A summons is a document that informs a defendant that he or she is being sued and asserts the jurisdiction of the court to hear and determine the case. A summons can be served for many reasons which include divorce proceedings, traffic fines, outstanding fees, etc.

A simple summons sets out very briefly the details of the case. A combined summons does not set out the details or reasons as to why the action is being instituted, and such details can be found in the particulars of claim. It is important to take notice of the fine print on the summons. This is where you will find the information regarding when and where you should file your Notice of Intention to Defend, should you wish to defend the matter. An attorney usually drafts the notice and files it at court, however, it is not uncommon for people to defend such actions themselves. If you wish to defend the matter yourself, it is important to serve it on the opposing attorneys (these details are on the summons) and file it at court.

Time deadlines

With regards to any normal summons the time period to file the Notice of Intention to Defend is 10 days and 20 days to file the opposing papers. If the defendant resides or is located in a 160 km radius outside the court, the defendant then has 21 days to file their Notice of Intention to Defend and 20 days to file their opposing papers.

Default judgment

Once the 10 or 20 days has passed and no Notice of Intention to Defend has been filed, the attorneys will immediately apply for default judgement. This may result in a judgement against your name. Once a Judge/Magistrate has granted default judgement, a warrant of execution can be issued in order to attach property and/or money for the amount as stated on the summons. If the Sheriff finds that there is no property to attach in order to obtain the money, the attorneys will go ahead with a Section 65A (1) application. This application requires the debtor to present their income and expenses to the court and provide an amount which can be paid off monthly in order to settle their debt.A judgement will only be removed from your record once a rescission order is granted and/or proof is provided that the amount cited on the summons has been paid in full. If the amount has been paid in full, you can contact TransUnion directly and get the judgement removed for free once proof of payment has been sent.

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