The whole case, step by step

Step 1 of 7

You've been served

Someone handed you (or left you) court papers called a Summons and Complaint.

Watch the clock

Most courts give you 14 to 30 days from the day you were served. Check the deadline printed on your Summons.

What's happening

A debt collector has filed a lawsuit against you. The clock has started. If you do nothing, they win automatically, that's called a default judgment, and it can lead to your wages or bank account being garnished.

What to do about it

What would help right now

Free to build and preview with your case details in it. Nothing to pay for until you want to download it.

Recommended for you

Answer Generator

The one document you cannot skip. It tells the court you are fighting the case.

Free to build and preview. Pay when you download.

If you want to understand it

Answer + Course

The document plus John's course on this step, so you know what every part of it means before you file.

Not sure this is the document you need? Read what your answer does

CaseDefender provides fill-in-the-blank forms and general legal information. It is not a law firm, does not act as your attorney, and does not provide legal advice. No attorney-client relationship or privilege is created.