How Long Do You Have to Answer a Debt Lawsuit?
Answer deadlines run 14–35 days depending on your state and court. How to count the days, what counts as service, and why the date is everything.
Editorial Team · July 19, 2026 · 6 min read
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Debt Lawsuits
Summons, answers, deadlines, and how collection cases actually end.
12articles
GuideJuly 19, 2026
How to Vacate a Default Judgment
A default judgment can sometimes be undone. The grounds — improper service, excusable neglect — and how to file a motion to vacate.
GuideJuly 19, 2026
Sued for a Debt That Isn't Yours? What to Do
Debt buyers sometimes sue the wrong person or over paid or discharged debt. How to respond when the debt isn't yours.
GuideJuly 19, 2026
What Is Summary Judgment in a Debt Case?
Debt buyers often try to win by summary judgment on affidavits. What it is, how to oppose it, and why a genuine factual dispute stops it.
Essential GuideJuly 18, 2026
How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit
Served with a debt lawsuit? Learn the deadline to answer, what to file, and how to make the collector prove its case — step by step.
GuideJuly 18, 2026
Can Debt Collectors Take Money From Your Bank Account?
Collectors can levy your bank account — but only with a judgment first. How bank levies work, what's exempt, and how to protect your money.
GuideJuly 18, 2026
How to Answer a Summons for Credit Card Debt
A step-by-step guide to drafting and filing your answer to a credit card debt lawsuit, including affirmative defenses and general denials.
GuideJuly 18, 2026
How to Get a Debt Lawsuit Dismissed
The most common grounds for dismissing a debt collection lawsuit — lack of standing, expired limitations, defective service — and how to raise them.
GuideJuly 18, 2026
Statute of Limitations on Debt, State by State
When is a debt too old to sue on? State-by-state limitation periods, what restarts the clock, and how to raise the defense.
GuideJuly 18, 2026
Wage Garnishment: How to Stop It
Garnishment requires a judgment first. How to stop or reduce wage garnishment — exemptions, vacating defaults, and hardship claims.
GuideJuly 18, 2026
What Happens If You Ignore a Debt Lawsuit
Ignoring a debt collection lawsuit leads to default judgment, wage garnishment, and bank levies. Here's the timeline — and how to stop it.
GuideJuly 18, 2026
What Is a Deficiency Balance After Repossession?
After a car repo, the lender sells it and may sue you for the shortfall. How deficiency balances work — and how to challenge them.