You've Been Served.
Here's What to Do Right Now.
Don't panic. You have time — but the clock is running. This page gives you the exact steps, the deadline you're working against, and the 4 modules that matter most right now.
Deadline Calculator
What to Do Right Now — 7 Steps
0/7 doneStudy These 4 Modules First
You don't need to start at Module 1. These are the 4 modules that matter most when you've just been served — in priority order.
This is your most urgent task. Your Answer must respond to every allegation in the complaint — admit, deny, or state you lack information. Missing this deadline = automatic loss.
Affirmative defenses can end the case before trial. Improper service, expired statute of limitations, lack of jurisdiction — if you have any of these, you must raise them in your Answer or you waive them forever.
If the complaint is legally defective — wrong court, no valid cause of action, improper service — you can file a Motion to Dismiss instead of an Answer. This can end the case immediately.
If the plaintiff waited too long to sue you, the case is dead on arrival. This module teaches you how to spot an expired statute of limitations — one of the most powerful defenses available.
5 Mistakes That Lose Cases Before They Start
Important: This page provides general legal education, not legal advice. Deadlines vary by court, case type, and jurisdiction. Always verify your specific deadline by reading the summons you received, checking your local court's rules, or consulting an attorney. When in doubt, file early.