NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE — CIVIL PROCEDURE

CV-315 — Application for Entry of Default

G.S. 1A-1, Rule 55(a) · Fill in your case details and download a court-ready PDF. Free. No account required.
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01 ATTORNEY INFORMATION
02 CASE INFORMATION
03 COMPLAINT & SUMMONS
04 SERVICE INFORMATION
— Enter service date above —
⚠ FEWER THAN 30 DAYS HAVE ELAPSED — Defendant's response period has not yet expired. Do not file this application until 30 days have passed since service.
05 DEFAULT VERIFICATION
I, the undersigned attorney for Plaintiff, certify that Defendant has been duly served with the Summons and Complaint in this action, that more than 30 days have elapsed since service, and that Defendant has not answered, pleaded, or otherwise appeared or defended in this action. I am therefore entitled to entry of default pursuant to G.S. 1A-1, Rule 55(a).
06 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE (THIS APPLICATION)
SELECTED COUNTY
— Select above —

WHAT IS ENTRY OF DEFAULT?

  • Entry of default is the Clerk's official recognition that a defendant failed to respond to a lawsuit within the required time
  • Default is NOT the same as a default judgment — it merely establishes that the defendant has not responded
  • After default is entered, you must file a separate Motion for Default Judgment (CV-317) to actually collect
  • Defendant can move to set aside default for "good cause" even after it is entered

THE 30-DAY RULE

  • Defendant has 30 days from the date of service to file an Answer or other responsive pleading
  • For service by publication, the 30-day period runs from the date publication is completed
  • Do not file this application until 30 days have passed — the Clerk will reject a premature application
  • If defendant was served outside NC, longer periods may apply — confirm with Rule 12

DEFAULT PROCEDURE SEQUENCE

  • Step 1: File Complaint & serve Defendant
  • Step 2: Wait 30 days with no response
  • Step 3: File this Application (CV-315)
  • Step 4: Clerk issues Entry of Default (CV-316)
  • Step 5: File Motion for Default Judgment (CV-317)
  • Step 6: Obtain Order for Default Judgment (CV-318)

STATUTORY REFERENCE

G.S. 1A-1, Rule 55(a)Entry of default
G.S. 1A-1, Rule 12(a)30-day response period
G.S. 1A-1, Rule 4Service of process
G.S. 1A-1, Rule 55(d)Set aside for good cause

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