How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Nevada
You must respond to a Nevada debt collection lawsuit within 20 days to avoid default judgment. Filing an Answer lets you challenge the debt, raise defenses like statute of limitations, and negotiate from a stronger position. Taking action now protects your wages and bank accounts from garnishment.
Answer Your Nevada LawsuitBeing sued for debt is stressful. Millions of Americans face debt collection lawsuits every year.
You have rights and options when served with a lawsuit. Most people in debt cannot afford an attorney right now. You can handle this yourself with the right information.
File Your Nevada Answer Before the 20-Day Deadline
Missing the deadline means automatic judgment and wage garnishment. Draft and file your Answer in minutes with step-by-step guidance for Nevada courts.
Respond to Lawsuit NowIn Nevada, you must file an Answer to the Summons and Complaint. You have 20 days to respond after being served. Missing this deadline means automatic judgment against you.
Nevada Debt Collection Lawsuit Basics
Nevada law gives you 20 days to file an Answer after being served. The lawsuit includes a Summons and Complaint document.
The Summons explains what you are being sued for. It tells you when you need to appear in court.
Being “served” means receiving official notification of the lawsuit. A process server may deliver it in person. You might receive it through certified mail instead.
Read all the paperwork carefully. Look for the response deadline and filing instructions.
Missing the 20-day deadline has serious consequences. The court will issue a default judgment automatically. The creditor can then garnish your wages. They can also freeze your bank account.
How to Answer a Nevada Debt Collection Summons
Step 1: Draft Your Answer Document
Your Answer is a formal reply to the court. You must also send a copy to the plaintiff’s attorney.
The Complaint contains numbered paragraphs with allegations. You must respond to each paragraph individually.
You have three response options for each allegation:
- Admit the allegation is true
- Deny the allegation is true
- State you lack sufficient information to admit or deny
Debt collection cases typically contain 10 to 30 paragraphs. You can respond differently to each one.
The best strategy is denying everything you cannot verify. Make the debt collector prove their case. Our partner Solo helps you draft a strong Answer quickly.
Step 2: Include Affirmative Defenses
Affirmative defenses explain why the plaintiff has no case. You must list all affirmative defenses in your Answer. You cannot raise them later if you forget.
Common affirmative defenses in Nevada include:
- The debt does not belong to you
- The contract was previously canceled
- The statute of limitations has expired
- You already paid the debt in full
- You made partial payments reducing the balance
- You were not properly informed of co-signer rights
- The plaintiff lacks standing to sue
- The debt amount is incorrect
Note that inability to pay is not a valid defense. You still owe debts you legitimately agreed to pay.
The statute of limitations is often your strongest defense. Nevada has strict time limits for debt collection lawsuits.
Step 3: File Your Answer With the Court
Filing correctly is critical. An improperly filed Answer wastes your time and effort.
Follow these filing steps:
- Print two copies of your completed Answer
- Mail one copy to the court clerk
- Mail one copy to the plaintiff’s attorney
- Pay the required filing fee
Find the plaintiff attorney’s address on the Summons paperwork. Filing fees range from $51 to over $200. The amount depends on which court is hearing your case.
Keep proof of mailing for your records. Send copies via certified mail with return receipt.
Nevada Statute of Limitations on Debt
The statute of limitations sets a deadline for lawsuits. It is one of the best affirmative defenses available.
After the statute expires, the debt becomes time-barred. You can ask the court to dismiss the case. You still technically owe the debt. However, the creditor cannot get a judgment against you.
Nevada has a four-year statute for credit card debt. Written contracts have a six-year limit.
Nevada Statute of Limitations by Debt Type
| Debt Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Credit Card | 4 years |
| Medical | 6 years |
| Auto Loan | 6 years |
| Student Loan | 6 years |
| Mortgage | 6 years |
| Personal Loan | 6 years |
| Oral Contract | 6 years |
| Judgment | 6 years |
Source: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190
You must raise the statute of limitations yourself. The judge will not research this for you. Include it as an affirmative defense in your Answer.
Proving the debt is time-barred usually results in dismissal.
Real Nevada Case Example
Mario was sued by LVNV Funding for $2,300 credit card debt. The case was filed in Clark County Justice Court in Las Vegas.
Mario investigated when he last used the account. He discovered he had made no payments since 2016. The statute of limitations for credit card debt is only four years.
Mario filed an Answer raising the statute of limitations defense. He paid the $71 filing fee to submit his response. Our partner Solo helped him draft the document correctly.
The court dismissed LVNV Funding’s case. The debt was time-barred under Nevada law.
What Happens After You File Your Answer
Filing your Answer stops the automatic judgment. The case will proceed through the court system.
The plaintiff may request additional documentation. They might send you discovery requests or interrogatories. You must respond to these requests by the deadlines given.
Many cases settle before trial. The debt collector may offer a payment plan. They might agree to a reduced settlement amount.
You can negotiate from a stronger position after filing. The collector knows you are taking the case seriously.
Some cases do go to trial. You will need to present evidence supporting your defenses. The plaintiff must prove you owe the debt.
Nevada Court Locations and Contact Information
Find the correct court for your case on the Summons. Nevada has justice courts and district courts handling debt cases.
Major Nevada courts include:
- Clark County Justice Court in Las Vegas
- Washoe County Justice Court in Reno
- Carson City Justice Court
- Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas
- Second Judicial District Court in Reno
Contact the court clerk if you have questions. They can explain filing procedures and fees. They cannot give legal advice about your case.
Protecting Your Rights in Nevada Debt Cases
You have rights under federal and Nevada law. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects consumers nationwide. Nevada has additional consumer protection statutes.
Debt collectors cannot harass or threaten you. They cannot call at unreasonable hours. They must verify debts when you request validation.
Keep records of all communications with collectors. Document phone calls, letters, and emails. Save copies of all court documents.
Do not ignore a lawsuit hoping it will disappear. Taking action protects your wages and bank accounts. Filing an Answer gives you a fighting chance.
You can handle this without an attorney. Thousands of Nevada residents successfully defend themselves each year. Our partner Solo makes the process simple and affordable.