How Do I Answer a Motion Lawsuit Summons?

A court of law is not the place most people want to end up.

A motion lawsuit summons is just another way of saying that someone is suing you for one reason or another. Different court systems might have different ways of explaining this, but the bottom line is, someone is not happy with something you've done and they want compensation for it. When you receive a notice that you're being sued, it's crucial to answer the lawsuit summons in a timely manner. Otherwise, it could be looked upon as an admission of guilt on your part.

Instructions

1. File your response within 30 days of receiving the motion lawsuit summons. Don't delay. Send it as soon as possible to avoid penalties.

2. Contact the court to find out if there is a specific type of form you need to fill out to answer the motion lawsuit summons. Some court systems will supply you with a form that you need to fill out and submit as acknowledgement that you received the summons and are contesting the case.

3. Retrieve the form you need either by visiting the court house or going online. Fill out the form entirely before you submit it to the court. Inaccurate or incomplete information could cost you.

4. Write your own answer to the motion lawsuit summons if the court system does not use official forms. However, the court can tell you exactly what you need to include in the answer. Generally, include your full name, any reference numbers from the summons, the name of the other party in the lawsuit, and the date you're submitting the answer. State that you have received the summons and that you are contesting the case. Sign the answer and date it. Getting it notarized at the court is also a good idea to make it more official.

References

• Sacramento County Public Law Library: Responding to a Lawsuit