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Answer to Civil Complaint

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Defendant's response to a civil complaint. Admits or denies each allegation and asserts affirmative defenses.

PDF TemplateUse the instructions below to complete this form

Instructions

Caption: Copy the caption from the complaint exactly, including case number

Responses: Number each paragraph to correspond to the complaint's paragraphs

Admit or Deny: For each allegation, state whether you admit, deny, or lack sufficient knowledge

Affirmative Defenses: List all affirmative defenses (statute of limitations, failure to state a claim, etc.)

Counterclaims: If you have claims against the plaintiff, include them after the defenses

Deadline: Typically 21 days after service of the complaint (30 days if waiver of service)

Note: Failure to timely answer may result in a default judgment against you.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.