What happens if I don't file an answer within 20 days?

A default judgment may be entered against you, granting the plaintiff the relief requested in the petition.

How do I file my answer electronically in Iowa?

Use the Iowa Judicial Branch EFile system at https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/EFile to submit your motion or answer.

Who is the plaintiff's attorney and how can I contact them?

The attorney is Charles L. Litow of North Central Legal Solutions, PO Box 10183, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410; phone 833-682-6539.

Court Notice — Cedar Rapids (LACV086976)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Original notice by publication

Affects:DefendantsCreditors

GreenState Credit Union filed a civil petition against James C. Tobin in Johnson County. The defendant must file a motion or answer electronically within 20 days or risk a default judgment for the relief requested by the plaintiff.

Key Takeaways

Defendant named: James C. Tobin
File an answer or motion within 20 days
Use Iowa EDMS e-filing system
Default judgment possible if you do nothing
Plaintiff attorney: Charles L. Litow, North Central Legal Solutions

Published: May 12, 2026 · 1 week ago
Category: Court Notice
City: Cedar Rapids
Case #: LACV086976

Research context

3 court notice notices in Cedar Rapids (last 12 months)

View full case dossier

All filings for #LACV086976 with AI case analysis

If you don't respond

If no motion or answer is electronically filed within 20 days, a default judgment may be entered against the defendant granting the relief sought in the petition.

What to do next

1
File an answer or motion
Electronically file your answer or motion within 20 days using the Iowa EDMS at https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/EFile to avoid default judgment.
2
Seek legal advice
Contact an attorney immediately to review the petition and represent you before the deadline.
3
Request disability accommodations if needed
Call the Americans with Disabilities Coordinator at 515-286-3859 for auxiliary aids or Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942 for relay services.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I don't file an answer within 20 days?: A default judgment may be entered against you, granting the plaintiff the relief requested in the petition.
How do I file my answer electronically in Iowa?: Use the Iowa Judicial Branch EFile system at https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/EFile to submit your motion or answer.
Who is the plaintiff's attorney and how can I contact them?: The attorney is Charles L. Litow of North Central Legal Solutions, PO Box 10183, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410; phone 833-682-6539.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

original notice by publication: A court notice published in a newspaper when personal service cannot be made, informing a defendant of a lawsuit.
default judgment: A court ruling in favor of the other party because the defendant failed to respond or appear.
electronic filing (EDMS): The Iowa court system's online system for filing court documents electronically.

Full Notice Text

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR JOHNSON COUNTY IOWA
GREENSTATE CREDIT UNION Plaintiff
vs
JAMES C TOBIN Defendant
Case No. LACV086976

ORIGINAL NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT:
You are notified that a petition has been filed in theoffice of the clerk of this court naming you as the defendant in this action. The attorney for the Plaintiff is Charles L. Litow of North Central Legal Solutions, P.C., whose address is PO BOX 10183, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410. That attorney's phone number is 833/682-6539. 
You must electronically file your motion or answer within 20 days using the Iowa Judicial Branch Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) at https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/EFile, unless you obtain from the court an exemption from electronic filing requirements. If you do not, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. 
If assistance of auxiliary aids or services is required to participate in the Court due to a disability, such as hearing impaired, call the Americans with Disabilities Coordinator at 515/286-3859. If you are in need of dual party telephone relay services, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942. 
IMPORTANT
YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS.
May 12, 19, 26 2026
LIOW0515165