RULE 55. DEFAULT.
Rule 55.01 Entry.
When a party against whom a judgment for affirmative relief is sought has failed to plead or otherwise defend as provided by these rules and that fact is made to appear by affidavit or otherwise, judgment by default may be entered as follows:
The party entitled to a judgment by default shall apply to the court. All parties against whom a default judgment is sought shall be served with a written notice of the application for judgment at least thirty days before the hearing on the application, regardless of whether the party has made an appearance in the action. No judgment by default shall be entered against an infant or incompetent person unless represented in the action by a general guardian, committee, conservator, or other such representative who has appeared therein. If, in order to enable the court to enter judgment or to carry it into effect, it is necessary to take an account or to determine the amount of damages or to establish the truth of any averment by evidence or to make an investigation of any other matter the court may conduct such hearings or order such references as it deems necessary and proper and shall accord a right of trial by jury to the parties when and as required by statute.
Rule 55.02 Setting Aside Default.
For good cause shown the court may set aside a judgment by default in accordance with Rule 60.02.
Rule 55.03 Plaintiffs, Counterclaims, Cross-Claimants.
The provisions of this rule apply whether the party entitled to the judgment by default is a plaintiff, a third-party plaintiff, or a party who has pleaded a cross-claim or counterclaim. In all cases a judgment by default is subject to the limitations of Rule 54.03.
Rule 55.04 Judgment against the State of Tennessee.
No judgment by default shall be entered against the state of Tennessee or any officer or agency thereof unless the claimant establishes his claim or right to relief by evidence satisfactory to the court.