Debt Collectors Request for Continuance Court Date

How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection - The Ultimate 50 State Guide

George Simons | October 19, 2022

Summary: Sued for debt? Here's our 50-state guide on how to respond and win in court. Use SoloSuit to respond in just 15 minutes.

Don't just roll over and take it. Fight back.

We want to help you win your debt collection lawsuit, not pay money that you don't owe, and protect your wages from garnishment. That's why we put together this guide for how to answer a summons for debt collection in all 50 states. Don't like reading? Check out this video:

Debt collection lawsuits are difficult to navigate, partly because the relevant laws change from state to state. So we've compiled the most relevant information for each all in one spot. Now you don't have to crawl your state courts' website looking for this information, because, trust me, it's a nightmare.

For each state, we provide the following:

• Deadline for filing your Answer to a debt collection summons and complaint
• Most relevant official Answer form available in that state.
• Court case search tool where you can check the status of your case
• Attorney lookup tool where you can search contact information for the attorney representing the opposing party

Some states don't have answer forms so we've linked to other helpful forms and tidbits where we can.

Also, we should mention this: SoloSuit can do all of this for you.

You can use SoloSuit to generate your Answer

SoloSuit makes it easy to respond to a debt collection lawsuit.

How it works: SoloSuit is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your answer. Upon completion, you can either print the completed forms and mail in the hard copies to the courts, or you can pay SoloSuit to file it for you and to have an attorney review the document.

Respond with SoloSuit

"First time getting sued by a debt collector and I was searching all over YouTube and ran across SoloSuit, so I decided to buy their services with their attorney reviewed documentation which cost extra but it was well worth it! SoloSuit sent the documentation to the parties and to the court which saved me time from having to go to court and in a few weeks the case got dismissed!" – James

Start My Answer

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit: A Student Solution To Give Utah Debtors A Fighting Chance

The 3 Steps to respond to a debt lawsuit

A debt lawsuit begins when you receive a Summons and Complaint. The Summons tells you that you're being sued. The Complaint tells you why you're being sued. In some states these documents are a little different or are called different names. In Texas, they're called a Citation and Petition. Here is what they look like.

To respond to a debt lawsuit, you need to take three steps. SoloSuit walks you through these steps.

1. Respond to every paragraph in the Complaint

The Complaint includes several numbered paragraphs that lay out the lawsuit against you. For debt collection cases, there are usually between 10 and 30 numbered paragraphs. Read each paragraph and decide how you want to respond. You should respond in one of three ways:

• Admit. Admit the paragraph if you agree with everything in the paragraph.
• Deny. Deny the paragraph if you want to make the debt collector prove that it is true.
• Defendant denies the allegation for lack of knowledge sufficient to know the truth or falsity thereof. This is a lawyerly way of saying "I don't know." Choose this option if you don't understand the paragraph or if you don't have the information needed to respond to it.

Choose one of these responses and write it into your Answer after the corresponding paragraph number.

Many attorneys recommend denying everything to force the other side to prove everything. This is a good strategy in many cases.

2. Assert your Affirmative Defenses

An "affirmative defense" is a reason why the person suing you doesn't have a case; it is your defense against the lawsuit. You must list these defenses in your Answer otherwise, you can't bring them up later. That's right, asserting your affirmative defenses is a once in a lifetime opportunity: if you don't bring them up now, you are legally prohibited from bringing them up later. Many online forms don't help you assert your affirmative defenses, SoloSuit does.

Here are some of the more common defenses we see:

• The account with the debt is not your account
• The contract was already canceled. Therefore you don't owe the creditor anything.
• The statute of limitations has expired. A statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline on an action.
• The debt has been paid or excused.
• The debt has been partially paid.
• You were a co-signer but were not informed of your rights as a co-signer.

These are a few of the many affirmative defenses. Being unable to pay the debt is not normally a legal defense to the debt.

