Do not ignore the papers. Here is what to do, in order, and how to walk into the hearing with your side written down. You can prepare your response and a script for the judge in about ten minutes for $29.
Answer a few questions about the claim and your side. You get a written answer (where your state requires one) or a defense statement to bring to the hearing, a counterclaim check with your state’s deadline, an evidence checklist and a script for the judge, for $29.
Prepare My Defense$29, one time. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the papers for two dates: the hearing (or appearance) date, and any deadline to file a written answer. Some states require a written answer within days of service; others only require you to appear. Missing either can mean a default judgment against you without your side being heard.
It depends on the state. Some, such as Texas and Alabama, require one by a deadline that runs from service; others, such as California, do not unless the court orders it. Our free lookup shows the rule for your state with its citation, and where we have not verified it we say so rather than guess.
Usually, if the plaintiff owes you money from the same events. A counterclaim has its own filing rules and deadline, and if it is larger than the small claims limit it may need a different court. The Defense kit flags whether you may have one and gives your state’s deadline where we have verified it.
In every state, a defendant who neither responds nor appears risks a judgment entered without being heard, and that judgment can then be enforced by wage garnishment or a bank levy.
For $29, one time: a written answer where your state requires one, or a defense statement to bring to the hearing; a word-for-word script for the hearing; an evidence checklist; and a counterclaim check with your state’s deadline caveat. It is document preparation, not legal advice.