Responsive Pleadings: Answer (CA)

by Practical Law Litigation

A Practice Note outlining how to answer a complaint in California superior court. Specifically, this Practice Note provides guidance on the key procedural and strategic elements of preparing a responsive pleading. It explains how to respond to a complaint's allegations using admissions, general denials, or specific denials, and how to properly assert affirmative defenses to avoid potential waiver. This Practice Note also details the critical steps for computing and extending the time to answer, as well as the requirements for serving and filing the answer in compliance with the California Code of Civil Procedure and California Rules of Court. Additionally, it briefly covers points to consider when amending an answer and potential challenges a plaintiff may raise in response. This Practice Note focuses on unlimited civil actions and does not address cross-complaints.