As of April 24th, 2025, the United States District Court for the District of Utah has ordered a temporary stay of S.B. 199.
The Utah State Courts are processing guardianship cases under existing law, but are excluding all of S.B. 199's provisions until the stay is lifted or amended. Learn more

Answering a Complaint or Petition

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1 Help is available

Did you get a summons? Getting sued can feel overwhelming and scary. You are not alone! This page can help you.

1 It is important to respond to your papers so you can tell the court your side of the story. If you ignore your papers, the court might decide against you. 

This page will help you respond by filing an "answer." If you want to do something else, see our page on finding legal help.

Step 1 - choose your case type

Look at your court papers. You should have at least two documents:

  1. Summons - this tells you that you must respond to the lawsuit.

  2. Complaint or Petition - this explains why you are being sued and what the other side wants.

Find out what your case is about by reading the Complaint or Petition.

The title of your document will be on the first page, about a quarter of the way down on the right-hand side.

A picture of a summons, with the word "summons" circled, it is about a quarter of the day down on the first page, on the right-han side An example of a summons


Is your complaint or petition about:

  • Collecting a debt for a loan or for a medical procedure?
  • Eviction?
  • Family matters like divorce or custody?
  • Some other case? 
    • includes adoption cases and countercomplaints

Choose your case type below to see help for your case:

Debt collection
Eviction
Family law
Other case not listed

 Debt Collection - help answering

This section helps you respond to a debt collection summons and complaint. 

Is your case in small claims?

  • If your case is about collecting a debt that was filed in small claims court, see our small claims page. 

1 Where were you served?
  • In Utah? You have 21 days to respond.
  • Outside of Utah? You have 30 days to respond.
Important Notes:
  • 1 Count every day: including weekends and holidays.
  • Deadline on closed days: if the court is closed on your last day, file on the next open day.
How do you count?

The day you receive the summons is day zero. Start counting from the next day.

Maria was served in Utah on March 1. 

  • She has 21 days to file her answer.
Counting Maria's Days:
  • Day 0: March 1 (the day she was served)
  • Day 1: March 2
  • Day 2: March 3
  • (...continue counting each day...)
  • Day 21: March 22.
Deadline Adjustment:
  • March 22 is a Saturday.
  • The court is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Maria's deadline is extended to Monday, March 24.

Did you get a 10-day summons?

If your summons mentions "10 days," here is what you need to know:

  1. Case filing
    • Your case might not be on file with the court yet.
    • The 10 days are for the plaintiff to file the lawsuit with the court after serving you.
  2. Your deadline
    • You have more than 10 days to respond. Check the above guidance to find out your deadline.

What to do:

  • Before 10 days are up:
    • The court might not be able to process your response.
    • You might not be able to file your response online using MyCourtCase.
  • If this happens: 
    • Wait until the 10 days are up and try to file again.
  • After 10 days:
    • If the court still does not have a record of your case, contact the plaintiff.

There are two ways to answer the lawsuit:

  • 1 court forms: this way is faster at first, but might have more work later.
  • MyCourtCase: our online system - this takes longer to set up, but you might have less work later.
    • You will need your case number and a Utah-issused ID (out of state IDs will take much longer).
    • Go to the MyCourtCase application, tap "Create a new MyCase account" and follow the instructions.

1 Remember! You have deadline to answer the lawsuit. If you have problems creating a MyCourtCase account, use the court forms first. You can set up your account later.

 

  • 1 If you are using court the form, use this:
  • If you are using MyCourtCase:
    • log in 
    • scroll down to "eDocument Preparation 
    • tap the blue "File an eDocument" button
    • choose "fill out a form" 
    • choose "Debt Collection Answer."

Read the Complaint or Petition

  • Look at the numbered paragraphs.
    • Decide for each paragraph:
      • 1 Agree - you agree with everything in the paragraph.
      • 1 Disagree - you disagree with any part of the paragraph.
      • 1 Not Sure - you need more information to know if you agree or disagree.

Mark the Complaint

  • Use a pen or pencil to mark each paragraph with:
    • A for Agree.
    • D for Disagree.
    • N for Not Sure.

