# W. Va. Code § 55-4-9: Rule to plead; default judgment

> West Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S9

## Section

- **Citation:** W. Va. Code § 55-4-9
- **Heading:** Rule to plead; default judgment
- **Jurisdiction:** West Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** WV Code / Chapter 55 / Article 4 / Section 9

## Text

Upon filing the declaration and notice, with proof of the service thereof as aforesaid, the plaintiff shall be entitled to a rule upon the defendant to appear and plead at the next rule day, if the same be filed at rules, or if filed in court, to appear and plead within such time as shall be prescribed by the court; and if the defendant fail so to appear and plead, his default shall be entered and judgment given against him

## Nearby sections

- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-1 §55-4-1. When ejectment a proper remedy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S1.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-2 §55-4-2. Venue](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S2.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-3 §55-4-3. Interest of plaintiff.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S3.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-4 §55-4-4. Parties defendant.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S4.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-5 §55-4-5. How action commenced.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S5.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-6 §55-4-6. Declaration.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S6.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-7 §55-4-7. Joinder of parties plaintiff.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S7.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-8 §55-4-8. Service of declaration and notice; order of publication.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S8.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-9 §55-4-9. Rule to plead; default judgment.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S9.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-10 §55-4-10. Plea or demurrer; issue on plea; evidence admissible.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S10.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-11 §55-4-11. Equitable title of vendee as defense.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S11.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-12 §55-4-12. Payment or performance by mortgagor as defense.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S12.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-13 §55-4-13. Notice of equitable defense; resort to equity not barred.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S13.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 55-4-14 §55-4-14. Consent rules not to be used; what plaintiff must prove generally.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C55_A4_S9. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.