How long do I have after the Judge hears the contested case (answer)?

How long it will take for a judge to hear a contested case cannot be determined definitely. After a contested answer is filed and transferred to the General Equity judge, the Plaintiff's attorney will often file a motion for summary judgment or to strike the answer. The date that these matters are scheduled to be heard by the judge will depend on when the Plaintiff's attorney files the motion and how much notice all parties must be given before the matter is heard by the judge.

If the judge does not enter summary judgment in the Plaintiff's favor or strike the defendant's answer or if the Plaintiff's attorney does not file a motion, the judge will schedule a pre-trial conference. How long that will take is dependent on the judge's calendar. The defendant will receive notices alerting him of these matters which he should read and follow carefully.

If a judge grants a motion for summary judgment or motion to strike the answer, deeming the case non-contesting, the case will be transferred back to the Office of Foreclosure and the Plaintiff may proceed to seek a final judgment of foreclosure against the defendant.