Transfer your markings on the complaint to the first three paragraphs of the answer:

  • Paragraph 1: Write the numbers of the paragraphs you marked A - agree.
  • Paragraph 2: Write the numbers of the paragraphs you marked D - disagree.
  • Paragraph 3: Write the numbers of the paragraphs marked N - not sure.

Your answer will look similar to the picture below.

A picture of a form answer. Paragraph 1 has the numbers 1, 3, and 5 in the response field. These are the numbered paragraphs in the complaint that the defnedant agrees with. There are other numbers listed for the responses to paragraph 2 of the answer, which note the paragraphs the defnedant disagrees with. There are similar numbers for paragraph 3, noting the numbered paragraphs in the complaint that the defendant is unsure about

Affirmative defenses are reasons why the other side should lose, even if what they say in their complaint is true. 

This part of the form is optional. If you are running out of time, you can skip it. But if you skip it, you will not be able to talk about these issues later.

Take a breath and think about what makes sense for you. 

If you want to work on this section, read each affirmative defense and check the box if it applies to you. Here are some common defenses:

  • Account issues
    • It is not your account
  • Contract cancelled 
    • You cancelled the contract and do not owe anything, or the creditor cancelled the contract and so is not entitled to payment.
  • Debt paid or excused
    • You already paid the total debt
  • Statute of Limitations
    • It has been 6 years or more since you either took out the loan or made your last payment

The last part of the form is called the certificate of service. This tells the court who will get a copy of your papers.

If you are using MyCourtCase (only debt collection and eviction cases), the system might fill it out for you automatically.

Fill it out like this:

  • Write the name of each person who will get a copy.
  • Check ONE box to show how you will send it.
  • Write their address or email .
  • Add the date you plan to send it.
Example

The defendant served Larry Landlord with a copy of the form. They sent it by email to Larry's email address at Larry@landlord.com on March 3, 2025. 

A picture of a completed Certificate of Service. Under the name, it shows Larry Landlord. Under service method, it shows email. Under service address, it includes his email address. Under service date, it includes the date the defendant emailed the answer to Larry Landlord. A sample certificate of service

 

1 IMPORTANT: After you file your form with the court, you MUST send copies to everyone you listed. This is called "service."

Read more in step 6.

1 Submitting papers to the court is called filing.

MyCourtCase users - follow the instructions online to file your answer automatically. Then skip to step 6.

1 If you are using court forms, follow the steps below to file. 

  1. How to File: Choose ONE:
    • 1 In Person: Take your papers to the courthouse clerk's office.
    • 1 Email: Send copies to your court's email address (find it here), write "Filing in [your case number]" in the subject line, papers must be in English, filled out completely and only black and white.
    • eFiling: My Court Case (online system). Not available in most cases: only eviction, debt collection, and small claims.
    • 1 Mail: Slowest method. Papers only filed when received by court.
  2. Get Copies: Request date-stamped copies if filing in person. 

Need more help? See our page on Filing Procedures.

1 Send the other side copies. This is called service.

Sending papers during your case:

  1. Who Gets Copies: Send to all parties (or their lawyer or licensed paralegal practitioner)
  2. How to Send: Choose ONLY one way:
    • 1 Email.
    • 1 Hand Delivery.
    • 1 Mail.
    • My Court Case (online system) if the other side has an account or is represented.
    • one of the other ways allowed under court rules.
  3. Prove It: Fill out the "Certificate of Service" (usually on the last page of your court form) and file it with your court papers. This is required.

Have more questions? See our page on Serving Papers.

Congratulations! If you made it this far it means you have completed your answer, filed it, and served the other side. This can help protect your rights.

1 The next step is to work on your initial disclosures. Also, pay attention to any court papers you receive and read them carefully. 

  Eviction - help answering

This section helps you respond to an eviction summons and complaint. 

Did you get different papers?

  • If you are a landlord and got a counterclaim, see the other section below for help responding
  • If you are a tenant and got other papers, see our page on evictions. 