3. File the Answer with the court and the plaintiff

Once you have created your Answer, responded to the paragraphs in the Complaint, and asserted your affirmative defenses, you are ready for the final step: file your Answer. The Answer document by itself is worthless unless you file it properly. Otherwise, it's like doing homework and not turning it in. SoloSuit takes care of this for you so you don't have to worry about buying a printer and figuring out whether you need Certified Mail or Priority Mail at the Post Office.

Here's what you need to do to file your answer.

• Print two copies of your Answer
• Mail one copy to the court
• Mail the other copy to the plaintiff's attorney.

The address for the attorney will be in the Summons and Complaint you received in the mail. But where is the address for the Court? Good question, most Summons don't list the address of the Court. And the mailing address is often different from the physical address of the court listed on Google. With SoloSuit, we figure all of that out for you and make sure your Answer gets to the right place.

Without further ado, this is how you answer a summons for debt collection in any of the 50 states (and the District of Columbia).

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Alabama

Sweet home Alabama, we made an in-depth guide for you: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Alabama

Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

Small Claims Court – 14 Days

District Court – 14 Days

Circuit Court – 30 Days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Defendant's Answer Form

Civil Forms

Small Claims Forms

E-file

SoloSuit

Attorney directory

Find a Member | Alabama State Bar

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Alaska

Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form

SoloSuit

Case search tool

Alaska Case Search

Attorney directory

Member Directories - Alaska Bar Association

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Arizona

The Grand Canyon State, do we have a grand guide for you: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection Arizona (2020 Guide)

Most courts in Arizona charge an Answer filing fee. The fee ranges from $40-$245. SoloSuit makes calculation and payment of the fee easy.

Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days - if you were served in Arizona

30 days - if you were served outside of Arizona

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer (For lawsuits under $10k)

Answer (For lawsuits over $10k)

E-filng (Civil)

E-filing (Small claims)

SoloSuit

Attorney directory

Membership Records - State Bar of Arizona

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Arkansas

The home of Walmart. Here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Arkansas.

Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Online Answer Form

SoloSuit

Court search tool

Arkansas Case Search

Attorney directory

Attorney Search

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California

The Golden State, we made a guide for you too. How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in California.

California courts charge an Answer filing fee. The fee ranges from $181-$450. SoloSuit makes calculation and payment of the fee easy. We can even help you with a fee waiver, if applicable, which brings the fee down to zero.

California Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

40 days if the documents were served on someone else in your household or they were mailed to you.

Other exceptions

Answer to Complaint Forms

The General Denial Form

Answer Form

SoloSuit

Case search tool

California doesn't have a universal link for case searches, but almost all counties have a case lookup portal. Here are some of the major counties in which we file (feel free to build this list):

• Alameda
• Contra Costa
• Fresno
• Los Angeles
• Orange
• Placer
• Riverside
• Sacramento
• Santa Clara
• San Bernardino
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Ventura

Attorney directory

The State Bar of California

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Colorado

Vail is pretty good. So we made a guide for you too. How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Colorado

Colorado courts charge an Answer filing fee. The fee ranges from $80-$192. SoloSuit calculates and processes the fee payment for you.

Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

21 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form

SoloSuit

Court case search

Colorado Case Search

Attorney directory

Attorney Search / History - Colorado Supreme Court

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Connecticut

Ah, the Nutmeg State and the home of the Charter Oak. Few states have done as much as you for the independence of the country, so we made you a guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Connecticut.

Connecticut Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days of the return date

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form (Civil Only)

Other Forms

SoloSuit

Court case search

Connecticut Case Search

Attorney directory

Attorney/Firm Look-up - Connecticut Judicial Branch

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Delaware

Delaware is the first state ever! Here's your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Delaware.

Delaware Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 Days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form

Other Forms

SoloSuit

Court case search

Delaware Case Search

Attorney directory

Attorney Search - Delaware State Bar Association

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District of Columbia

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

21 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form

Other Forms

SoloSuit

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Florida

The Sunshine State, here is your guide. How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in FL.

Florida Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer to Complaint Sample Form

SoloSuit

Court case search

Florida Case Search

Attorney directory

Lawyer Directory - The Florida Bar

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Georgia

Most courts in GA require the defendant to e-file. They charge a fee to e-file. The fee ranges from $7.20–$31.50. SoloSuit takes care of payment of the fee for you.

