What happens if the defendant fails to show?

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Small Claims Information

	What is a Small Claims Court.
	Who can sue in Small Claims Courts?
	Can the plaintiff bring an Lawyer to represent the plainitff in Small Claims Court?
	What kind of cases are filed in Small Claims Courts?
	Every state has a maximum amount a plaintiff can ask for. What is the maximum I can for sue in my state?
	What is the Statute of Limitations for my state?
	What should I do after I file a small claims complaint?
	What happens if the defendant fails to show?
	What happens during trial?
	Preparation for Trial

Small Claims Resource Center

What happens if the defendant fails to show?

If the defendant has been fully served and a proof of service has been filed then the case becomes complete. If the defendant fails to appear on that given trial date then the plaintiff wins by default. However, in may state the defendant has a 30 day appeal in which the defendant can reset the trial.