Get Alabama C 25A Form

Get Alabama C 25A Form

The Alabama C 25A form is an official document used to request a default judgment in the state of Alabama. This form allows a plaintiff to seek a judgment when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit. Understanding how to properly fill out this form is essential for ensuring that your legal rights are protected.

To begin the process of obtaining a default judgment, click the button below to fill out the Alabama C 25A form.

Structure

The Alabama C 25A form serves a crucial role in the legal process for obtaining a default judgment in civil cases. This form is designed for use in both Circuit and District Courts across Alabama. It allows a plaintiff to formally request that the court enter a default judgment against a defendant who has failed to respond to a summons or complaint. The form requires the affiant, typically the plaintiff or their representative, to provide personal knowledge of the case details, including the date the defendant was served and the time elapsed since that service. Essential information such as the amount claimed, any attorney fees, and whether the defendant is in military service must also be included. The form ensures that the legal requirements set forth in the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure are met, providing a structured way to document the request for judgment. Additionally, it includes sections for the affiant’s signature, the judge or clerk’s approval, and a certificate of service to confirm that all parties involved have been notified. By following this process, plaintiffs can seek resolution in cases where defendants do not engage in the legal proceedings.

Alabama C 25A Preview

State of Alabama

APPLICATION AND AFFIDAVIT FOR

 

Case Number

Unified Judicial System

 

 

Form C-25A Rev. 6/07

ENTRY OF DEFAULT JUDGMENT

 

 

 

 

 

IN THE ______________________________________COURT OF _____________________________________, ALABAMA

(Circuit or District)

(Name of County)

 

_______________________________________________ v. ____________________________________________________

Plaintiff

Defendant

I, affiant, request that the

clerk of court, or

judge, pursuant to Rule 55(b), Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure (ARCP),

enter a default judgment against the above - named defendant,* in the above case for the defendant's failing to plead, answer, or otherwise defend.

The affiant, __________________________________________________________________, being duly sworn, states as follows:

1.That the affiant has personal knowledge of the facts set forth in the affidavit.

2.That the defendant was served with a summons and a copy of the Statement of Claim/Complaint on (date) __________________.

3.That more than ________ days have elapsed since the defendant was served with a summons and a copy of the Statement of Claim/Compliant.

4.That the defendant has failed to answer or otherwise defend against the plaintiff’s Statement of Claim/Complaint.

5.That this affidavit is executed by the affiant in accordance with Rule 55(b), ARCP, for the purpose of enabling the plaintiff to obtain a default judgment against the defendant, for the defendant’s failing to answer or otherwise defend against the plaintiff’s Statement of Claim/Complaint.

6.That the defendant is not an infant or an incompetent person, and there has been no violation of the provisions of Ala. Code 1975,

 

Chapter 19, Title 5.

 

 

7.

That the defendant

is

is not in military service.

8.

Judgment Conditions: with without waiver of exemptions.

9. That the amount of money claimed by the defendant to the plaintiff is

 

THE SUM OF

$________________, which is to be determined as follows:

 

Principal Balance

$________________

 

Interest

$________________

 

Attorney Fee

$________________ (if requesting attorney’s fees, it must be determined by the judge, not the clerk).

(If provided by contract, note or law)

SPECIFY PROPERTY (Describe, on a separate sheet of paper, property of which the plaintiff demanded right to possession from the defendant in the Statement of Claim/Complaint.)

10. The affiant requests entry of judgment:

 

By the Court

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the Clerk

Sworn To and Subscribed Before Me This

 

 

 

Date: ___________________

 

 

 

 

________________________

__________________

Officer’s Signature

 

Title

Name of Affiant: _______________________________________

Signature of Affiant: ____________________________________

Affiant’s Home or Business Address (if not represented by an attorney):

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

CityStateZip Code

Name of Attorney: ______________________________________

Signature of Attorney: ___________________________________

Business Address of Attorney: ____________________________

_____________________________________________________

City

State

Zip Code

Default judgment is hereby rendered against the defendant in the amount of $ ________________

_________________________

_____________________________________________________

Date

Judge/Clerk

Default judgment is hereby rendered against the defendant and the plaintiff is awarded right to posession of the property sworn to in the

affidavit above.

 

 

_________________________

_____________________________________________________

Date

Judge/Clerk

 

 

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ON OTHER PARTIES

 

I hereby certify that a copy of this Application, Affidavit, and Entry of Default Judgment has been

Signed ________________________

sent, by first class mail, postage prepaid, to all parties who are not in default in this case.

 

Rule 55, ARCP

* Separate form shall be completed for each defendant in cases involving multiple defendants.

Pursuant to Ala. Code 1975, §12-19-71(a) (10), a filing fee is required when seeking a default judgment pursuant to Rule 55(b), ARCP.

Original – Court File

Copy – Plaintiff

Copy - Defendant

Document Data

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The Alabama C 25A form is governed by Rule 55(b) of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure (ARCP).
Purpose This form is used to request a default judgment against a defendant who has failed to respond to a lawsuit.
Service Requirement The defendant must have been served with a summons and a copy of the Statement of Claim/Complaint before a default judgment can be entered.
Filing Fee A filing fee is required when submitting the C 25A form, as mandated by Ala. Code 1975, §12-19-71(a)(10).

