How do I serve an answer to the court?

Question

I received a court summons that says I have 30 days to serve an answer but I don't have to physically show up. How do I serve an answer? I don't want to go there if I don't have to because of the distance.

Answer 1

Write a response to the lawsuit, get it notarized, send it to the address on the summons. If you're filing a counter claim, you will actually have to go to the courthouse.

Answer 2

Are you a Respondent, a witness, or something else? I have helped my son answer divorce papers. What you can do is:

Type out your answer using the same information at the top of the summons such as, the name of the court (whatever circuit court the summons is filed in) and basically begin by repeating all the information like case number, and the Plaintiff/Respondent information, and the title of the summons as "Answer to Summons.........(fill in the rest)

The allegations should be numbered 1 through whatever.  Like so:

1. Respondent (or whoever you are) denies (or confirms) the allegations as set forth by Plaintiff (or whoever). Provide an explanation of your answer if required. You can say something like:

Respondent denies the allegations set forth in Count 1 and states..... (and give your reason why you agree or disagree with the allegations)

Answer each one. You can pretty much follow the wording right up to the end of the summons. Make sure you have a space to sign and date and indicate that you have mailed a copy to the other party's attorney if there is one, or to the other party personally if they are handling it without an attorney. Make sure you also send a copy to the Clerk of Court handling the case.

You must do this within 30 days of receipt of the summons.