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What happens if I do not show up for the hearing?
If you are the defendant and cannot go to court at the time of the
hearing, write the small claims clerk as soon as possible. Ask if you can get the date changed. Otherwise, if you are properly notified about the hearing and do not show up, the judge is likely to order a "default judgment" against you. This means the court - after hearing evidence from the other side has decided against you.
If you are the plaintiff and you do not show up, the judge may dismiss your case or decide in favor of the defendant. In either case, to get a second chance to tell your side of the story, there must be a very good reason why you did not attend the hearing. If you think the judge will accept your reason, file a motion to "vacate the judgment." You must do this within 20 days of the date that the clerk mailed you the notice of the court's decision. The clerk will give you the forms to fill out. If you do not file this motion, you will not be allowed to appeal the decision to a higher court either.
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