 5 years after it is entered, or if 5 years pass between executions; it then stops being a lien. A dormant judgment can be revived by an action brought within 10 years after it became dormant.

Law: Wyo. Stat. § 1-16-102; § 1-17-307; § 1-16-503

After a judgment in Wyoming

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)

Your next steps in Wyoming

  1. Get the judgment papers

    Ask the clerk for a copy of the judgment and note the date on it.

  2. Act within the time limit

    The rule in Wyoming: File a motion to set aside. The court may set aside an entry of default for good cause, and a default judgment under Rule 60(b).

  3. Explain why and show a defense

    Write down why you missed the deadline and why you don't owe what they claim.

  4. Know what can be taken

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

Free help in Wyoming

Questions about default judgments in Wyoming

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

20 days after you are served with the summons and complaint in Wyoming; 30 days if you were served outside Wyoming or by publication. In circuit court, a plaintiff can serve you before filing the complaint. Then it must file the complaint, summons and proof of service within 14 days and mail you a notice of filing; you have 35 days after the complaint is filed to answer. If it is not filed within 14 days after service, you do not need to answer and the case is treated as dismissed. Small claims: no answer is required; go to the hearing on the date set.

What happens if I don't answer in Wyoming?

If you do not answer in time, the plaintiff can apply for entry of default, with an affidavit, and then a default judgment.

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

File a motion to set aside. The court may set aside an entry of default for good cause, and a default judgment under Rule 60(b). A motion based on mistake, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect, newly discovered evidence or fraud must be made within a reasonable time and no more than 1 year after the judgment.

Keep reading about Wyoming

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources