What happens when I’m served with a lawsuit?

Typically, once you are properly served a summons and complaint you have 30 days to respond or your default could be entered by the court ultimately resulting in a judgement against you for the relief sought by the plaintiff. So, don’t ignore the papers. Seek out an attorney as soon as possible or go online to the courts website to learn more about important deadlines and response requirements. An attorney can discuss options available to you such as challenging the service of process on you or by attacking the sufficiency of the factual and legal allegations made in the complaint. Or your attorney may recommend you answer the complaint and attempt to resolve the matter amicably or prepare a strategy to fight the claim. But either way, don’t give up important rights by burying your head in the sand and ignoring the matter. It won’t go away by itself.

And that’s your one minute law.