This packet contains the forms and instructions needed to respond to a civil lawsuit in Superior Court.

The instructions are for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. If you do not understand this information, contact an attorney. If your specific situation is beyond the scope of this packet, contact an attorney.

A civil lawsuit is started when the Plaintiff has the Summons and Complaint forms served on the Defendant. The Defendant responds to the lawsuit using a form called an Answer. 

How you respond to a lawsuit can seriously impact your case and the future options available to you in the case. It is recommended that you consult an attorney for advice on what options are available to you and what strategies may be the most helpful to you when you respond. 

There are several steps to respond to a civil lawsuit: 

• Complete the Notice of Appearance
• File the Notice of Appearance with the Superior Court Clerk
• Serve the Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff
• Have the person who served the documents on the Plaintiff complete a Certificate of Service
• File the Certificate of Service with the Superior Court Clerk
• Complete the Answer
• File the Answer with the Superior Court Clerk
• Serve the Answer on the Plaintiff
• Have the person who served the documents on the Plaintiff complete a Certificate of Service
• File the Certificate of Service with the Superior Court Clerk

The Law Library offers helpful classes that cover the basics of civil lawsuits and things that may be helpful to consider.