N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-114: Summoned after judgment; defense.

When a judgment is recovered against one or more of several persons jointly indebted upon a contract in accordance with the preceding section [§ 1-113], those who were not originally summoned to answer the complaint may be summoned to show cause why they should not be bound by the judgment, in the same manner as if they had been originally summoned. A party so summoned may answer within the time specified denying the judgment, or setting up any defense thereto which has arisen subsequent to such judgment; and may make any defense which he might have made to the action if the summons had been served on him originally. (C.C.P., ss. 318, 322; Code, ss. 223, 224; Rev., ss. 456, 457; C.S., s. 498.)