North Carolina Form AOC-CVM-204 is the Magistrate Summons that the Clerk of Superior Court issues to officially notify a defendant they have been sued in small claims court, and it must be filed alongside the plaintiff’s complaint to start almost every small claims case in the state. Plaintiffs use it to compel a defendant to appear before a magistrate within the strict time window set by N.C.G.S. § 7A-214, which generally requires trial within 30 days of issuance.
Getting this form wrong is not a small problem. According to the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s annual statistical report, roughly 200,000 small claims actions are filed each year in North Carolina, and clerks reject or hold a meaningful share for defective summonses, missing addresses, or improper service requests, costing plaintiffs days or weeks while the 30-day clock keeps running.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📋 What every box, line, and signature block on AOC-CVM-204 means in plain English
- 🏛️ How the form interacts with the Clerk of Superior Court, the sheriff, and the magistrate
- ✍️ How to fill it out for three of the most common small claims scenarios
- 📬 How to file it by paper, by mail, and through the new eCourts Odyssey portal in pilot counties
- ⚠️ The mistakes that get summonses dismissed, returned unserved, or thrown out at trial
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
Form AOC-CVM-204 is the official Magistrate Summons used in general small claims civil actions in North Carolina, and it is issued under the authority of Article 19 of Chapter 7A of the North Carolina General Statutes. The form tells the defendant the name of the plaintiff, the nature of the lawsuit, the date and time of the magistrate hearing, and the courthouse where the trial will take place. It is the document that gives the magistrate personal jurisdiction over the defendant once it is properly served under Rule 4 of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure.
Any plaintiff who files a small claims action seeking money damages of $10,000 or less, recovery of specific personal property worth $10,000 or less, or possession of leased premises must file an AOC-CVM-204 (or, for summary ejectment, the related AOC-CVM-202). This includes pro se individuals, landlords, contractors, small businesses, debt buyers, and attorneys representing any of these clients. The form is issued by the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where venue is proper under N.C.G.S. § 7A-211.
The summons is not a standalone document. It must be paired with a complaint, almost always AOC-CVM-201 for general money or property claims, and it must be served on the defendant by the sheriff or another method authorized under Rule 4(j). If you have an older copy lying around, always download the current revision from the NC Courts forms library — older revisions are often refused by clerks.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
You cannot fill out AOC-CVM-204 from memory. The form requires precise legal names, complete addresses, and specific dollar amounts that must match the underlying complaint exactly. If even one item is missing or wrong, the clerk may refuse to issue the summons, the sheriff may fail service, or the magistrate may dismiss the case at the first hearing under N.C.G.S. § 1A-1, Rule 12(b).
Gather these items before you sit down with the form:
- Plaintiff’s full legal name and current mailing address. The clerk uses this to mail notices and to confirm standing. A wrong address can cause you to miss the trial setting.
- Defendant’s full legal name, including any d/b/a or corporate suffix. A misnamed defendant can void any judgment you win, since the judgment must match the named party.
- Defendant’s complete service address — not a P.O. Box. The sheriff cannot serve a P.O. Box, and an incomplete street address will come back marked “unable to serve.”
- The county of venue. Under N.C.G.S. § 7A-211, venue typically lies where the defendant resides or where the cause of action arose.
- The exact dollar amount or property description in dispute. This must match your AOC-CVM-201 complaint to the penny.
- The companion complaint form (AOC-CVM-201, 202, or 206). The clerk will not issue a summons without an accompanying complaint.
- Filing fee payment. As of the latest NC AOC Court Costs schedule, the small claims filing fee is $96 for general civil actions, plus $30 per defendant for sheriff service.
- A government-issued photo ID. Clerks routinely ask pro se filers for ID when accepting filings.
- Two extra copies of the complaint and summons. One for the defendant, one for your records.
- The lease, contract, promissory note, invoice, or photographs that support your complaint. While not attached to the summons itself, you will need these at trial within 30 days.
If any item is missing, stop. Filing a defective summons starts a clock you cannot pause and creates a paper trail that can be used against you later.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The only official source for AOC-CVM-204 is the North Carolina Judicial Branch forms library. Never download the form from a third-party site, because clerks regularly reject outdated or altered versions, and counterfeit forms have circulated online. The current revision date is printed in the bottom-left corner of the form, and you should confirm it matches the version listed on the NC Courts forms page before you start filling it in.
