What is an answer?

An answer is a response to a complaint or other pleading made in a civil lawsuit—a type of court case where the plaintiff seeks to recover damages from the defendant for a wrongful act or breach of contract. In California, an answer must include certain pieces of information, such as the defendant’s address and the name and address of their lawyer, as well as an admission or denial of the allegations contained in the complaint. The defendant might also raise affirmative defenses such as statute of limitations or comparative fault. An answer must be filed and served within 30 days of service of the summons and complaint. If the defendant fails to file an answer, the court may enter a default judgment against them. The answer may also include counterclaims, which are claims raised by the defendant against the plaintiff. It is important to create an answer that is thorough and specific to the individual case, as it could affect the outcome of a civil action.

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