You have three business days to respond
Important Notes:
  • 1 Count only weekdays: do not count weekends or holidays.
  • Deadline on closed days: if the court is closed on your last day, file on the next open day.
How do you count?

The day you receive the summons is day zero. Start counting from the next day.

Example

Miguel was served the summons and complaint on March 1. That was a Wednesday.

Counting Miguel's days:

  • Day 0: Wednesday, March 1 (the day he was served) 
  • Day 1: Thursday, March 2
  • Day 2: Friday, March 3
  • Skip Saturday, March 4
  • Skip Sunday, March 5
  • Day 3: March 6

Miguel's deadline is Monday, March 6. Saturday and Sunday did not count because they were not business days. 

There are two ways to answer the lawsuit:

  • 1 court forms: this way is faster at first, but might have more work later.
  • MyCourtCase: our online system - this takes longer to set up, but you might have less work later.
    • You will need your case number and a Utah-issused ID (out of state IDs will take much longer).
    • Go to the MyCourtCase application, tap "Create a new MyCase account" and follow the instructions.

1 Remember! You have deadline to answer the lawsuit. If you have problems creating a MyCourtCase account, use the court forms first. You can set up your account later.

 

Get the form

  • If you are using the 1 court form use this:
  • If you are using MyCourtCase:
    • log in 
    • scroll down to "eDocument Preparation 
    • tap the blue "File an eDocument" button
    • choose "fill out a form" 
    • choose "Defendant's Answer to Unlawful Detainer (Eviction)."

Read the Complaint or Petition

  • Look at the numbered paragraphs.
    • Decide for each paragraph:
      • 1 Agree - you agree with everything in the paragraph.
      • 1 Disagree - you disagree with any part of the paragraph.
      • 1 Not Sure - you need more information to know if you agree or disagree.

Mark the Complaint

  • Use a pen or pencil to mark each paragraph with:
    • A for Agree.
    • D for Disagree.
    • N for Not Sure.

Transfer your markings on the complaint to the first three paragraphs of the answer:

  • Paragraph 1: Write the numbers of the paragraphs you marked A - agree.
  • Paragraph 2: Write the numbers of the paragraphs you marked D - disagree.
  • Paragraph 3: Write the numbers of the paragraphs marked N - not sure.

Your answer will look similar to the picture below.

A picture of a form answer. Paragraph 1 has the numbers 1, 3, and 5 in the response field. These are the numbered paragraphs in the complaint that the defnedant agrees with. There are other numbers listed for the responses to paragraph 2 of the answer, which note the paragraphs the defnedant disagrees with. There are similar numbers for paragraph 3, noting the numbered paragraphs in the complaint that the defendant is unsure about

Your answer form has two optional parts. If you are running out of time, you can skip both.

These parts of the form is optional. But if you skip them, you will not be able to talk about these issues later.

Take a breath and think about what makes sense for you. 

A picture of the title and heading of an answer form. The optional checkbox for a counterclaim is circled in red

If you check the counterclaim box on your answer, you are saying your landlord owes you money and you want to sue them back. There is a filing fee for this, but you can ask for a fee waiver if you need one.

Read the reasons for a counterclaim toward the end of the answer form and fill out any sections that you think apply to you. 

If you do not have a reason to file a counterclaim, do not check the box on page 1 of the answer.
 

Affirmative defenses

These are reasons why the other side should lose, even if what they say in their complaint is true. 

Read each affirmative defense and check the box if it applies to you. Here are some common defenses:

  • Defendant complied with the notice 
    • If you did what the notice required (like pay your rent) before the notice expired, check the box and write in details about how you complied.
  • Defendant substantially complied with the lease 
    • If you complied with almost everything required under the lease and you think the landlord is trying to evict you unfairly for something trivial, check the box and write in details about what happened.

The last part of the form is called the certificate of service. This tells the court who will get a copy of your papers.

If you are using MyCourtCase (only debt collection and eviction cases), the system might fill it out for you automatically.

Fill it out like this:

  • Write the name of each person who will get a copy.
  • Check ONE box to show how you will send it.
  • Write their address or email .
  • Add the date you plan to send it.
Example

The defendant served Larry Landlord with a copy of the form. They sent it by email to Larry's email address at Larry@landlord.com on March 3, 2025. 

A picture of a completed Certificate of Service. Under the name, it shows Larry Landlord. Under service method, it shows email. Under service address, it includes his email address. Under service date, it includes the date the defendant emailed the answer to Larry Landlord. A sample certificate of service

 

1 IMPORTANT: After you file your form with the court, you MUST send copies to everyone you listed. This is called "service."

Read more in step 6.

1 Submitting papers to the court is called filing.

MyCourtCase users - follow the instructions online to file your answer automatically. Then skip to step 6.

1 If you are using court forms, follow the steps below to file. 

  1. How to File: Choose ONE:
    • 1 In Person: Take your papers to the courthouse clerk's office.
    • 1 Email: Send copies to your court's email address (find it here), write "Filing in [your case number]" in the subject line, papers must be in English, filled out completely and only black and white.
    • eFiling: My Court Case (online system). Not available in most cases: only eviction, debt collection, and small claims.
    • 1 Mail: Slowest method. Papers only filed when received by court.
  2. Get Copies: Request date-stamped copies if filing in person. 

Need more help? See our page on Filing Procedures.

1 Send the other side copies. This is called service.

Sending papers during your case:

  1. Who Gets Copies: Send to all parties (or their lawyer or licensed paralegal practitioner)
  2. How to Send: Choose ONLY one way:
    • 1 Email.
    • 1 Hand Delivery.
    • 1 Mail.
    • My Court Case (online system) if the other side has an account or is represented.
    • one of the other ways allowed under court rules.
  3. Prove It: Fill out the "Certificate of Service" (usually on the last page of your court form) and file it with your court papers. This is required.

Have more questions? See our page on Serving Papers.

Congratulations! If you made it this far it means you have completed your answer, filed it, and serve the other side. This can help protect your rights.

1 Your case will probably be set for what is a called an occupancy hearing next. Learn more about what to expect on our eviction page.

  Family Law - help answering

This section helps you respond to a divorce or custody case. This includes a counterpetition and a petition to modify.

Do you need help with a different case?
If you received papers related to:

1 Where were you served?
  • In Utah? You have 21 days to respond.
  • Outside of Utah? You have 30 days to respond.
Important Notes:
  • 1 Count every day: including weekends and holidays.
  • Deadline on closed days: if the court is closed on your last day, file on the next open day.
How do you count?

The day you receive the summons is day zero. Start counting from the next day.

Maria was served in Utah on March 1. 

  • She has 21 days to file her answer.
Counting Maria's Days:
  • Day 0: March 1 (the day she was served)
  • Day 1: March 2
  • Day 2: March 3
  • (...continue counting each day...)
  • Day 21: March 22.
Deadline Adjustment:
  • March 22 is a Saturday.
  • The court is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Maria's deadline is extended to Monday, March 24.

New case or petition to modify?

If you are responding to a new case, use MyPaperwork. It gives you thorough step-by-step help and prepares your answer other papers you will need.

If you are responding to a petition to modify, use 1 court forms. If you are not sure, start with the court forms. 

Get the form

Do you also want to file a counterpetition? 
See our page on counterpetitions for help.

Read the Complaint or Petition

  • Look at the numbered paragraphs.
    • Decide for each paragraph:
      • 1 Agree - you agree with everything in the paragraph.
      • 1 Disagree - you disagree with any part of the paragraph.
      • 1 Not Sure - you need more information to know if you agree or disagree.

Mark the Complaint

  • Use a pen or pencil to mark each paragraph with:
    • A for Agree.
    • D for Disagree.
    • N for Not Sure.

If you are using MyPaperwork, the system will handle this differently. If you are confused by this part, skip to step 5. 

Transfer your markings on the complaint to the first three paragraphs of the answer:

  • Paragraph 1: Write the numbers of the paragraphs you marked A - agree.
  • Paragraph 2: Write the numbers of the paragraphs you marked D - disagree.
  • Paragraph 3: Write the numbers of the paragraphs marked N - not sure.