How to Use Alabama C 25A

Filling out the Alabama C 25A form is an essential step in seeking a default judgment against a defendant who has not responded to a legal claim. After completing this form, you will submit it to the appropriate court, along with any required fees, to initiate the process of obtaining a default judgment.

  1. Begin by entering the case number at the top of the form.
  2. Fill in the name of the court (either Circuit or District) and the name of the county.
  3. In the blank space, write the names of the plaintiff and the defendant.
  4. Check the box indicating that you, the affiant, are requesting the clerk or judge to enter a default judgment.
  5. Provide your name in the space designated for the affiant.
  6. Confirm your personal knowledge of the facts stated in the affidavit.
  7. State the date when the defendant was served with a summons and a copy of the Statement of Claim/Complaint.
  8. Indicate the number of days that have passed since the defendant was served.
  9. Assert that the defendant has failed to respond to the Statement of Claim/Complaint.
  10. Confirm that the affidavit complies with Rule 55(b), ARCP.
  11. State that the defendant is not an infant or incompetent person.
  12. Indicate whether the defendant is in military service.
  13. Check the appropriate box for judgment conditions: with or without waiver of exemptions.
  14. Fill in the amount of money claimed, breaking it down into principal balance, interest, and attorney fees if applicable.
  15. Describe any property involved in the claim on a separate sheet if necessary.
  16. Select whether you are requesting entry of judgment by the court or the clerk.
  17. Sign and date the form in the designated area.
  18. Include your home or business address if you are not represented by an attorney.
  19. If applicable, provide your attorney's name, signature, and business address.
  20. Complete the certificate of service section, certifying that copies of the application and affidavit were sent to all parties not in default.

Key Facts about Alabama C 25A

What is the Alabama C 25A form?

The Alabama C 25A form is an application and affidavit used to request a default judgment in civil cases. It is filed with the court when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit. This form allows the plaintiff to seek a judgment without the defendant's participation, provided the necessary legal requirements are met.

When should I use the C 25A form?

You should use the C 25A form when the defendant has been served with a summons and a copy of the complaint but has not filed a response or defended against the claim within the time frame specified by law. This form is particularly useful when you want to expedite the process of obtaining a judgment in your favor.

What information do I need to complete the C 25A form?

To complete the C 25A form, you will need to provide details such as the case number, names of the parties involved, the date the defendant was served, and the number of days that have passed since service. Additionally, you must specify the amount of money claimed and indicate whether the judgment should be with or without a waiver of exemptions.

How do I know if the defendant is in military service?

To determine if the defendant is in military service, you may need to check the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center or use the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) database. It is important to ensure that the defendant's military status is verified, as special protections may apply to those serving in the military.

What happens after I submit the C 25A form?

Once you submit the C 25A form, the court will review it. If everything is in order and the requirements are met, the court will issue a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff. This judgment can include monetary damages or possession of property, depending on what is requested in the application.

Is there a filing fee associated with the C 25A form?

Yes, there is a filing fee required when submitting the C 25A form to the court. This fee varies by jurisdiction, so it is advisable to check with the local court for the exact amount. Payment is typically made at the time of filing.

Can I request attorney's fees in the C 25A form?

Yes, you can request attorney's fees in the C 25A form. However, it is important to note that the amount must be determined by the judge, not the clerk. Be prepared to provide justification for the requested fees if the judge requires it.

What should I do if there are multiple defendants?

If there are multiple defendants in your case, you must complete a separate C 25A form for each defendant. This ensures that each defendant is properly accounted for and that the court can issue judgments as necessary for each party involved.

How do I serve the C 25A form to other parties?

You must certify that a copy of the C 25A form has been sent to all parties not in default in the case. This is typically done by mailing a copy via first-class mail, with postage prepaid. Ensure that you keep a record of this service for your files.

What if I need assistance with the C 25A form?

If you need assistance with completing the C 25A form, consider reaching out to a legal professional or a local legal aid organization. They can provide guidance and ensure that your form is filled out correctly to avoid delays in the process.

Common mistakes

When completing the Alabama C 25A form, individuals often make several common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications in the legal process. One frequent error is failing to provide accurate information about the defendant. It is essential to ensure that the name and address of the defendant are correct. Any discrepancies can result in the court rejecting the application for default judgment.

Another mistake involves the date of service. Applicants sometimes forget to fill in the date when the defendant was served with the summons and complaint. This information is crucial, as it establishes the timeline for the defendant's response. If the date is missing or incorrect, it could undermine the claim for a default judgment.

People also often overlook the requirement to specify the amount of money claimed. The form requires a detailed breakdown of the total amount, including principal balance, interest, and attorney fees. Failing to include this information or providing incomplete figures can lead to confusion and potentially delay the judgment process.

