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 55.03.Plaintiffs, counterclaimants, cross claimants.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceRule 55.03 extends Rule 55's default-judgment procedures to any party seeking one, plaintiff, third-party plaintiff, or a party pursuing a cross-claim or counterclaim, while keeping every such judgment subject to the amount and relief limits in Rule 54.03.
Full Text of Rule 55.03
Amendment History
The source reproduced here (current through June 18, 2026) records no amendment to this rule since its original adoption — no History line appears for it in the compiled rules. For the underlying adopting order and any later amendments, see the West’s Rules & Procedures.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 55 is not limited to plaintiffs suing defendants. Rule 55.03 makes clear that the same default-judgment provisions apply no matter which party is seeking the judgment - a plaintiff, a third-party plaintiff, or a party who has pleaded a cross-claim or counterclaim against someone else in the case.
Whichever party seeks the default judgment, Rule 55.03 ties the result back to Rule 54.03's limits: the judgment cannot differ in kind from or exceed in amount what the demand for judgment sought, and if that demand was for an unliquidated sum, the judgment cannot exceed the amount proved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a party who filed a cross-claim or counterclaim get a default judgment in Kentucky?
Yes. Rule 55.03 states that Rule 55's default-judgment provisions apply whether the party entitled to the judgment is a plaintiff, a third-party plaintiff, or a party who has pleaded a cross-claim or counterclaim.
Do the same amount limits apply to a default judgment won by a counterclaimant?
Yes. Rule 55.03 says that in all cases, a default judgment is subject to the limitations of Rule 54.03, regardless of which type of party obtained it.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 55.03). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Kentucky (Ky. Const. § 116). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: Kentucky CR 55.03default judgment on a counterclaim Kentuckydefault judgment cross claim KentuckyCR 55.03 third party plaintiffwho can get a default judgment in Kentucky