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 Georgia, 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 in-person delivery. Once served, the defendant has a specific time frame to respond to the complaint, typically 30 days according to the Georgia Civil Practice Act (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-12). If the defendant fails to respond within this period, the plaintiff may seek a default judgment from the court. It is important for defendants to adhere to this deadline to avoid default and to preserve their legal rights and defenses in the lawsuit.

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Civil procedure