What happens if you don't show up to small claims court and don't have the money to pay the person suing you?

Answer 1

If you don't show up on the court date, a default judgment will be entered, including court costs and service fees. The plaintiff may require you to come in to court to answer questions about your assets after the judgment is entered, and if you don't show up, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. If you lack the funds to pay the plaintiff, it is to your advantage to contact the plaintiff to arrange for a payment plan to be made.

Answer 2

The court will enter a default judgment against you. Or, more simply, you can be found responsible/guilty and the other party will have the legal right to attempt to collect the judgment against you. Depending on circumstances, you may have your paycheck garnished, your bank account frozen, or a levy placed against non-exempt personal property, any of which would be a nasty surprise, especially when you discover how long the statute of limitations is on debt collection.

There is also a public record of the judgment and of certain types of collection action, and the judgment will probably show on your credit report for at least seven years, even if you pay the debt (although it will show that the judgment is satisfied under those circumstances).

You really want to avoid this situation if you can. You would be wise to consult with an attorney. If you can't afford an attorney, contact your nearest Legal Aid Society.

Answer 3

They may be able to get a default judgement. The court can basically rule that by not showing up, you've admitted or conceded all of the plaintiff's claims. Which means they can attempt to collect the money they asked for through garnishment and other methods.

Answer 4

A default will be issued against you. Not showing is basically saying the other side is right in everything that they claim. Then they can find a way to get the money from you, such as a garnishment order against your wages.