Step 1: Read the complaint carefully

The complaint is the document that started the lawsuit. It tells you who is suing you, what they claim you owe, and what they are asking the court for.

Look for:

  • The plaintiff's name (who is suing you)
  • The case number
  • The court name and location
  • The amount being claimed
  • The date you were served

Step 2: Note the response deadline

The summons (the paper that came with the complaint) usually states how many days you have to respond. In California, you typically have 30 days from the date of service to file an Answer. Missing this deadline can result in a default being entered against you.

The clock starts from when you were personally served — not from when you opened the envelope or realized what it was.

Step 3: Do not ignore it

Many people freeze when they receive a complaint. They hope it will go away, or they're not sure what to do. The problem is that doing nothing is itself a decision — one that can lead to a default judgment.

A default judgment can allow the plaintiff to pursue collection through bank levies, wage garnishment, or liens on property. These consequences are harder to deal with than the original complaint.

Step 4: Understand what type of lawsuit this is

The most common types of civil complaints people receive are:

  • Debt collection complaints — from credit card companies, banks, or debt buyers claiming you owe a balance
  • Contract disputes — from landlords, service providers, or businesses claiming you breached an agreement
  • Personal injury claims — less common for defendants to receive without warning

Debt collection and contract complaints are the most common type that AnswerFirst currently supports.

Step 5: Prepare your response

Filing an Answer is your formal response to the complaint. It tells the court you are participating in the case. The Answer does not have to be perfect — it just needs to be filed before the deadline.

Your Answer typically includes:

  • A response to each allegation in the complaint (admit, deny, or state you don't have enough information)
  • Any affirmative defenses you want to raise
  • Your signature

Step 6: File and serve

After you prepare your Answer, you need to file it with the court and then serve a copy on the plaintiff's attorney. Many courts now offer e-filing portals. A Proof of Service documents that you properly served the other side.

AnswerFirst helps prepare the Answer, Proof of Service by Mail guidance, and a step-by-step filing checklist for a flat $299.