Default

We have set forth two different standards of review of motions seeking to set aside a default judgment, depending upon the disposition of the motions in the district court. If the district court grants the motion and opens up the action for a trial on the merits, we will set aside the district court's order only "upon a showing of manifest abuse" of discretion. If the district court denies a motion to set aside a default judgment, only a "slight abuse" of discretion need be shown to warrant reversal. Essex Ins. Co. v. Moose's Saloon, Inc., 2007 MT 202, ¶ 17, 338 Mont. 423, 166 P.3d 451; see also JAS, Inc. v. Eisele, 2014 MT 77, ¶ 20, 374 Mont. 312, 317, 321 P.3d 113, 117.

We review a district court’s denial of a motion for default judgment for a manifest abuse of discretion. Carter v. Badrock Rural Fire Dist., 2021 MT 280, ¶ 11, ___ Mont. ___, ___ P.3d ___.