You can access the form three ways. First, you can download the fillable PDF directly from the NC Courts website and complete it on a computer using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Second, you can pick up a paper copy at the Clerk of Superior Court’s civil division in any of the 100 North Carolina counties, with office locator at the Find My Court page. Third, in eCourts pilot counties — currently Wake, Lee, Harnett, Johnston, Mecklenburg, and several others rolling out under the Odyssey case management system — you can prepare and submit the summons through the eFiling portal.
The fillable PDF is the most reliable choice for pro se filers because it auto-formats dates, prevents handwriting errors, and lets you save a clean copy. If you must hand-write the form, use black ink only. Blue ink and pencil are routinely refused by clerks because they do not photocopy or scan cleanly into the court’s case management system.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out AOC-CVM-204 Line by Line
The form is a single page divided into a caption block, a defendant notice block, a magistrate hearing block, a clerk’s signature block, and a return-of-service block on the reverse. Each field has its own purpose, its own pitfalls, and its own consequences if you get it wrong. Walk through them in the exact order they appear on the form.
County Block (Top of Form)
This field asks for the county where the small claims action is being filed and tried. The county name goes in the blank above the words “In The General Court Of Justice.”
Type or print the full county name in all capital letters, with no abbreviations and no punctuation. Mecklenburg should be written as MECKLENBURG, not Meck. or Meck County.
For example, Carlos Rivera is suing a tenant in Charlotte, so he writes MECKLENBURG in the county block.
The nuance here is venue. Under N.C.G.S. § 7A-211, you must file in the county where the defendant resides or where the cause of action arose. If you file in the wrong county, the defendant can move to dismiss or transfer.
A common mistake is writing the county where the plaintiff lives instead of where the defendant lives or where the contract was performed. The consequence is a Rule 12(b)(3) motion for improper venue, which can dismiss your case and force you to refile and pay fees again.
A misconception is that you can pick any county that is convenient. You cannot. North Carolina’s small claims venue rules are strict and jurisdictional in effect.
File Number Block
This field asks for the case file number assigned by the Clerk of Superior Court. It sits in the upper right corner of the form.
Leave this field blank when you submit the form. The clerk fills in the file number when the case is opened, using a format like 2026 CVM 001234.
For example, Aisha Thompson leaves the file number blank, and when the clerk accepts her filing, the clerk writes 2026 CVM 005678 in the box.
The nuance is that some pro se filers, eager to be thorough, write a number they invent or copy from a prior case. Never do this.
The common mistake is writing your own reference number in the file number box. The consequence is the clerk will either reject the filing, white it out, or, worst case, accept it and create confusion in the case record.
The misconception is that the file number is for your tracking. It is not. It is the court’s docket identifier and is generated by the clerk’s case management system.
Plaintiff Name and Address
This field asks for the full legal name of the person or entity bringing the lawsuit, along with a mailing address where the court can reach you.
Print the plaintiff’s full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification, then the street address, city, state, and ZIP code on the lines provided. If the plaintiff is a business, use the exact name registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
For example, Janet Williams, a landlord, writes JANET WILLIAMS, 1422 ELM STREET, RALEIGH, NC 27601.
The nuance involves business plaintiffs. If you operate as an LLC, the LLC must be the plaintiff, and only a licensed attorney can sign for the LLC under N.C.G.S. § 84-4. A sole proprietor can sue in their own name d/b/a the business name.
A common mistake is using a nickname or initials instead of the legal name. The consequence is a judgment that may be unenforceable because the named plaintiff does not match court or banking records.
The misconception is that the address is just for mail. It is also where the court sends every notice in the case, including continuances and judgments. A wrong address can cause you to miss your own trial.
Defendant Name and Address
This field asks for the full legal name and complete service address of every person or entity you are suing.
Write each defendant’s full legal name on the line provided, followed by a complete street address with apartment or unit number, city, state, and ZIP code. If you are suing a corporation, list the registered agent’s name and address pulled from the Secretary of State business search.
