The Defendant, the opposing party named in the lawsuit, has 30 days from the date they are served with the papers to file an Answer. If the Defendant has not filed an Answer after 45 days, the Plaintiff can request a final hearing date. The Defendant will not be given notice of this hearing if he/she has not filed an Answer.
Make an appointment to prepare your Answer with the Family Law Resource Center as soon as you are served. If your appointment is after the 30 day deadline, please call the office and explain the situation and we will do our best to get you in under the deadline date.