After Set-Aside: Defending the Case on Its Merits

Winning the set-aside motion only opens the door — the case still must be defended.

The short version

Once the default is vacated, the case returns to the normal track: answer, discovery, pre-trial, hearing. The collector must now prove the debt the same as any other plaintiff. Use the time the reopening bought you.

What to do, in order

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Evidence and records to keep

["File the answer within the court's new deadline.", 'Serve discovery aimed at ownership and calculation documents.', 'Reassess settlement leverage now that the collector faces proof burdens.', 'Prepare witnesses and exhibits for hearing.', "Keep every filing's proof-of-service in one file."]

Verify before you file

Deadlines, fees, and forms in this area are set by statute, court rule, or tribunal practice, and they change. Confirm the current requirement on the official your state self-help portal or with the clerk before relying on anything here. This page is general procedural information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship.