How Long Do You Have to Answer a Debt Lawsuit?

The deadline to answer a debt lawsuit depends on your state and which court the case is in — usually 14 to 35 days from the date you were served. Missing it hands the plaintiff a default judgment, so treat the deadline as the most important date in the case.

How the clock is counted

Some courts count calendar days, others business days. Some start counting the day after service; some exclude the final day if it falls on a weekend or holiday. The summons states the number — your local court's civil rules explain how to count it.

What counts as being served

• Personal service — handed to you directly
• Substitute service — left with an adult at your home
• Service by mail, where allowed

If you were never properly served, that can be a defense — but you still must act once you know about the case.