Everything you need to understand civil litigation and represent yourself with confidence
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When you receive a civil complaint, you become the defendant and must file an answer to avoid a default judgment.
In your answer, you should respond to each allegation with either an admission or denial. You may also include affirmative defenses such as the statute of limitations.
If you're representing yourself pro se, the plaintiff seeks damages for claims like breach of contract or negligence. After filing, the case enters discovery, and you may file a counterclaim.
Interactive glossary: Hover over underlined terms to see definitions
Common questions about responding to civil complaints and representing yourself in court
Free resources to help you navigate the legal process
Step-by-step instructions for drafting your answer, understanding deadlines, and responding to each paragraph of the complaint.
Learn when and how to file counterclaims against the plaintiff, including compulsory vs. permissive counterclaims and sample language.
Comprehensive guide to 49 affirmative defenses with explanations, examples, and strategic considerations for each defense type.