2. If the defendant denies or admits the matters set forth in the complaint, but does not actually confess judgment, a trial date will be set. You as the plaintiff and the defendant may still reach an out-of-court settlement before that date. 3. If the defendant admits in part and denies in part the matters set forth in the complaint, a trial date will be set. You as the plaintiff and the defendant may still reach an out-of-court settlement before that date.