In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
How do I file for default?
You can file an application for entry of default and 20 days after the other person has been served (30 days if they were served out of state) or 60 days if the service was waived. Counting begins the day after service takes place. For example, if they were served on September 1st, you could file your application for default on September 21st.
Fill out your local courts form for application for entry of default and return it to your local clerk of the court. Once the clerk has accepted the application they will make an entry of default. You must send a copy of the application for entry of default to the other individual or individuals and to the attorney for the individual. The entry of default does not take effect for 10 business days after filing the application.
Resources:
• Rule 55 of Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure
• Rule 44 of Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure