Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: Civil Suit

Yes, unless its small claims where you don't have an attorney. You would be well advised to retain counsel prior to filing an answer. An answer may not even be the appropriate responsive document. Typically, an attorney can get some extra time to file an answer if just retained so concentrate on finding someone before the 30-days has passed!

Re: Civil Suit

You can hire a lawyer at any point in the case, but you should do so now if possible. Filing an answer is not the only way to respond to a complaint; you can also challenge it by a demurrer, a motion to strike, and/or a motion to quash service. Whether any of those options would make sense for you will depend upon your circumstances, but hiring counsel now may help you more than you realize.

Good luck.

Re: Civil Suit

Yes, as long as you timely file and serve the Answer before a default is taken against you. If you want legal help thereafter, and the case is in SoCal, feel free to contact me.

Re: Civil Suit

You did not state how much the lawsuit was for. You also did not state your zip code, so no attorney knows whether you are near them or not. You should have an attorney immediately, and not wait until after you answer.

IMPORTANT:

No attorney-client nor confidential relationship is created through this communication. You may not rely in any way on this attorney, or any communication from this attorney, and nothing constitutes legal advice nor legal opinion. Your issue may be time sensitive and may result in loss of rights if you do not obtain an attorney immediately.