How to Answer a Lawsuit in California Without a Lawyer

“Answering a Civil Complaint | California Answer to Lawsuit | Civil Summons Response | Pro Per Legal Help”

If you’ve been served with a civil summons and complaint in California, the clock is ticking. You typically have 30 days from the date you were served to respond. The problem is—many people can’t afford an attorney, don’t know where to start, or panic and do nothing at all.

At Fingerscan Digital, we help people navigate legal processes every day, and we’ve partnered with TrustPoint Disability & Legal Services LLC to offer a one-stop affordable solution. TrustPoint provides Legal Document Assistant (LDA) services that help you prepare and file your lawsuit response without needing a lawyer.

In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to answer a lawsuit in California without legal representation, explain what it means to appear “pro per,” and show you how to avoid costly mistakes that could lead to a default judgment.

What Happens When You’re Sued in California?

If you’ve received a Summons (SUM-100) and a Complaint, it means someone (the “plaintiff”) has officially filed a lawsuit against you. These documents are delivered (served) by a process server, sheriff, or someone else over age 18 who’s not part of the case.

You now become the “defendant,” and you’re expected to file a formal response with the court.

Deadlines: How Long Do You Have to Respond?

You typically have 30 calendar days from the date you were served to respond by filing an Answer to the Complaint. If you don’t respond in time, the plaintiff may ask the court for a default judgment, which means they automatically win the case without your side being heard.

What Does “Pro Per” or “In Pro Per” Mean?

“Pro per” is short for “in propria persona”, a Latin phrase meaning “for oneself.” It means you are choosing to represent yourself in the lawsuit, without an attorney.

In California, self-representation is legal and common—especially in civil, small claims, and family law cases.

This is where Legal Document Assistants (LDAs) come in. They are authorized by California law to help prepare your legal forms and documents for filing, at a fraction of the cost of an attorney.

Which Forms Do You Need to File?

To answer a civil lawsuit in California, most people need to file the following:

1. Answer – Judicial Council Form PLD-C-010

• This is your official response to the complaint.
• You admit, deny, or state “lack of knowledge” for each claim.
• You can also list affirmative defenses (legal reasons why you’re not responsible).

Download PLD-C-010

2. Civil Case Cover Sheet (CM-010)

Helps the court understand the type of case being filed.

3. Proof of Service (POS-030 or POS-050)

Confirms that you mailed or served a copy of your Answer to the plaintiff.

Pro Tip: Don’t Just Ignore the Complaint

Ignoring a civil summons is one of the worst things you can do. If you fail to file a response, the court can enter a default judgment against you—meaning you may owe money, lose property, or forfeit legal rights without ever telling your side of the story.

Step-by-Step: How to Answer a Civil Complaint Without a Lawyer

Step 1: Read the Complaint Carefully

Each paragraph in the complaint is numbered.

You’ll answer each paragraph with:

• “Admit”
• “Deny”
• “Lack sufficient knowledge”

Step 2: Choose the Correct Response Form

Use PLD-C-010 for general civil complaints.

If the complaint includes a contract or fraud allegation, you may also need:

• PLD-C-001 (Contract)
• PLD-C-003 (Fraud)

Step 3: Draft Your Affirmative Defenses

Examples:

• Statute of limitations
• Payment already made
• No legal obligation exists
• Improper service

You list these in the section titled “Affirmative Defenses” on the form.

Step 4: Complete the Civil Case Cover Sheet (CM-010)

Step 5: Have Someone Serve the Plaintiff

You cannot serve it yourself.

A third party over 18 must mail a copy of your filed Answer to the plaintiff or their attorney.

That person completes and signs POS-030 (Proof of Service by First-Class Mail).

Step 6: File Your Response with the Court

File your original signed Answer + POS-030 at the courthouse listed on your Summons.

Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver using FW-001 and FW-003.

How Much Does It Cost?

• Filing Fee: $225–$435 depending on the case type.
• Fee Waiver: Available if you have low income.
• Attorney Fees: $1,500–$5,000+
• TrustPoint DIsability & Legal Services: Usually under $1000 flat rate for full response prep.

How TrustPoint Disability & Legal Services Can Help

We’ve partnered with TrustPoint Disability & Legal Services LLC to provide a trusted, bonded LDA service in Santa Clara County.

They can:

• Prepare all your court forms
• Help you properly serve the plaintiff
• File your response electronically or in person
• Provide multilingual support (English, Vietnamese, Spanish)

Located at:
434 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123
(408) 766-3532
Visit TrustPoint Disability & Legal Services LLC

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to write a separate legal brief or motion?

No. For most civil answers, PLD-C-010 is sufficient.

Can I respond online?

Some counties offer electronic filing (eFile). TrustPoint Disability & Legal Services LLC can help determine if that’s available for your case.

What if I miss the 30-day deadline?

You can still try to file late, but the plaintiff may have already requested a default. Act quickly. TrustPoint Disability & Legal Services LLC may help you file a motion to set aside the default.

Can I change my Answer later?

Yes. You can amend your Answer before trial, but you may need court permission depending on timing.

Don’t Guess — Get Help Preparing the Right Documents

Many people attempt to file legal documents without help and end up:

• Using the wrong form
• Missing deadlines
• Failing to properly serve documents
• Getting hit with a default

That’s why LDAs like TrustPoint Disability & Legal Services are a smart alternative.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Rights Without Breaking the Bank

Answering a civil complaint in California without a lawyer is completely legal—but it’s not always simple. Fortunately, help is available. Whether you need someone to prepare your Answer, serve documents, or help you understand what to do next, TrustPoint and Fingerscan Digital have teamed up to make the process as stress-free as possible.

Let us help you respond confidently, accurately, and affordably.

Ready to Get Started?

Visit: TrustPoint Disability & Legal Services

Call: (408) 766-3532

Stop by: 434 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA

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