Generally in litigation, a default judgment can be obtained in California via simply submitting the necessary paperwork to the Court. However, that is not the case for quiet title actions. In quiet title actions, the Court requires evidence concerning the Plaintiff’s title and will hear any other evidence offered in support of the claims of any other defendants.
Even if a Defendant has been defaulted, the Court will require that the matter be set up for a hearing where the Plaintiff must prove its case with evidence. A defaulted Defendant is also permitted to appear at this hearing and produce evidence as to the merits of the case.
The rationale for this rule is that quiet title judgments are binding and conclusive on all persons, whether known or unknown, and whether or not they were parties to the quiet title action.
If you have questions regarding a potential quiet action dispute, please contact the VC Law Group, LLP via telephone at (858) 519-7333 or email at info@thevclawgroup.com.