Georgia Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 Days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Online Debt Collection Guide

SoloSuit

Court case search

Georgia Case Search

Attorney directory

Member Directory - State Bar of Georgia

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Hawai'i

Aloha! How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Hawaii.

Hawai'i Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Other Forms

SoloSuit

Court case search

Hawaii Case Search

Attorney directory

Find a Lawyer - Hawaii State Bar Association

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Idaho

Idaho is one of the best kept secrets in the US. So we made a guide for you. So many hot springs. How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Idaho.

Some courts in Idaho charge an Answer filing fee. The fee is usually $136. SoloSuit processes the fee payment for you.

Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Small claims Answer Form (It's form fillable!)

Civil Answer Form

Helpful brochure

SoloSuit

Court case search

Idaho Case Search

Attorney directory

Attorney Roster Search - Idaho State Bar

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Illinois

The land that brought us Lincoln! Here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Illinois.

Illinois courts charge an appearance fee which usually needs to be filed with or before the Answer. The fee ranges from $119-$378. SoloSuit makes calculation and payment of the fee easy. We can even help you with a fee waiver, if applicable, which brings the fee down to zero.

Illinois Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

Appear in court, then you have 10 days to file an answer.

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer/Response to Complaint/Petition

More Forms

SoloSuit

Court case search

Illinois Case Search

Attorney directory

Lawyer Search - ARDC

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Indiana

What's a Hoosier? We don't know, but here's your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Indiana.

Indiana Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days (with exceptions)

Answer to Complaint Forms

United States District Courts Southern District of Indiana Answer Form

E-file

More Forms

SoloSuit

Court case search

Indiana Case Search

Attorney directory

Courts Attorney Directory

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Iowa

The Hawkeye state here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Iowa.

Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure

Answer to Complaint Forms

How to Respond

E-file

Other Forms

Court case search

Iowa Case Search

Attorney directory

Member Search - The Iowa State Bar Association

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Kansas

The Sunflower State, here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Kansas.

Kansas Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

21 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Defendant's Claim (Small Claims)

Answer Form

Other Forms

SoloSuit

Court case search

Kansas Case Search

Attorney directory

Member Search - Kansas Bar Association

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Kentucky

Kentucky, we love us some bluegrass! Here's your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Kentucky.

Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Counterclaim

SoloSuit

Court case search

Kentucky Case Search

Attorney directory

Lawyer Locator - Kentucky Bar Association

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Louisiana

Can somebody please send us some beignets? We love them so much, we made a guide for your state. How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Louisiana.

Most courts in Louisiana charge an Answer filing fee. The fee ranges from $10-$250. SoloSuit makes calculation and payment of the fee easy. We can even help you with a fee waiver which brings the fee down to zero.

Louisiana Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

15 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Attorney directory

Find an Attorney - Louisiana State Bar Association

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Maine

Do you smell that? It's the smell of pine trees mixed with an Atlantic breeze. And here's your guide to go with it: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Maine.

Maine Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Court case search

Maine Case Search

Attorney directory

Attorney Directory | Maine.gov

Other Forms

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Maryland

This process is a little different in Maryland. Please take a look at this guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Maryland.

Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summonss

Served in Maryland - 30 days

Served in another state - 60 days

Served outside of the United States - 90 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form

SoloSuit

Court case search

Maryland Case Search

Attorney directory

MSBA Member Directory - Maryland State Bar Association

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Massachusetts

The Old Colony State, here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Instructions for writing an answer

Online Answer Form

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Even More Forms!

Court case search

Massachusetts Case Search

Attorney directory

Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers

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Michigan

The Land of the Great Lakes. Here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Michigan.

Michigan Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

21 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer (Civil)

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Fees

No fee

Court case search

Michigan Case Search

Attorney directory

State Bar of Michigan

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Minnesota

You gave us 10,000 lakes, and we gave you one guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Minnesota.

Minnesota courts charge an Answer filing fee. The fee ranges from $285-$297. SoloSuit makes calculation and payment of the fee easy. You may qualify for a fee waiver which brings the fee down to zero.

Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form (Civil)

SoloSuit

Response to Conciliation (Small Claims)

Court case search

Minnesota Case Search

Attorney directory

Attorney Search

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Mississippi

The Magnolia State, here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Mississippi.

Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

Mississippi Case Search (Supreme Court only)

Attorney directory

Lawyer Directory - The Mississippi Bar

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Missouri

Missouri is the Show-Me State. Show me what? Your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Missouri.

Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

Missouri Case Search

Attorney directory

Lawyer Directory - The Missouri Bar

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Montana

Montana courts charge an Answer filing fee sometimes. The fees range from $20-$70. SoloSuit takes care of paying the fee for you.

Montana Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

21 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

No answer form for small claims

District Court Answer Form

SoloSuit

Counterclaim

Court case search

Montana Case Search

Attorney directory

Sign In - State Bar of Montana

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Nebraska

Birthplace of the Reuben sandwich and lots and lots of farming. Here's Nebraska's guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Nebraska

Beginning 2022, some (if not all) courts will require mandatory e-filing through the Nebraska Judicial Branch eFiling system.

Nebraska Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

Court case search

Nebraska Case Search

Attorney directory

Attorney Directory - Nebraska State Bar Association

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Nevada

The home of Las Vegas, here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Nevada.

Nevada courts charge an Answer filing fee. The fee ranges from $80-$192. SoloSuit calculates and processes the fee payment for you; we make it easy.

Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form for Washoe County

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Attorney directory

Find a Lawyer - State Bar of Nevada

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New Hampshire

Live free or die! Your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

New Hampshire Case Search

Attorney directory

New Hampshire Bar Association

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New Jersey

Can we get some pork rolls please? They're so good, so we made you this guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in New Jersey.

Courts in New Jersey charge an Answer filing fee. The fee ranges from $30-$175. SoloSuit processes payment of the fee for you.

New Jersey Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

35 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Attorney directory

Attorney Search - NJ Courts Online

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New Mexico

Ah, the Land of Enchantment, here is your guide Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection in New Mexico.

New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure (District Courts)

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

New Mexico Case Search

Attorney directory

Find a Lawyer - State Bar New Mexico

New York

The Big Apple, we got a guide for you. How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in New York.

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Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days - if served personally (documents were handed to you by another person)

30 days - served in any other way

New York Rules of Civil Procedure

Answer to Complaint Forms

NYC Answer Form

Answer for Consumer Credit Transaction

SoloSuit

E-file

Court case search

New York Case Search

Attorney directory

NYS Attorney Directory

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North Carolina

The Old North State, here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in North Carolina.

North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

North Carolina Case Search

Attorney directory

Membership Directory | North Carolina State Bar

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North Dakota

Known for its Badlands, here's your guide for North Dakota: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in North Dakota.

North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days (small claims)

21 days (civil)

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form (Small Claims)

Answer Form (Civil)

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

North Dakota Case Search

Attorney directory

Lawyers - North Dakota Supreme Court

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Ohio

You folks made the airplane. And we made you a guide on How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Ohio.

Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

28 days (with exceptions)

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Other Forms (For Ashtabula County)

Attorney directory

Attorney Directory Search - Ohio Supreme Court

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Oklahoma

O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A! Oklahoma! You're doin' fine and here's your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

Oklahoma Case Search

Attorney directory

OBA Member Search - Oklahoma Bar Association

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Oregon

Keep Portland Weird. Here is the guide for your state: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Oregon.

Oregon courts charge an Answer filing fee. The fee ranges from $170-$283. SoloSuit makes calculation and payment of the fee easy. We can even help you with a fee waiver which brings the fee down to zero.

Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

14 days – if you are sued in small claims court

Answer to Complaint Forms

Defendant's Response Form

Defendant's Response

SoloSuit

Consumer complaint form

Other Forms

Can eFile

Fees

$55

Helpful links

What to do if you're sued by a creditor

Court case search

Oregon Case Search

Attorney directory

OSB Membership Directory

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Pennsylvania

Mining coal is hard work. So we made a guide for your state: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Pennsylvania.

