I've been in a fee dispute, was sued at Special Civil Part in Monmouth. I responded as pro se. I didn't go to a 9/5/17 trial as I had never received the court notice.
The plaintiff filed a motion for default. I (mistakenly) filed a motion to vacate as response, simply stating I had never received the trial notice and requesting for a new trial date. I marked "no oral argument" thinking the court wouldn't deny me a chance to argue my case. The clerks at court info center assured me that I did the right procedure even when I specifically questioned the fact that no default entered yet at the time of my filing.
I was surprised on 11/8/17 that the judge on 11/15/17 granted default AND denied my motion at the same time for "having not provided the Court with an explanation as to why Defendant was unaware of ...".
What should I do now? It's unfair to deny opportunity to argue my case OR present evidence why not being served. Can they garnish my bank accounts, wage, ... now?
File the motion again but put more information in it. Also do it as order to show cause.
