Defendant was a no show but filed a counter claim

[Valerie123]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I was a plaintiff in a small claims court. the defendant didnt show up to court and a judgement was made in my favor. Today I was served with a counter claim to my suit, same case # as my suit, but I was never informed that the defendant filed to vacate the judgement, appeared before the judge re: such, etc. DOesnt the defendant need to appear before the court to explain why they didnt show and if the judge allows they can then file an appeal?

 

[CourtClerk]

The defendant can't appeal if they didn't show to the trial, a motion to vacate is proper. Once the judgment is vacated, the defendant can file a counter-suit.