Some courts in Pennsylvania charge an Answer filing fee. This fee is usually $154.54. SoloSuit processes payment of the fee for you.

Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days (If you don't respond in that period, the person suing you must send you a letter saying that in 10 days they will request a default judgment.)

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Court case search

Pennsylvania Case Search

Attorney directory

Pennsylvania Bar Association Directory Search

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Rhode Island

Lil' Rhody, here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form (Small Claims)

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

Rhode Island Case Search

Attorney directory

Directory - Rhode Island Bar Association

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South Carolina

Such beautiful Palmettos. Here's your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in South Carolina.

South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Civil Answer Form

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

South Carolina Case Search

Attorney directory

Directory - South Carolina Bar

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South Dakota

South Dakota courts charge a filing fee to respond to a Complaint. In most cases the fee is $25. SoloSuit takes care of payment of this fee for you.

South Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Court case search

South Dakota Case Search

Attorney directory

South Dakota - LII Attorney Directory

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Tennessee

The Volunteer State, here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Tennessee.

Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

State Court: 30 days

Federal Court: 20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

Tennessee Case Search

Attorney directory

Online Tennessee Attorney Directory

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Texas

Will give free Answers in exchange for brisket. How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in texas

TexasRules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

This one is complicated. Generally, you have 20 days plus until the following Monday, at 10 am to file an Answer. Count all the calendar days including weekends and holidays.

Answer to Complaint Forms

Defendant's Answer

Online Guided Defendant's Answer

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Fees

Free

Attorney directory

Find a Colleague for lawyers - State Bar of Texas

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Utah

We love Utah. It's where SoloSuit was born. Check out our in-depth guide on How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Utah.

Utah Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

 21 days – if served in Utah

30 days – if served outside of Utah

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form

SoloSuit.com

Attorney directory

Utah Bar Directory of Attorneys - Utah State Bar

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Vermont

The Green Mountain State, here is your guide: How to Answer Summons for Debt Collection in Vermont.

Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

30 days of the date the Complaint was mailed

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form (Small Claims)

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Attorney directory

Find a lawyer - Vermont Association for Justice

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Virginia

This process is different in Virgina. Read up on it here: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Virginia.

Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summonss

21 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Other forms

Court case search

Virginia Case Search

Attorney directory

Member Directory Search - Virginia State Bar

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Washington

Washington, may you be ever green. Here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Washington.

Washington Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Online form

SoloSuit

Court case search

Washington Case Search

Attorney directory

Legal Directory - myWSBA

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West Virginia

The Mountain State, here is your guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in West Virginia.

West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summonss

21 days

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer Form

Other Forms

Attorney directory

Membership Directory Search | The West Virginia State Bar

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Wisconsin

Y'all have the best cheese, so we made you a guide: How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days (45 days for some torts)

Answer to Complaint Forms

Answer and Counterclaim (Small Claims) (Summary)

SoloSuit

More forms

Court case search

Wisconsin Case Search

Attorney directory

Lawyer Search - State Bar of Wisconsin

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Wyoming

With National Parks galore (seven, to be exact!), here's your guide: How to Respond to a Debt Collection Summons in Wyoming

Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure

Deadline for answering a debt collection summons

20 days – if served in the state

30 days – if served outside of the state

Answer to Complaint Forms

SoloSuit

Other Forms

Court case search

Wyoming Case Search

Attorney directory

A-Z Lawyer Directory - Wyoming State Bar

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Respond with SoloSuit

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You can ask your questions on the SoloSuit forum and the community will help you out. Whether you need help now or are just looking for support, we're here for you.

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Sample Answer to a Debt Collection Complaint

Some people ask us what our Answer looks like. Here's what a SoloSuit Answer looks like. Our underlying document is created by professional litigation attorneys. It is battle tested, too. It is one of the most commonly filed documents in court across the US. It is such a good document that around 30 percent of collectors beg for the case to be dismissed after we file it for our customers.

Why Does My State Charge an Answer Filing Fee?

