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A default judgment means that the plaintiff (the party suing you) wins automatically, because you did not respond to the complaint.
Default judgments are binding and failure to comply with them means that enforcement action could be taken.
Usually, the court gives the debtor (you, the defendant) an additional 20 days until the judgment matures and is executed. It’s not too late! If you respond quickly you could avoid the negative consequences of a default judgment.
A default judgment may lead to the following actions taken against you:
- Wage garnishment, sent directly to your employer. The employer must comply or they can be liable.
- Property seizures of assets, such as your car.
- Bank account freezes. Often banks don’t issue any warning or notification prior to or after placing a freeze.