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You were served with a lawsuit: what to do first

How to read a summons, find your deadline, check the case is real, file an answer and avoid a default judgment.

Quick answer

Don’t ignore it. Read the summons for the court, case number and deadline, often about 20 to 30 days. Confirm the case on the court’s website or with the clerk, then file a written answer before the deadline; many courts offer free forms and self-help. If you don’t respond, you can lose automatically. Settling is allowed; get it in writing.

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Your checklist

  • Don’t ignore the papers
  • Find your deadline
  • Confirm the case with the court
  • File an answer on time
  • Consider settling, in writing
  • Get legal help if needed

Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.

Read the papers

The summons tells you the court, the case number and how long you have to respond. The complaint explains what the other side claims and wants.

Find your deadline

Often about 20 to 30 days from the day you were served, depending on the state and court. Don’t wait until the last day.

Make sure it’s real

Look up the case on the court’s website or call the clerk with a number you find yourself.

Respond

File a written answer that responds to each claim, and send a copy to the other side as the court requires. Many courts have free forms and self-help centers.

If you don’t respond

The court can enter a default judgment, which can lead to wage garnishment or a frozen bank account.

Settling

Many cases, especially debt cases, settle. Get any agreement in writing and make sure the case is dismissed.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • [your county] court case search
  • [your county] court self-help center answer form

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

I was sued for a debt. Do I have to pay right away?

Not just because you were sued. You can respond, ask them to prove the debt, raise defenses like the wrong amount, or negotiate a settlement. More ›

What if the deadline already passed?

Contact the court right away. You may be able to ask the court to set aside a default, but there are time limits. More ›

How many days do I have to respond to a lawsuit?

It depends on your state and court, often about 20 to 30 days from when you were served. Federal court is usually 21 days. The summons states your deadline. More ›

What is a default judgment?

A win for the other side because you didn’t respond in time. It can lead to garnished wages or frozen bank accounts. More ›

Can I respond to a lawsuit without a lawyer?

Yes. Many people file their own answer using court forms and self-help centers. A lawyer helps for big amounts or complicated cases. More ›

How do I know if a lawsuit is a scam?

Look up the case number on the court’s website or call the clerk using a number you find yourself. Real courts don’t demand payment by gift card or wire. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.