For example, Marcus Lee sues a contractor and writes DAVID PATEL, 88 MAPLE LANE, APT 3B, DURHAM, NC 27701.
The nuance is service. The sheriff cannot serve a P.O. Box, a workplace where the defendant is not present, or an outdated address. If the defendant has moved, find the new address before filing.
The common mistake is misspelling the defendant’s name or using a partial name. The consequence is that any default judgment you obtain may be voided under Rule 60(b) because the named defendant was not properly identified.
The misconception is that “close enough” works. It does not. Banks, employers, and credit reporting agencies will not honor a judgment against the wrong name.
Nature of the Action / Amount in Controversy
This field, often labeled “To Each of the Defendants Named Above,” states the dollar amount or relief sought. The form pre-prints language directing the defendant to appear, and you must fill in the amount or property description.
Enter the exact dollar amount you are demanding, written numerically (e.g., $4,750.00), or describe the personal property if you are seeking its return. The amount must match what you wrote on the AOC-CVM-201 complaint exactly.
For example, Carlos Rivera writes $3,200.00 in unpaid rent plus costs on his summons because that matches his complaint.
The nuance is the $10,000 jurisdictional cap. If you demand more than $10,000, the magistrate has no jurisdiction under N.C.G.S. § 7A-210, and the case must go to district court.
The common mistake is listing one number on the summons and a different number on the complaint. The consequence is that the magistrate will use the lower of the two and may dismiss any excess at trial.
The misconception is that you can add interest, attorney fees, or “court costs” on top of the cap. You can request them, but they all count toward the $10,000 limit for jurisdictional purposes.
Date and Time of Hearing
This field is where the hearing date and time are entered. The clerk fills this in, but you should know the rules.
The clerk will set the trial within 30 days of issuance under N.C.G.S. § 7A-214, typically choosing a small claims session day on the local court calendar. You do not write in this field unless the clerk specifically asks you to.
For example, Aisha Thompson sees the clerk handwrite June 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the hearing block.
The nuance is the 30-day clock. If service is not completed at least five days before the hearing under N.C.G.S. § 7A-217, the case will be continued or, if endorsement is not sought, dismissed.
The common mistake is asking the clerk for a specific date that is more than 30 days out. The consequence is the clerk will refuse, because the statute is mandatory.
The misconception is that you can choose your hearing date for convenience. You cannot. The court controls the calendar.
Place of Hearing
This field identifies the courthouse and courtroom where the trial will be held.
The clerk will fill in the address of the small claims courtroom, often the magistrate’s hearing room at the county courthouse. Verify the address before you leave the clerk’s window.
For example, Janet Williams’s form lists Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, Courtroom 3D.
The nuance is that some larger counties have multiple magistrate hearing locations. Mecklenburg, for example, hears small claims at multiple sites depending on case type.
The common mistake is assuming the hearing is at the same building where you filed. The consequence is showing up at the wrong courthouse, missing your trial, and losing by default under N.C.G.S. § 7A-222.
The misconception is that the magistrate will reschedule for a no-show. They generally will not, absent extraordinary circumstances.
Date Issued and Clerk’s Signature
This block authenticates the summons. The clerk or assistant clerk signs and dates it when the case is officially opened.
Leave both the date and signature lines blank. The clerk dates the form with the issuance date and signs in the appropriate role line: Deputy CSC, Assistant CSC, or Clerk of Superior Court.
For example, Marcus Lee’s summons is issued and stamped April 14, 2026, Deputy CSC.
The nuance is the date of issuance. This date starts the 30-day trial clock and the 5-day service-before-trial requirement.
The common mistake is signing your own name on the clerk’s signature line. The consequence is the form is void on its face, and the clerk will reject it.
The misconception is that any court employee can sign. Only the Clerk, Assistant Clerk, or Deputy Clerk can issue a summons under N.C.G.S. § 1A-1, Rule 4(b).
Attachment / Claim and Delivery Box
If you are seeking the return of personal property (claim and delivery), check the appropriate box and attach the supporting affidavit, often AOC-CV-815.
Mark the checkbox with a clear “X” or check, and staple the affidavit behind the summons. Do not check this box for money-only cases.
