(A) identifies the party against whom default is sought;

(B) states that the party has failed to plead or otherwise defend within the time allowed by these rules;

(C) provides a current mailing address for the party claimed to be in default or, if none is known, so states;

(D) identifies any attorney known to represent the party claimed to be in default in the action in which default is sought or in a related matter, or states that no such attorney is known;

(E) if applicable, states that the party requesting the entry of default does not know the whereabouts of a party claimed to be in default, or the identity and address of an attorney known to represent the party in the action or a related action; and

(F) attaches a copy of the Rule 4(g) proof of service, establishing the date and manner of service on the party claimed to be in default.

(A) To the Party. If the party requesting the entry of default knows the whereabouts of the party claimed to be in default, a copy of the application for entry of default must be mailed to the party claimed to be in default, even if the party is represented by an attorney who has entered an appearance in the action.

(B) To the Attorney for a Represented Party. If the party requesting the entry of default knows that the party claimed to be in default is represented by an attorney in the action in which default is sought or in a related matter, a copy of the application also must be mailed to that attorney, whether or not that attorney has formally appeared in the action. A party requesting the entry of default is not required to make affirmative efforts to determine the existence or identity of an attorney representing the party claimed to be in default.

(C) Time of Notice. Any required notice under Rule 55(a)(3)(A) or (B) must be mailed on the date that the application is filed, or as soon as practicable after its filing.

(D) To Other Parties. An application for entry of default must be served on all other parties who have appeared in the action, as provided in Rule 5(c).

(A) Generally. If the plaintiff's claim is for a sum certain or a sum that can be made certain by computation, the court--on the plaintiff's motion, with an affidavit showing the amount due and without a hearing--may enter judgment for that amount and costs against a defendant who has been defaulted for failure to plead or otherwise defend and who is not a minor, an incapacitated person, or an adult in need of protection.

(B) Fee Award--Specific Amount Stated. A default judgment entered under Rule 55(b)(1) may include an award of reasonable attorney's fees if the claim states a specific sum of attorney's fees that will be sought if judgment is rendered by default, and:

(C) Fee Award--No Specific Amount Stated. If the claim requests an award of attorney's fees, but does not specify the amount of fees that will be sought if judgment is rendered by default, a default judgment entered under Rule 55(b)(1) may include an award of reasonable attorney's fees only if:

(A) Generally. If Rule 55(b)(1) does not apply, the party must apply to the court for a default judgment.

(B) Default Against a Minor, an Incapacitated Person, or an Adult in Need of Protection. A default judgment may be entered against a minor, an incapacitated person, or adult in need of protection only if the person's parent, conservator, or guardian--as specified in Rule 17(g)-- has appeared.

(C) Notice. If the party against whom a default judgment is sought has appeared personally or by a representative, that party or its representative must be served with written notice of the application for default judgment at least 3 days before the hearing. The notice must include the date, time, and place of the hearing.

(D) Hearings and Referrals. The court may conduct hearings or make referrals--preserving any right to a jury trial--when, to enter or effectuate judgment, it needs to: