How to Answer a Summons Without an Attorney in 2025

You just received a Summons for unpaid debt. You’re worried about what comes next. Many people assume you need an attorney to respond. That’s not always true.

Hiring a lawyer costs money you may not have. The good news? You can respond to a Summons on your own. Here’s exactly how to answer a civil summons without an attorney.

Never Ignore a Summons

A Summons is a legal document notifying you of a lawsuit. It arrives with a Complaint that lists why you’re being sued. Debt collectors prefer not to sue because lawsuits cost money. If you received a Summons, you likely knew about the debt already.

Ignoring It Leads to Default Judgment

You must respond within 20 to 30 days in most states. Miss that deadline and the court issues a default judgment. The collector wins automatically.

A judgment allows creditors to garnish your wages. They can also freeze your bank account. Responding prevents this outcome, and it’s surprisingly simple.

Basic Elements Your Answer Needs

Your Answer must include these components:

• Court name
• Case number
• Responses to each Complaint allegation
• List of affirmative defenses
• Your signature

You can format everything yourself or get help. Our partner Solo helps you answer questions, then formats and files your Answer automatically.

Fill Out Your Answer Correctly

Knowing what form to file isn’t enough. You need the right information in your Answer.

Respond to Every Allegation

The Complaint lists allegations against you. You have three response options for each: admit, deny, or deny for lack of knowledge.

Admit only basic facts like your name and address. Deny everything else. Anything you deny forces the collector to prove it in court.

You’re not under oath when writing your Answer. Never admit liability for the debt, even if you think you owe it.

Include Your Affirmative Defenses

Your Answer is your only chance to list defenses. Be thorough but concise. Keep each defense brief and direct.

Common defenses include:

• The debt was already paid in full
• You paid part of it, so the amount is wrong
• The debt resulted from fraud or identity theft
• Someone else is responsible for the debt
• The debt was discharged in bankruptcy
• The statute of limitations expired
• The collector violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
• The collector broke other laws during collection attempts
• You don’t know the plaintiff or how they acquired your debt

That last defense forces the collector to prove they legally own your debt. Many collectors can’t provide this proof.

Our partner Solo helps you identify which defenses apply to your case. You don’t need legal expertise to build a strong Answer.

What Happens After You File Your Answer

Filing an Answer stops the default judgment clock. You gain time to explore your options.

The collector may contact you about settlement. You can negotiate a lower amount or payment plan. Many collectors settle for 30-50% of the original debt.

If settlement fails, the case proceeds to court. You’ll have a hearing where both sides present evidence. Your Answer and defenses become crucial at this stage.

Consider Settlement Before Court

Court proceedings take time and energy. Settlement often makes more sense for both parties.

Collectors want to avoid court costs too. They’ll often accept less than you owe. Start by offering 25-30% of the debt amount.

Get any settlement agreement in writing before paying. The agreement should state the collector will dismiss the lawsuit. Never make payments without written confirmation first.

Take Action Now

Debt lawsuits feel overwhelming, but you have more power than you think. Filing an Answer protects your rights and buys you time.

You don’t need thousands of dollars for an attorney. Our partner Solo costs a fraction of attorney fees and guides you through every step.

Your response deadline approaches quickly. Calculate your exact deadline and start your Answer today. Taking action now prevents wage garnishment and bank levies tomorrow.