For example, Carlos Rivera, who is also trying to recover a refrigerator he leased, checks the claim-and-delivery box and attaches AOC-CV-815.
The nuance is bond. Claim and delivery typically requires a bond under N.C.G.S. § 1-475, and the clerk will not issue the order without it.
The common mistake is checking the box for a money-only claim. The consequence is delay while the clerk tries to figure out what property you want returned.
The misconception is that checking the box is enough on its own. It is not — the affidavit and bond are mandatory.
Return of Service (Reverse Side)
The reverse side of AOC-CVM-204 is the return of service, completed by the sheriff or process server, not by the plaintiff.
Leave the entire reverse blank. The serving officer fills in the date, time, manner of service, and signature after attempting to serve the defendant.
For example, the Wake County Sheriff completes the back of Janet Williams’s summons with Served personally on tenant 04/22/2026 at 5:14 PM.
The nuance is the manner-of-service options under Rule 4(j): personal delivery, leaving at the dwelling with a person of suitable age and discretion, or service on a registered agent for entities.
The common mistake is filling in the back yourself or having a friend serve the defendant. The consequence is invalid service, because only an authorized officer or process server can return service in small claims actions under N.C.G.S. § 7A-217.
The misconception is that certified mail is automatic. It is allowed, but the green card must come back signed before service is complete.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The three most common AOC-CVM-204 scenarios are an unpaid personal loan, a contractor’s unpaid invoice, and a tenant return-of-property dispute. Each one shows what a real plaintiff actually writes on the form.
Scenario 1: Aisha Thompson, Unpaid Personal Loan ($4,500)
Aisha lent her cousin $4,500 in 2025 with a written note. He has not paid. She files in Mecklenburg County, where her cousin lives.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| County | MECKLENBURG |
| File Number | (left blank for clerk) |
| Plaintiff Name & Address | AISHA THOMPSON, 4400 PARK ROAD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28209 |
| Defendant Name & Address | DERRICK THOMPSON, 1208 CENTRAL AVE, APT 12, CHARLOTTE, NC 28204 |
| Amount in Controversy | $4,500.00 plus interest and costs |
| Date and Time of Hearing | (clerk writes May 12, 2026, 9:00 AM) |
| Place of Hearing | Mecklenburg County Courthouse, 832 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC |
| Attachment Box | (unchecked — money only) |
| Clerk Signature | (clerk signs and dates) |
| Return of Service | (left blank for sheriff) |
Scenario 2: Marcus Lee, Unpaid Contractor Invoice ($8,750)
Marcus is a self-employed handyman who finished a kitchen remodel in Durham. The homeowner refuses to pay the final invoice.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| County | DURHAM |
| File Number | (left blank) |
| Plaintiff Name & Address | MARCUS LEE D/B/A LEE HOME REPAIR, 902 GEER STREET, DURHAM, NC 27701 |
| Defendant Name & Address | DAVID PATEL, 88 MAPLE LANE, DURHAM, NC 27705 |
| Amount in Controversy | $8,750.00 for unpaid services rendered |
| Date and Time of Hearing | (clerk writes April 30, 2026, 2:00 PM) |
| Place of Hearing | Durham County Courthouse, 510 South Dillard Street, Courtroom 4A |
| Attachment Box | (unchecked) |
| Clerk Signature | (clerk signs as Deputy CSC) |
| Return of Service | (sheriff completes after service) |
Scenario 3: Janet Williams, Recovery of Personal Property
Janet’s former roommate took her power tools when moving out. She wants the tools back, valued at $2,300.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| County | WAKE |
| File Number | (left blank) |
| Plaintiff Name & Address | JANET WILLIAMS, 1422 ELM STREET, RALEIGH, NC 27601 |
| Defendant Name & Address | KEVIN BROOKS, 305 GLENWOOD AVE, RALEIGH, NC 27603 |
| Amount in Controversy | Return of personal property valued at $2,300.00, or in the alternative, $2,300.00 |
| Date and Time of Hearing | (clerk writes June 18, 2026, 9:00 AM) |
| Place of Hearing | Wake County Justice Center, 301 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC |
| Attachment Box | ✅ checked, AOC-CV-815 attached |
| Clerk Signature | (clerk signs after bond posted) |
| Return of Service | (left blank for sheriff) |
How to File the Completed Form
You can file AOC-CVM-204 three ways: in person at the Clerk of Superior Court, by mail to the same office, or electronically in eCourts pilot counties through the Odyssey eFiling portal. Each channel has different fees, processing times, and proof-of-filing requirements.
