What this form actually does
When a defendant is properly served with a summons and complaint and doesn't file a timely response, the plaintiff can ask the court clerk to enter their "default." Entering default doesn't itself award any money or possession — it simply cuts off the defendant's right to file an answer and clears the way for the plaintiff to request a default judgment. CIV-100 is the request that starts that process.
Before you file
- Confirm valid service. A Proof of Service must already be on file showing how and when the defendant was served — the clerk will check this before entering default.
- Confirm the response window has closed. Recheck the applicable deadline for your case type, and don't file early — clerks reject requests filed before the time to respond has run.
- Decide what you're asking for. CIV-100 has separate sections depending on whether you want the clerk to enter a default judgment directly (only available for a "sum certain" — a fixed, easily calculated amount) or whether you'll need a default judgment prove-up hearing or declaration package afterward.
Filling it out, section by section
- Caption. Match the case number and party names exactly to the filed complaint.
- Item 1 — Applies to defendant(s). List every defendant you're requesting default against; if there are multiple defendants, some courts want separate requests unless all are in default together.
- Item 2 — Judgment to be entered. Check the correct box: clerk's judgment (sum certain contract/money cases only) versus court judgment (everything else, including most unlawful detainer and personal injury cases).
- Item 3 — Amount. If applicable, itemize the demand: principal, interest, costs, and attorney's fees, each with its own line and legal basis.
- Declaration of mailing. Most versions require you to certify that a copy of the request was mailed to the defendant at their last known address, unless the court waives this.
- Memorandum of costs. Attach an itemized list of costs actually incurred (filing fee, service fee) with supporting documentation where required.
Common mistakes
- Filing before the response deadline has actually expired.
- Requesting a clerk's judgment for an amount that isn't truly a "sum certain" (e.g., it requires the court to calculate damages).
- Missing the mailing declaration or memorandum of costs.
- Not accounting for every named defendant — default against one doesn't resolve claims against co-defendants who were never served or who did respond.
After default is entered
Entry of default is not the end of the case. For a sum-certain clerk's judgment, the clerk may enter judgment directly. Otherwise, the plaintiff typically must still request a default judgment — through a prove-up hearing, written declarations, or a judge's review of submitted evidence — before any judgment or writ of possession can be enforced.