1. Properly served notice to the defendant:
Ensure that the defendant has been legally served with notice of the lawsuit, as proper service is a fundamental requirement for pursuing a default judgment.
2. Filed a complaint with the court:
Initiate the legal action by filing a complaint outlining your claims and the relief you seek with the appropriate court.
3. Waited for the defendant's response deadline to expire:
Allow the defendant the required time to respond to the complaint, usually within 20 or 21 days from the date of service.
4. Verified jurisdiction and venue:
Confirm that the court where you filed the lawsuit has both jurisdiction over the matter and is the proper venue for your case.
5. Calculated the amount of damages accurately:
Accurately determine the damages you are seeking and provide clear evidence to support your claims.
6. Provided sufficient evidence to support your claims:
Compile all necessary evidence, documents, and exhibits to substantiate your case when seeking a default judgment.
7. Prepared a motion for default judgment:
Draft a well-crafted motion requesting a default judgment, outlining the reasons for pursuing it.
8. Complied with all procedural requirements:
Ensure that you have adhered to all procedural rules and requirements set forth by Texas law.
9. Scheduled a hearing date if necessary:
If the court requires a hearing for the default judgment, schedule it and notify all relevant parties.
10. Drafted a proposed default judgment order:
Prepare a proposed default judgment order that clearly states the relief sought and the legal basis for granting the default judgment.