In person. Bring the original summons, the original AOC-CVM-201 complaint, two copies of each, and your filing fee to the civil division of the Clerk of Superior Court. The current fee is $96 for general civil filing plus $30 per defendant for sheriff service, payable by cash, check, money order, or in many counties by debit/credit card with a small surcharge. Processing is immediate; the clerk stamps your copy and hands it back. Keep that file-stamped copy as your proof of filing.
By mail. Send the same documents and a check or money order for the total fees to the Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse address listed on the Find My Court page. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail back your file-stamped copy. Mail processing typically takes 3–7 business days, which can eat into your 30-day trial clock.
Electronically (eCourts counties only). In Wake, Lee, Harnett, Johnston, Mecklenburg, and other pilot counties, log into the eFiling portal, upload the completed PDF, pay the same fees by credit card, and submit. You will receive an electronic file-stamped copy by email, usually within 24 hours. Save the email and the PDF receipt as proof of filing.
Regardless of the channel, you must arrange for service. The sheriff serves the summons automatically when you pay the $30 service fee, but you can also use a private process server approved under Rule 4.
What Happens After You File
Once the clerk issues the summons, the sheriff (or process server) attempts to serve the defendant. Service must be completed at least five days before the hearing date under N.C.G.S. § 7A-217, or the case will be continued or dismissed. The sheriff returns the completed back of the summons to the clerk, who places it in the case file.
If service fails, you have two options. First, you can ask the clerk to issue an Endorsement on Original Summons (AOC-CV-100 endorsement) to extend the time for service. Second, you can request alias and pluries summons under Rule 4(d) to keep the case alive. If you do nothing within 90 days, the action is discontinued.
Assuming service succeeds, both parties appear at the magistrate hearing. The magistrate hears testimony, reviews evidence, and issues a written judgment, often the same day. Either party can appeal the judgment to district court within 10 days under N.C.G.S. § 7A-228, which triggers a brand-new trial de novo.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Using a P.O. Box for the defendant’s address. The sheriff cannot serve a P.O. Box, and your case will sit unserved.
- Misspelling the defendant’s legal name. A misnamed defendant means an unenforceable judgment.
- Filing in the wrong county. Improper venue is grounds for dismissal under Rule 12(b)(3).
- Demanding more than $10,000. The magistrate loses jurisdiction over the entire claim.
- Leaving the amount-in-controversy line blank. The clerk will refuse to issue the summons.
- Signing the clerk’s signature line yourself. The form becomes void on its face.
- Filling in the return of service yourself. Service is invalid unless completed by an authorized officer.
- Using blue ink or pencil. Many clerks reject these because they do not scan cleanly.
- Filing without the companion AOC-CVM-201 complaint. A summons cannot stand alone.
- Forgetting the per-defendant sheriff service fee. The sheriff will not serve until the fee is paid.
- Mismatching the amount on the summons and the complaint. The magistrate uses the lower amount and may dismiss the rest.
- Listing a registered agent at the wrong address. Service on entities fails if the agent address is outdated on the Secretary of State database.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do download the form from nccourts.gov every time, because revision dates change.
- Do verify the defendant’s address within 30 days of filing, since people move often.
- Do bring extra copies and a self-addressed envelope, because clerks appreciate prepared filers.
- Do calendar your hearing date the moment the clerk hands you the summons, because the 30-day window is short.
- Do keep your file-stamped copy in a safe place, because it is your only proof of filing.
- Do read N.C.G.S. § 7A Article 19 before filing, because the rules are short and clear.
Don’ts
- Don’t sign anywhere except the plaintiff signature line on the complaint, because only the clerk signs the summons.
- Don’t use nicknames or initials, because they make judgments hard to enforce.
- Don’t file in the wrong county for convenience, because the case can be dismissed.
- Don’t try to serve the defendant yourself, because pro se service is invalid in small claims.
- Don’t ignore service deadlines, because the case dies after 90 days without an alias summons.
