defendant's answer to lawsuit

When a plaintiff (person or entity) files a lawsuit, the person or entity being sued is generally known as the defendant. The defendant is served with (usually handed in person) a copy of the lawsuit, accompanied by information stating the time within which the defendant must file an answer to the lawsuit—usually 20 to 30 days after receipt of the lawsuit.

In Alabama, when a plaintiff initiates a lawsuit, the party being sued is referred to as the defendant. The defendant must be served with a copy of the complaint and a summons, which is the official notice of the lawsuit. Service of process can be accomplished in several ways, including personal service, where the documents are handed directly to the defendant. Once served, the defendant has a specific time frame to respond to the lawsuit by filing an answer with the court. In Alabama, the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 12(a) typically allows a defendant 30 days from the date of service to file an answer. If the defendant fails to respond within the allotted time, the plaintiff may seek a default judgment from the court.

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Civil procedure