In addition, applicants may neglect to indicate whether the defendant is in military service. This is an important consideration, as it affects the legal rights of the defendant and the ability to proceed with a default judgment. Omitting this information can result in legal complications and may require additional steps to resolve.

Lastly, individuals sometimes forget to sign the affidavit or have it properly notarized. The signature of the affiant and the notary's acknowledgment are critical components of the form. Without these, the application may be deemed invalid, leading to further delays in obtaining the desired judgment.

Documents used along the form

When pursuing a default judgment in Alabama, several documents may accompany the Alabama C 25A form. Each of these forms plays a crucial role in the legal process and helps ensure that all necessary information is presented to the court. Below are some commonly used documents.

  • Statement of Claim/Complaint: This document outlines the plaintiff's case against the defendant. It details the facts, legal basis for the claim, and the relief sought. The Statement of Claim must be served to the defendant to initiate the legal process.
  • Summons: A summons is a legal document issued by the court that notifies the defendant of the lawsuit. It provides essential information, including the time frame within which the defendant must respond. Proper service of the summons is critical for the court to have jurisdiction over the defendant.
  • Affidavit of Service: This document serves as proof that the defendant was properly served with the summons and complaint. It typically includes details about how and when the service was completed. The affidavit is important to establish that the defendant had notice of the proceedings.
  • Certificate of Service: This certificate confirms that copies of the Application and Affidavit for Entry of Default Judgment have been sent to all parties involved in the case. It ensures that all parties are informed of the actions being taken in court.

These documents collectively support the process of obtaining a default judgment and help ensure that the rights of all parties are respected. Proper preparation and submission of these forms can significantly impact the outcome of the case.

Similar forms

The Alabama C 25A form is used for requesting a default judgment. It has similarities with several other legal documents. Below are four documents that share characteristics with the C 25A form:

  • Motion for Default Judgment: This document is filed when a defendant fails to respond to a complaint. Like the C 25A form, it requests the court to enter a judgment against the defendant due to their inaction.
  • Affidavit of Service: This document verifies that a defendant was properly served with legal papers. Similar to the C 25A form, it includes details about the service date and the method of service, which are crucial for establishing the court's jurisdiction.
  • Complaint: This is the initial document filed to start a lawsuit. It outlines the plaintiff's claims against the defendant. The C 25A form references the complaint, as it is the basis for seeking a default judgment when the defendant does not respond.
  • Judgment Entry Form: After a judgment is made, this form officially records the court's decision. It is similar to the C 25A form in that both documents are used to finalize the outcome of a case, with the C 25A form initiating the process for a default judgment.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Alabama C 25A form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are nine important dos and don’ts to consider:

  • Do provide complete and accurate information about the case number and court details.
  • Do ensure that the affiant has personal knowledge of the facts being stated.
  • Do specify the date when the defendant was served with the summons and complaint.
  • Do confirm that the defendant has not responded within the required timeframe.
  • Do check that the affidavit is signed and sworn before a notary public or authorized officer.
  • Don’t leave any sections blank; incomplete forms may lead to delays or rejections.
  • Don’t forget to specify whether the defendant is in military service or not.
  • Don’t request attorney fees unless they are clearly outlined and justified in the form.
  • Don’t submit the form without ensuring that all parties have been properly notified.

Adhering to these guidelines will facilitate a smoother process in obtaining a default judgment. It is crucial to approach this task with diligence and attention to detail.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Alabama C 25A form can lead to confusion and errors in the legal process. Here are four common misconceptions:

  • The form can be used for any type of case. The Alabama C 25A form is specifically designed for cases where a default judgment is sought. It is not applicable for every type of legal action.
  • Filing the form guarantees a default judgment. While the form initiates the process, a default judgment is not guaranteed. The court must review the application and may require additional information or a hearing.
  • Only attorneys can file the C 25A form. Individuals can file this form as well. However, they must ensure they meet all the requirements outlined in the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.
  • The form is unnecessary if the defendant is unresponsive. Even if a defendant does not respond, the plaintiff must still complete and file the C 25A form to formally request a default judgment.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Alabama C 25A form, it is essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure a smooth process. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Understand the Purpose: The Alabama C 25A form is used to request a default judgment against a defendant who has failed to respond to a legal complaint.
  • Provide Accurate Information: Fill in the case number, names of the court, plaintiff, and defendant carefully. Errors can lead to delays.
  • Affiant's Role: The person completing the form (the affiant) must have personal knowledge of the facts. This ensures the information provided is credible.
  • Service of Process: Confirm that the defendant was properly served with the summons and complaint. This is crucial for the court to grant a default judgment.
  • Timeframe Matters: You must indicate that a specific number of days have passed since the defendant was served without a response. This period is typically at least 30 days.
  • Judgment Amount: Clearly specify the amount being claimed, breaking it down into principal, interest, and attorney fees if applicable. This clarity helps the court in making a decision.
  • Military Status: Verify and state whether the defendant is in military service. This is important as it may affect the judgment process.

By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate the process of using the Alabama C 25A form more effectively.