Q: Question about forms, format, and length of answer.
I was sued in a Civil-unlimited Business Tort case, and have no money for a lawyer. All the claims are completely and provably false. I've written an extensive answer, but don't know which forms to use or to whom to send the answer in what format.
My answer was long, going point by point, with a PDF of referenced exhibits. One question: Is there a page # limit for answering this kind of case?
I've filled out answer form #pldc010. Is that the correct form?
They give a small space to begin your answer, then I checked to "see attachment #4."
Does attachment #4 with the remaining answer need to be in a form? If so, what form would that be?
Do I need to submit additional forms to request that the case be dismissed and that sanctions be placed on the plaintiff’s attorneys for filing a bogus case? If so, which forms would that be?
To whom do I send my answer and should it be printed and mailed or submitted online, or both? Thank you!
A:
If you have a homeowner's policy, you should tender the lawsuit to your homeowner's insurance carrier.
All that is required is that you answer the complaint. Nothing more is required at this point. However, it is important that you include all the affirmative defenses that you may have. There is a form which you can use for that, PLD-10.
There is another form you can use for additional pages, which is MC-020.
You can Google affirmative defenses to find what might be applicable in your case.
The Summons you received will contain the information regarding the attorney you must serve when you file your answer or any other pleading. Review that carefully. Any document you file, either electronically or otherwise, must be served on the opposing counsel at the same time you file the document. And make sure you keep permanent copies of all documents you file and serve. Look at the first page of the complaint you received. If the attorney for the plaintiff included her email address, then you can serve your documents electronically at the email address listed by the other lawyer. Otherwise, you must serve your copies by regular mail.
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