HERE IS HOW TO WRITE AN ANSWER TO A LEGAL COMPLAINT

ANSWER TO A COMPLAINT

FORMAT

CAPTION, TITLE, INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE

• Caption same as caption for the complaint

• Title reflects that this is an Answer

• Introductory clause identifies Defendant and introduces the body of the answer

DEFENSES

• Answer states the Defendant’s Defense

• Admits or denies Plaintiff’s claims

• Can contain either Affirmative Defenses or a Counterclaim that has a prayer for relief
• CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

• If Defense attorney serves answer on Plaintiff’s attorney, a certificate of service must be included