The Request for Entry of Default (CIV-100) form is typically required in the context of a civil lawsuit when one party has failed to respond to a complaint or cross-complaint within the time allotted by law. This means the defendant did not file an answer or appear in court to contest the claims, effectively forfeiting their right to defend against the lawsuit. Thus, the plaintiff can request a default judgment. Before needing to file the CIV-100 form, a few steps must occur: - A complaint or cross-complaint must be filed against the defendant, initiating the legal action. - Proper service of the complaint on the defendant is essential, typically documented by a Proof of Service form. - A period of typically 30 days should pass without any response from the defendant. The filing of the CIV-100 form is often necessary when the defendant fails to respond. This step signifies that the plaintiff is seeking a judgment without the defendant's involvement. If the judge grants the request, the plaintiff may move to obtain a judgment for monetary damages, property recovery, or any other relief sought in the original complaint. Understanding this process is crucial to ensure that the case progresses smoothly if the defendant defaults.