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 Illinois, 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. The summons is a document that provides the defendant with information about the lawsuit, including the time frame in which they must respond. In Illinois, the defendant typically has 30 days to file an answer or otherwise plead in response to the complaint after being served. This time frame is established by the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure. If the defendant fails to respond within the allotted time, the plaintiff may seek a default judgment from the court.