Unfortunately, some state courts charge an Answer filing fee. Those states and the fee ranges are shown below.

We find the practice of courts charging an Answer filing fee to be absurd. It is one of the biggest impediments to justice in the United States.

If your court charges a filing fee, we'll let you know. We automatically calculate your filing fee, make it easy for you to pay it, and make sure that payment gets to your court.

What Comes After a Civil Summons for Debt Collection?

The Summons is just the beginning. A series of documents can come after, and even before the Summons. The diagram below shows the possible paths of documents in a debt collection lawsuit.

Here is our recommended path to victory. If the collector sends you a Debt Collection Letter, respond with a Debt Validation Letter. There is a good chance they can't validate the debt; if they can't, you win.

If they think they can validate the debt, then a good debt validation letter will force them to sue you to collect on the debt, at which point they'll send you a Complaint and Summons. You should respond with an Answer. If you don't, you'll lose.

Once you've filed an Answer, there are three likely outcomes. One, the collectors give up and file a Motion to Dismiss: you super win. Two, you or the collector makes a settlement offer. In a settlement, the defendant ends up paying less then they're being sued for: you win. Three, litigation continues. In this scenario, the collector usually starts discovery by filing a Request for Admissions or something similar. You then need to respond with a Response to Request for Admission, and the case can go on indefinitely: it's unclear who will win or lose in this scenario.

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

How to answer a summons for debt collection in your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

All 50 states.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
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• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
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• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.

• Absolute Resolutions Investments LLC
• Accredited Collection Services
• Alliance One
• Amcol Clmbia
• American Recovery Service
• Asset Acceptance LLC
• Asset Recovery Solutions
• Associated Credit Services
• Autovest LLC
• Cach LLC
• Cavalry SPV I LLC
• Cerastes LLC
• Colinfobur
• Covington Credit
• Crown Asset Management
• CTC Debt Collector
• Cypress Financial Recoveries
• Delanor Kemper & Associates
• Eagle Loan of Ohio
• Educap
• Estate Information Services
• FIA Card Services
• Forster & Garbus
• Freshview Solutions
• Fulton Friedman & Gullace LLP
• Harvest Credit Management
• Howard Lee Schiff
• Hudson & Keyse LLC
• Integras Capital Recovery LLC
• Javitch Block
• Jefferson Capital Systems LLC
• LVNV Funding
• Mannbracken
• Mariner Finance
• Medicredit
• Michael J Adams PC
• Michael J Scott
• Midland Funding LLC
• Mullooly, Jeffrey, Rooney & Flynn
• Mountain Land Collections
• MRS Associates
• National Collegiate Trust
• Nationstar Foreclosure
• Northstar Capital Acquisition
• NCEP LLC
• NRC Collection Agency
• OneMain Financial
• Palisades Collection LLC
• Pallida LLC
• Paragon Revenue Group
• Pinnacle Collections Agency
• PMAB LLC
• Portfolio Recovery Associates
• Provest Law
• PYOD LLC
• Reunion Student Loan Finance Corporation
• Revenue Group
• Regents and Associates
• RSIEH
• Salander Enterprises LLC
• Second Round Sub LLC
• Security Credit Services
• Sherman Financial Group
• Suttell and Hammer
• T-Mobile
• Transworld Systems
• Tulsa Teachers Credit Union
• UCB Collection
• Velo Law Office
• Velocity Investments
• Waypoint Resource Group
• Weinberg and Associates
• Wolpoff & Abramson

Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

• Bank of America
• Capital One
• Chase
• Credit One Bank
• PayPal Synchrony Card
• SYNCB/PPEXTR
• Synchrony Bank
• Target National Bank
• Wells Fargo

Going to Court for Credit Card Debt — Key Tips

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts

How to Settle a Credit Card Debt Lawsuit — Ultimate Guide

Get answers to these FAQs

Need more info on statutes of limitations? Read our 50-state guide.

Why do debt collectors block their phone numbers?

How long do debt collectors take to respond to debt validation letters?

What are the biggest debt collector companies in the US?

