Step 6: How to Respond to a Summons
Filing your Answer on time is critical to avoid losing automatically.
Watch:
This step is crucial in the eviction process. Even if you’ve already filed your Answer and completed intake, video 2B provides important information.
Key Deadlines
- You have 10 working days to file your Answer
- You have 10 calendar days to file an Amended Answer to correct any errors
- Don’t delay filing an Answer. This could result in you automatically losing your case.
Important Tips
- Process servers often lie, and judges can be impatient with tenants who delay filing an Answer. Judges also tend to believe process servers over tenants.
- To be safe, figure out where you are in the eviction process and follow the steps on the checklist that applies to you. If you have missed these deadlines, then do it in the next day or two.