If you are ever served with a lawsuit, it can be a very frightening and confusing experience. Do not panic! There are things you can do to protect yourself and your business. This blog post will discuss the steps you should take when you receive notice of a lawsuit filed against you. We will also talk about what to do if you are being sued for debt collection or violating copyright.
File A Response With The Court
When you are served with a lawsuit, the first thing you should do is file a response with the court. This is called an “answer.” You will need to address each of the claims made against you in the lawsuit in your answer. For example, if someone is suing you for breach of contract, you will need to explain why you did not breach the agreement.
You will also need to tell the court what relief you ask for. This means that you will need to explain what you want the court to do for you. For example, if someone is suing you for defamation, you may ask the court to dismiss the case because the statements made were factual.
Serve The Other Party With Your Answer
Once you have filed your answer with the court, you will need to serve the other party with a copy of your response. This is called “service of process.” You will need to follow the rules of service for your state. Most states require that you serve the other party by hand-delivering a copy of the answer or mailing a copy to the other party’s last known address. Most frequently question asked about process server can be found by following the link.
File A Motion With The Court
You may need to file a motion with the court in some cases. A motion is a request for the court to take a specific action. For example, you may file a motion to dismiss the case if the other party does not have enough evidence to prove their claim. You may also file a motion for summary judgment if you believe that the other party does not have a valid claim against you.
Attend Court Hearings
Once the lawsuit has been filed, the court will set up a schedule of hearings. These hearings may be conferences between the judge and the lawyers, or they may be trial dates. You will need to attend all of the hearings that are scheduled. Failure to do so may result in a default judgment being entered against you.
Consult With An Attorney
It is essential to consult with an attorney before taking any action in response to a lawsuit. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in court if necessary.
The Bottom Line
Receiving notice of a lawsuit can be a very stressful experience. However, it is crucial to keep calm and take the proper steps to protect yourself and your business. Remember to file an answer with the court, serve the other party, attend all court hearings, and consult with an attorney. Taking these steps will help you resolve the lawsuit in the best way possible.
