Synovus Bank v. Denson

Filing 13

ORDER directing Deft file a Response to this Order setting forth good cause for setting aside default in this case by 8/19/2011; and denying without prejudice 9 Pltf's Motion to Strike 5 Order on Motion for Entry of Default. Signed by Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell on 8/2/11. (Pro se litigant served by US Mail.)(ejb)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
ASHEVILLE DIVISION
1:11cv139
SYNOVUS BANK,

)
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Plaintiff,
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v.
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SONJA DENSON
)
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Defendant.
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___________________________________ )

ORDER

Plaintiff filed its Complaint on June 8, 2011. Defendant was served several
days later on June 13, 2011. Defendant, who is proceeding pro se, failed to file a
timely answer. After Plaintiff moved for the entry of default, the Clerk entered default
pursuant to Rule 55(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Subsequently,
Defendant filed her Answer, which Plaintiff moved to strike as untimely.
The Court may set aside the entry of default for good cause shown. Fed. R.
Civ. P. 55(c). Defendant, however, has not moved to set aside default or shown good
cause for doing so. Accordingly, the Court DIRECTS Defendant to file a response
to this Order setting forth good cause for setting aside default in this case. Defendant
shall file this response by August 19, 2011. Specifically, Defendant should address
why she failed to file a timely answer and why this Court should set aside the default

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and allow this case to proceed on the merits.
The Court notes that it must liberally construe rule 55(c). Lolatchy v. Arthur
Murray, Inc., 816 F.2d 951, 954 (4th Cir. 1987). In determining whether to set aside
default in this case, the Court will consider whether Defendant has a meritorious
defense, whether she acted with reasonable promptness, the personal responsibility of
Defendant in the default, the prejudice to Plaintiff in setting aside default, whether
there is a history of dilatory action on the part of Defendant, and whether a less drastic
sanction is available. Colleton Preparatory Academy, Inc.v. Hoover Universal, Inc.,
616 F.3d 413, 417 (4th Cir. 2010). As the Fourth Circuit explained in Colleton
Preparatory, “[w]e have repeatedly expressed a strong preference that, as a general
matter, defaults be avoided and that claims and defenses be disposed of on the merits.”
Id.
Finally, the Court DENIES without prejudice the Motion to Strike [# 9]. If
Defendant does not show good cause for setting aside the entry of default by August
19, 2011, the Court will strike the Answer and direct Plaintiff to file a motion for
default judgment. If the Court finds good cause, the Court will set aside the entry of
default and allow Defendants’s untimely Answer.

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Signed: August 2, 2011

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