Civil Answer

A civil answer is one possible response to being served with a civil complaint, the other being filing a motion attacking the complaint in one capacity or another.

The answer must specify which allegations the defendant admits or denies. It may also “deny sufficient information upon which to form a belief” regarding a given allegation and it may qualify admissions or denials as necessary. Failing to admit an obviously true allegation may be grounds for sanctions.

Civil answers may also allege affirmative defenses, which means defenses that would negate liability even if the plaintiff’s allegations are true. They can also allege counterclaims, which are lawsuits against the plaintiff, or cross-claims, which are claims against other parties involved in the action. They can also “implead” third parties, bringing them into the present lawsuit.