If you missed a court deadline or failed to respond to a lawsuit and the court entered a default against you, your case isn’t necessarily over. A Motion to Set Aside Default gives you the opportunity to explain what happened and ask the judge to let you back into the case.
At Courtroom5, we offer an AI-powered Motion to Set Aside Default drafting tool to help self-represented litigants prepare clear, persuasive motions. This tool is available exclusively with a Courtroom5 membership.
➡ Start your Motion to Set Aside Default journey here.
What Is a Motion to Set Aside Default?
When you don’t respond to a complaint on time, the opposing party can ask the court to enter a default judgment. A Motion to Set Aside Default asks the judge to cancel that judgment and let you participate in the case.
Courts will usually consider this motion if you can show:
- Excusable neglect – A valid reason for missing your deadline
- Meritorious defense – You have a real argument in the case
- Prompt action – You filed the motion soon after learning of the default
Challenges in Filing a Motion to Set Aside Default
Self-represented litigants may struggle with:
- Explaining the delay clearly and respectfully
- Proving that the other side won’t be unfairly harmed
- Following exact procedures for timing and service
Even if the court entered a default, you may still have a chance to be heard—if the motion is done right.
How Courtroom5’s AI-Powered Tool Can Help
Our drafting tool helps you:
- Gather the facts the judge needs to see
- Write a clear and convincing motion
- File and serve it properly under court rules
This tool is part of a Courtroom5 membership, which also includes legal document automation, case guidance, and training for people representing themselves in court.
➡ Start your Motion to Set Aside Default journey now and get your case back on track.
