In order for default judgment to be entered, the citation and officer's return must be on file for at least how many days, excluding the filing date and judgment date?

• A. 10 days
• B. 5 days
• C. 20 days
• D. 15 days

Answer: (A)

When a default judgment is entered, there must be proof that the defendant was properly served and given a chance to respond. The citation (the notice of service) and the officer’s return (the proof that service occurred) have to be on file for a minimum number of days to confirm that service was completed and the defendant had notice before the court can grant default.

That minimum waiting period is ten days. The counting excludes the filing date and the date the judgment is entered, so you look at the full days after service before the judge or clerk can issue the default. For example, if service is filed on Monday, you’d count ten full days after that date, and the earliest default judgment could be entered would be after those ten days have passed, not counting the filing or judgment dates.

This ten-day requirement helps ensure due process by giving the defendant time to respond, while preventing indefinite delays.