Is Zombie Debt Still a Problem in 2019?

SoloSuit FAQ

If a car is repossessed, do I still owe the debt?

Is Portfolio Recovery Associates Legit?

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge?

Should I File Bankruptcy Before or After a Judgment?

What is a default judgment?— What do I do?

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills — What Do I Do?

What Happens If Someone Sues You and You Have No Money?

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors?

What Happens When a Debt Is Sold to a Collection Agency

What is a Stipulated Judgment?

What is the Deadline for a Defendants Answer to Avoid a Default Judgment?

Can a Judgement Creditor Take my Car?

Can I Settle a Debt After Being Served?

Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?

Can You Appeal a Default Judgement?

Do I Need a Debt Collection Defense Attorney?

Do I Need a Payday Loans Lawyer?

Do student loans go away after 7 years? — Student Loan Debt Guide

Am I Responsible for My Spouses Medical Debt?

Should I Marry Someone With Debt?

Can a Debt Collector Leave a Voicemail?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

What Happens If a Defendant Does Not Pay a Judgment?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

Can You Serve Someone with a Collections Lawsuit at Their Work?

What Is a Warrant in Debt?

How Many Times Can a Judgment be Renewed in Oklahoma?

Can an Eviction Be Reversed?

Does Debt Consolidation Have Risks?

What Happens If You Avoid Getting Served Court Papers?

Does Student Debt Die With You?

Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work in Texas?

How Much Do You Have to Be in Debt to File for Chapter 7?

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington?

How Long Does a Judgment Last?

Can Private Disability Payments Be Garnished?

Can Debt Collectors Call From Local Numbers?

Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Work in Florida?

The Truth: Should You Never Pay a Debt Collection Agency?

Should You Communicate with a Debt Collector in Writing or by Telephone?

Do I Need a Debt Negotiator?

What Happens After a Motion for Default Is Filed?

Can a Process Server Leave a Summons Taped to My Door?

Learn More With These Additional Resources:

Need help managing your finances? Check out these resources.

How to Make a Debt Validation Letter - The Ultimate Guide

How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration Without an Attorney

How to Stop Wage Garnishment — Everything You Need to Know

How to File an FDCPA Complaint Against Your Debt Collector (Ultimate Guide)

Defending Yourself in Court Against a Debt Collector

Tips on you can to file an FDCPA lawsuit against a debt collection agency

Advice on how to answer a summons for debt collection.

Effective strategies for how to get back on track after a debt lawsuit

New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt

Sample Cease and Desist Letter Against Debt Collectors

The Ultimate Guide to Responding to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Utah

West Virginia Statute of Limitations on Debt

What debt collectors cannot do — FDCPA explained

Defending Yourself in Court Against Debt Collector

How to Liquidate Debt

Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Debt

Youre Drowning in Debt — Heres How to Swim

Help! Im Being Sued by My Debt Collector

How to Make a Motion to Vacate Judgment

How to Answer Summons for Debt Collection in Vermont

North Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt

ClearPoint Debt Management Review

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Debt

Oregon Eviction Laws - What They Say

CuraDebt Debt Settlement Review

How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter

How to Appear in Court by Phone

How to Use the Doctrine of Unclean Hands

Debt Consolidation in Eugene, Oregon

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills? What to Do Next

How to Make a Debt Settlement Agreement

Received a 3-Day Eviction Notice? Heres What to Do

How to Answer a Lawsuit for Debt Collection

Tips for Leaving the Country With Unpaid Credit Card Debt

Kansas Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

How to File in Small Claims Court in Iowa

How to File a Civil Answer in Kings County Supreme Court

Roseland Associates Debt Consolidation Review

How to Stop a Garnishment

Debt Eraser Review

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up?

Can They Garnish Your Wages for Credit Card Debt?

How Often Do Credit Card Companies Sue for Non-Payment?

How Long Does a Judgement Last?

​​How Long Before a Creditor Can Garnish Wages?

How to Beat a Bill Collector in Court

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Source: https://www.solosuit.com/posts/answer-debt-collection-summons-50-states

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