Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida

Responding to a Summons

My husband was served a summons for a judgement against him in which he was involved in an accident. It stated he has 20 days to respond. My first question concerns the 20 days. Does the 20 days start from the day the clerk signed the summons or the day my husband recieved the summons? Second question, how does he reply? Is there a legal form to use or can he write a simple letter of response?


Asked on 9/01/04, 9:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Randall Gilbert Gilbert & Caddy P.A.

Re: Responding to a Summons

(1) He has 20 days from the date that he was served.

(2) As to each paragraph of the complaint, he has to state either: (a) admitted, (b) denied; (c) admitted in part and denied in part because _____; or (d) without knowledge and threfore denied. As to the affirmative defenses I very seriously recommend hiring an attorney. This is not something that an attorney can give you advice about without speaking to you and discovering your facts. However, if you have an insurance provider I recommend contacting them immediately and request that they defend you. Good luck,

Randall Gilbert

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Answered on 9/01/04, 9:54 am


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