Getting served with a summons is stressful, but ignoring it is the worst thing you can do. The summons starts a clock — typically 20 to 30 days — to file a written answer. Miss the deadline and the other side can get a default judgment for everything they asked for. Here's the practical playbook.
The summons tells you the court, the case number, who's suing, and how long you have to answer. The complaint sets out what they're claiming. Read both end to end, even if they're confusing.
Most state-court summonses give 20–30 days to file an answer. Federal court is typically 21. The clock starts on the date you were served, not the date on the document. Calendar it twice.
Simple debt collection cases under a few thousand dollars can sometimes be answered pro se. Anything more complex — personal injury, contract dispute, employment — usually warrants at least a consultation with a lawyer.
Your answer admits, denies, or says you lack knowledge as to each numbered paragraph in the complaint. Add any affirmative defenses (statute of limitations, lack of standing, etc.). File with the court and serve the other side.
If you don't answer in time, the plaintiff can move for default judgment — a judgment for the full amount asked, plus fees and costs, with no review of the merits. Default judgments are very hard to overturn.
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