CAN THE DEFENDANT FILE A LATE ANSWER?
On the thirty-first day after service on the Defendant, the case goes into default. However, the Defendant has an additional fifteen days to open the default by filing a late Answer and paying all court costs along with the answer. No Answer may be filed beyond the forty-fifth day following service.
On the thirty-first day after service on the defendant, the case goes into default. However, the defendant has additional fifteen (15) days to open the default by filing a late answer and paying all court costs along with the answer. No Answer may be filed beyond the forty-fifth day following service. How does the plaintiff know that an answer has been filed? The defendant must serve a copy of the Answer on the Plaintiff. Either personal delivery or first class U.S. mail may be used to file an Answer and all subsequent pleadings (court filings). What happens after the defendant has filed an answer? Once the defendant files an Answer, the Court will schedule the case for trial within a few weeks. All parties will receive notice by regular U.S. mail notifying them of the date and time of the trial. I have been sued, what should I do? Seeking legal advice is a good decision. You may also read books on representing yourself in court. If you elect to represent yourself, you are responsible
