How to Answer a Civil Summons Petition
- 1). Carefully read the complaint or petition that was filed against you. Make note of the date and time the summons tells you to be in court.
- 2). Take notes about what the civil lawsuit against you is about. You will use these notes to write your answer. Make note of the instructions given to you in the summons on how to defend yourself.
- 3). Consult an attorney---see if you can find an attorney who will provide a free consultation for you. Ask your attorney how to write your answer and if you should provide an affirmative defense in your answer. Ask your attorney for an example of a written answer so you can write your own answer in the correct format.
- 4). Write your answer to the petition and summons filed against you, following the format your attorney gave to you during your consultation appointment.
- 5). File your answer with the same court that issued the petition and summons against you. Your state will have specific laws about filing your answer and when you should file it (deadline).
- 6). Serve the other party with a copy of your answer. You can find out from the court clerk how to do this. Find out if you can mail your answer to the other party.
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