Can I Be Forced to Answer Interrogatories Because I Didn't Pay a Judgment?
Full Question:
Answer:
A "default judgment" may be rendered against a party if it is the result of a party's failure to take a necessary step in the action within the proper time; this generally means a failure to plead or otherwise defend within the time allowed. Since, under rules of procedure, allegations not specifically denied are deemed admitted, failure to file a responsive pleading will generally result in the entry of a default judgment against the defendant. When a complaint is filed and the defendant fails to file an answer within the applicable time period, a default judgment may be entered against the defendant.
If a judgment remains unpaid, the winning party may conduct discovery of the judgment debtor's assets to aid in collecting the judgment. If a deposition or set of interrogatories isn't answered, it's possible for the court to hold the the non-answering party in contempt. An examination of a judgment debtor is similar to a deposition. The person is asked questions under oath to determine the location and extent of the assets that may be used to pay the judgment. The scope of permissible discovery includes any matter that is not privileged, and that is relevant to the subject matter involved. The question asked must itself be admissible in evidence or be reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence.