Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida
Preface to question:
I have prepared my answwers as to whether I admit, or deny each allegation
I cannot afford an attorney. would someone show me an example of an affirmative defense in answering a complaint, or how to include defense in with my answers. If I do not include defense in the answer, will I be given an opportunity later to show why I deny the allegations?
Thank you
2 Answers from Attorneys
Affirmative defenses are specific to your case. You add them after the admit/deny answer portion under the headings of "FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE," "SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE," etc. The general ones you want to throw in are promissory estoppel, unclean hands, laches, and such, but without knowing one single detail of your case, I am not able to help point you in the right direction.
You can still use all defenses later, but you need to plead and prove affirmative defenses at some point.
Email and we can discuss this.
I would at least consult with an attorney, get some estimates, and consider whether I could afford a judgment against me. There are some defenses that you must make or you lose the opportunity to do so.
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