How to Answer a Court Summons

A summons is a legal order to appear in court before a judge.

A court summons is an order to appear in a US court, and must be delivered to the defendant personally. A summons may be issued for a variety of issues, usually a civil lawsuit, but a traffic ticket, citation, or notice to appear are also types of summons. You have been served with an actual court summons if it starts with the words, "Notice! You have been sued." By answering a summons, you still have a chance to defend yourself in the court.

Instructions

1. Look near the middle of the summons to find the name of agency who is suing you or summoning you (the plaintiff). The agency must prove in court that you actually owe this debt. In the event there is a mistake, the matter is settled through the court when once you appear.

2. Look below the name of the plaintiff for the words, "You are hereby summoned to appear in The Civil Court of...", and locate the address of the court where you are required to answer the summons.

3. Look at the very bottom of the summons, in a section that may be smaller print than the others. This section tells how many days you have from the date of the summons being delivered personally to you, for you to answer by going to the aforementioned court.

4. Go to the courthouse indicated on the summons before the number of days in Step 3 elapses.

5. Go to the clerk's office, with the summons and request to file an answer. They will have the paperwork available there. Complete the filing and follow further instructions given by the court or clerk's office.

Tips & Warnings

• If there is no specific date on the summons, you should assume that you have 30 days.

• Seek professional legal advice if you have questions on how to handle the legal action against you.

References

• Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project: How to Read a Summons
• Minnesota Judicial Branch: Answering a Summons