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A debt owed by default judgment?

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This is somewhat of a debt collection question: But the amount of the debt has hitherto been undetermined...This is regarding California Federal Civil Court.

I am the Plaintiff in a civil litigation against several defendant's. The Defendant's were served with the complaint, and are now in default by failing to timely file an answer pursuant to the civil rules of procedure. I am under the impression that there exist many benefits when a plaintiff petitions for default judgment. I am also under the impression that the default judgment is for the dollar amount listed in the complaint and civil cover sheet. However, in my case I listed the amount desired as "to be assessed".

A.) What happens if I petition for default judgment and the Court grants my motion.

B.) How does the debt, or dollar amount, become determined if I ultimately win completely by default judgment?

C.) When does the amount become determined if I completely win by default judgment?

Is it generally most advantageous to petition for default judgment under any given situation? These are very wealthy corporation defendant's, whom I am assuming have the best lawyers money can buy. Are there any hidden pitfalls I should be aware about which make petitioning for default judgment not the best avenue? Meaning, can the defendant's be deliberately defaulting in order to gain some advantage by not filing an answer to the complaint and thereby coerce me into petitioning for default when no specific dollar amount has been requested in said complaint?
 


Dave1952

Senior Member
It's quite reasonable for you to now request a default judgment. In your request you should specify the amount that you are seeking and be prepared to justify that amount. The defendants may challenge that amount or the request for default.

Good luck
 

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