- Don’t bring evidence to the clerk’s office, because exhibits go to the magistrate at trial, not the clerk.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of filing pro se
- It is cheaper, because you save attorney fees that often exceed small claims recovery.
- It is faster, because you control the filing pace.
- The forms are designed for non-lawyers, which is why the AOC publishes them.
- Magistrates are accustomed to pro se litigants, which lowers the intimidation factor.
- Small claims procedures are simplified by statute, which reduces the technical burden.
Cons of filing pro se
- You miss legal nuances, like proper service or jurisdictional limits.
- Mistakes on the summons can void any judgment, which costs you the entire case.
- Business entities cannot represent themselves under N.C.G.S. § 84-4, which forces you to hire counsel anyway.
- Collection after judgment is its own complex process, which catches many pro se winners off guard.
- Appeals to district court trigger formal civil procedure, which is hard to navigate without a lawyer.
A Quick Look at AOC-CVM-204 vs. AOC-CVM-201
| Feature | AOC-CVM-204 (Summons) | AOC-CVM-201 (Complaint) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Notifies defendant of suit and hearing | States the plaintiff’s claim and facts |
| Who fills it out | Plaintiff fills caption; clerk issues | Plaintiff fills entirely |
| Required attachments | Complaint must accompany | Lease, note, or invoice as exhibits |
| Signed by | Clerk of Superior Court | Plaintiff |
| Triggers service? | Yes, by sheriff under Rule 4 | No, served along with summons |
FAQs
Do I file AOC-CVM-204 by itself?
No. The summons must be filed together with a complaint, almost always AOC-CVM-201, or the clerk will refuse to issue it.
Can I serve the defendant myself to save the $30 fee?
No. Service in small claims must be completed by the sheriff, a court-authorized process server, or by certified mail with a signed return receipt under Rule 4(j).
Do I write the file number in the file number box?
No. Leave the file number blank; the clerk assigns and writes it when the case is opened in the court’s system.
Should I list the defendant’s P.O. Box on the summons?
No. Use a complete street address only, because the sheriff cannot legally serve process at a post office box.
Can I sue for $12,000 in small claims if I waive the extra $2,000?
Yes. You may voluntarily reduce your claim to $10,000 to stay within the magistrate’s jurisdiction under N.C.G.S. § 7A-210, but you cannot recover the waived portion later.
Do I sign the clerk’s signature line if I am in a hurry?
No. Only the Clerk, Assistant Clerk, or Deputy Clerk may sign, and a plaintiff signature there voids the summons immediately.
Can a corporation file AOC-CVM-204 without a lawyer?
No. Corporate and LLC plaintiffs must be represented by a licensed attorney under N.C.G.S. § 84-4, except for limited statutory exceptions.
Do I check the attachment box for a money-only claim?
No. The attachment box is only for claim-and-delivery actions seeking return of specific personal property, not for cash damages.
Is the $96 filing fee waivable if I cannot afford it?
Yes. You may file a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent (AOC-G-106), and the clerk will rule on the request before issuing the summons.
Can I file AOC-CVM-204 in any North Carolina county?
No. Venue is restricted under N.C.G.S. § 7A-211 to the county where the defendant resides or where the cause of action arose.
Do I need to bring the original lease to the clerk?
No. Bring the lease only to the magistrate hearing, because the clerk handles only the filing, not the merits.
Can I email AOC-CVM-204 to the clerk in a non-eCourts county?
No. Outside eCourts pilot counties, filings must be submitted in person or by mail under current AOC procedures.
What if the defendant’s name on the summons is slightly off?
No judgment against a misnamed party is reliably enforceable, so amend the summons before the hearing using an alias and pluries summons under Rule 4(d).
Do I need to attend the magistrate hearing in person?
Yes. A no-show plaintiff loses by default under N.C.G.S. § 7A-222, and the case is dismissed without prejudice in most counties.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out North Carolina Form AOC-CV-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out North Carolina Form AOC-CV-101 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out North Carolina Form AOC-CV-318 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out North Carolina Form AOC-CV-401 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out North Carolina Form AOC-CV-622 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out North Carolina Form AOC-CV-810 (w/Examples) + FAQs