California · Code of Civil Procedure - CCP

CCP §473.2: (a) A party that was not served with a summons and complaint in accordance with this chapter may file and serve a motion to set aside or vacate the default or default judgment and for leave to defend

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

A party not properly served with a summons and complaint may file a motion to set aside a default judgment by providing evidence that service was unlawful. The responding party must then prove service was lawful by a preponderance of the evidence.

Read the full statutory text
(a) A party that was not served with a summons and complaint in accordance with this chapter may file and serve a motion to set aside or vacate the default or default judgment and for leave to defend the action or to move for dismissal. (b) (1) A party moving to set aside or vacate a default or a default judgment pursuant to subdivision (a) shall proffer evidence, through a sworn affidavit or otherwise, that service was not lawfully effected. Proffering evidence that service was not lawfully effected rebuts a presumption of the facts stated in the process server’s return. (2) If a process server files their return before the operative date of this section, the absence of the photograph required by Section 417.10 shall not by itself render the proof of service unlawful or insufficient. (c) In responding to a motion that is filed pursuant to this section and that complies with subdivision (b), the party seeking a default or default judgment has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that service of the summons and complaint was lawful. (d) In deciding a motion filed pursuant to subdivision (a), the court shall take evidence as to the lawfulness of the service of process and shall not deny a reasonable request by either party to conduct a hearing and permit oral testimony. (e) This section does not limit any other remedies available under law. (f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2027.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.