Get Help Responding to a Debt Lawsuit Fast
You have four main options for responding to a debt lawsuit: hire an attorney, use an online service, apply for legal aid, or work with your court clerk. Online services offer the best balance of affordability and professional help for most people. Act quickly since most states only give you 14 to 35 days to respond.
Answer Your LawsuitDealing with debt is overwhelming. A lawsuit makes everything worse.
You probably don’t know what to do next. You’re not a lawyer. You’ve never been sued before.
Don't Let Your Lawsuit Deadline Pass
Most states only give you 14 to 35 days to respond to a debt collector's summons. Miss it and you automatically lose. Our partner Solo helps you draft, review, and file your Answer before time runs out.
Respond to Summons NowGood news: you have more options than you think.
How Can You Get Help Responding to a Lawsuit?
Different states have different deadlines for responding. Most give you between 14 and 35 days.
Don’t wait until the last minute. The deadline matters.
Miss it and the court makes a default judgment against you. You automatically lose the case.
With a court order against you, consequences follow quickly. Wage garnishment starts. Bank accounts get frozen. No room to negotiate a payment plan or settle for less.
Your Four Main Options
You can get help responding to a lawsuit in several ways:
- Hire an attorney
- Use an online service
- Apply for free or reduced-cost legal aid
- Talk to your court clerk
Each option has different costs and benefits.
Option 1: Hire an Attorney
Hiring an attorney is smart if you can afford it.
Attorney fees are costly though. Many people can’t reach this option.
How much does an attorney charge for an Answer form? It varies widely.
Factors include the amount you’re being sued for. Case complexity matters. Your location affects pricing too.
Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000. You’ll also pay county filing fees on top of that.
Option 2: Use an Online Service
You don’t have to hire an attorney or go it alone.
Online services format the Answer form after you answer basic questions. Some even file it for you.
Our partner Solo handles this entire process. Answer a few questions about your debt.
The service formats your Answer document. Files it with the court. Gives you a copy.
The cost is typically much less than hiring an attorney. You choose between standard and premium levels.
Standard Package Includes:
- Creation of the Answer document
- PDF download
- Filing fee calculation
- Filing in 1 to 8 days
- Status updates
Premium Package Includes:
- Creation of the Answer document
- Attorney review before filing
- PDF download
- Filing fee calculation
- Filing in 1 to 6 days
- Status updates
The premium package gives you attorney oversight without full attorney fees.
Option 3: Free or Reduced-Cost Legal Aid
Your income determines eligibility for free or inexpensive legal help.
Many states offer legal aid to qualifying residents. Sometimes counties or cities offer programs too.
Services vary based on available resources. Some legal aid offices fill out and file your Answer form. Others only explain how to do it yourself.
Worth checking if you meet income requirements.
Option 4: Talk to Your Court Clerk
Court clerks legally cannot give you legal advice. They can talk you through filling out an Answer form though.
Some counties offer blank Answer forms. Check the court website first. You might need to visit in person.
Good option if you’re confident filling out forms yourself. Online tutorials provide additional guidance if needed.
Why Online Services Work Best for Most People
Online services eliminate expensive attorney fees. You don’t shoulder the lawsuit alone either.
The process is straightforward and fast. No legal experience required.
Example: Sarah gets a Summons. ABC Collections is suing her for $700.
She searches for help responding to a lawsuit. Finds our partner Solo.
Sarah uses the deadline calculator to determine her timeframe. Chooses the premium package for attorney review.
She answers basic questions. Monitors her email for filing confirmation.
Done. Filed. Responded within the deadline.
Act Before Your Deadline Expires
Time moves fast when you’re being sued. Every day counts toward your deadline.
Default judgments have serious consequences. Wage garnishment hurts your income. Bank levies drain your accounts.
Choose your response method today. Our partner Solo can help you answer the lawsuit quickly.
Whether you need to respond to a collector’s summons or settle your debt, professional help is available. You don’t need thousands of dollars for an attorney.
Get your Answer filed before the deadline passes.