I am probably going to see an attorney next week about this, but wanted to get input from anyone in the know here.
In July, I was sued in small claims court over a dispute over the sale of farm equipment. Specifically, I sold some grain bins and related equipment to a guy, who intended to part it out for a profit. He met me at the grain bins, inspected them, and signed my sales "receipt" which stated that the equipment wasn't warranted for suitability for any particular purpose and the they were as is, where is, and he owned them as of that moment. I can post the text of that agreement if that would help.
His claim was typical red herring BS stuff, he claimed that my Ebay ad said they were in ok shape, yet there were some rust spots at the base, that kind of crap. The real reason is that his resale deal fell through. Remember, he inspected them, acquiesced, and signed the receipt.
I forgot about the court date, assuming it was in September rather than August, and a default judgment was entered against me for $1077. More than the money, the principle pisses me off because of his BS accusations.
In September, I was served a form called "Motion and order for interrogatories". This form not only asks all sorts of questions about my financial status, but even wants my federal tax return attached. The detail they want on this form defies reason - they even ask if I have any utility deposits, securities, all my damn furniture - everything! No F-ing way this guy is going to see the information asked for on that form!!!
My questions are thus:
Can I have the judgment vacated (or whatever its called) even though a default judgment was entered? My sales agreement was as ironclad as they come.
What can I do about the fact that this interrogatory form said I needed to respond in 10 days, but about 35 days have elapsed? More importantly, have I committed a crime by ignoring it? If so, are the police gonna show up or what? I've never been arrested, and I don't want to be.
Any other info that would be helpful is appreciated.