Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: Answer

You're actually answering the complaint. The summons puts you on notice that a complaint has been filed against you. Depending on whether it was a breach of contract (i.e. credit card or other debt) or a motor vehicle accident, you can find form answers at: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms/fillable/982135.pdf (contract) or http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms/fillable/982115.pdf (personal injury/property damage). Feel free to contact me if you need legal help.

Re: Answer

There's more to responding to a complaint than just filling out the Answer form. You have to fill it out exactly correctly -- if you forget to put down a good defense you could waive it. Also, if you have auto or homeowners insurance these policies provide a free legal defense for claims covered under the policy, including claims that might not occur to you. So sit down with a lawyer.