How to Answer a Civil Court Summons

If you have received a civil court summons, it means that you are being sued and are required to appear in court. Here are the steps you should take to answer a civil court summons:

1. Read the summons carefully: Make sure that you understand the allegations being made against you, the deadline for responding, and the court where the case has been filed.

2. Consult with an attorney: It is advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in civil litigation. An attorney can advise you on the best course of action and can help you prepare a response to the summons.

3. Draft your response: Your response should include an answer to each allegation in the summons. You should also include any affirmative defenses that you may have, such as the statute of limitations or a lack of jurisdiction. Your response should be filed with the court and served on the plaintiff's attorney by the deadline specified in the summons.

4. File your response with the court: You must file your response with the court where the case has been filed. Make sure to follow the court's rules and procedures for filing documents.

5. Serve your response on the plaintiff's attorney: You must also serve a copy of your response on the plaintiff's attorney by the deadline specified in the summons. Make sure to follow the court's rules and procedures for serving documents.

6. Attend the court hearing: If a hearing is scheduled, you must attend the hearing. Failure to appear may result in a default judgment against you.

In summary, answering a civil court summons can be a complex and stressful process. It is advisable to consult with an attorney who can guide you through the process and help you prepare a response to the summons.