Your answer will look similar to the picture below.

A picture of a form answer. Paragraph 1 has the numbers 1, 3, and 5 in the response field. These are the numbered paragraphs in the complaint that the defnedant agrees with. There are other numbers listed for the responses to paragraph 2 of the answer, which note the paragraphs the defnedant disagrees with. There are similar numbers for paragraph 3, noting the numbered paragraphs in the complaint that the defendant is unsure about

The last part of the form is called the certificate of service. This tells the court who will get a copy of your papers.

If you are using MyCourtCase (only debt collection and eviction cases), the system might fill it out for you automatically.

Fill it out like this:

  • Write the name of each person who will get a copy.
  • Check ONE box to show how you will send it.
  • Write their address or email .
  • Add the date you plan to send it.
Example

The defendant served Larry Landlord with a copy of the form. They sent it by email to Larry's email address at Larry@landlord.com on March 3, 2025. 

A picture of a completed Certificate of Service. Under the name, it shows Larry Landlord. Under service method, it shows email. Under service address, it includes his email address. Under service date, it includes the date the defendant emailed the answer to Larry Landlord. A sample certificate of service

 

1 IMPORTANT: After you file your form with the court, you MUST send copies to everyone you listed. This is called "service."

1 Submitting papers to the court is called filing.

  1. How to File: Choose ONE:
    • 1 In Person: Take your papers to the courthouse clerk's office.
    • 1 Email: Send copies to your court's email address (find it here), write "Filing in [your case number]" in the subject line, papers must be in English, filled out completely and only black and white.
    • eFiling: My Court Case (online system). Not available in most cases: only eviction, debt collection, and small claims.
    • 1 Mail: Slowest method. Papers only filed when received by court.
  2. Get Copies: Request date-stamped copies if filing in person. 

Need more help? See our page on Filing Procedures.

1 Send the other side copies. This is called service.

Sending papers during your case:

  1. Who Gets Copies: Send to all parties (or their lawyer or licensed paralegal practitioner)
  2. How to Send: Choose ONLY one way:
    • 1 Email.
    • 1 Hand Delivery.
    • 1 Mail.
    • My Court Case (online system) if the other side has an account or is represented.
    • one of the other ways allowed under court rules.
  3. Prove It: Fill out the "Certificate of Service" (usually on the last page of your court form) and file it with your court papers. This is required.

Have more questions? See our page on Serving Papers.

Congratulations! If you made it this far it means you have completed your answer, filed it, and served the other side. This can help protect your rights.

1 The next step is to work on your initial disclosures. Also, pay attention to any court papers you receive and read them carefully. 

Help answering some other kind of case

This section helps you respond to a type of case not listed above. 

This includes answering:

Read your court papers carefully. 

This section assumes you need to file an answer. Not every type of case requires this. Some require you to attend a hearing or file something else. If you unsure what to do, see our page on finding legal help.

This section assumes you have received summons. Read your court papers carefully. If they give you different deadlines, use the deadlines on your court papers, not here. 

Are you responding to a countercomplaint or counterpetition?
You have 21 days to file your answer. Skip to step 3.

Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 12(a)(1)

1 Where were you served?
  • In Utah? You have 21 days to respond.
  • Outside of Utah? You have 30 days to respond.
Important Notes:
  • 1 Count every day: including weekends and holidays.
  • Deadline on closed days: if the court is closed on your last day, file on the next open day.
How do you count?

The day you receive the summons is day zero. Start counting from the next day.

Maria was served in Utah on March 1. 

  • She has 21 days to file her answer.
Counting Maria's Days:
  • Day 0: March 1 (the day she was served)
  • Day 1: March 2
  • Day 2: March 3
  • (...continue counting each day...)
  • Day 21: March 22.
Deadline Adjustment:
  • March 22 is a Saturday.
  • The court is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Maria's deadline is extended to Monday, March 24.

Use the 1 court form:

  • 1011GE - Answer

Do you also want to file a countercomplaint? 
See our page on countercomplaints for help.

Read the Complaint or Petition

  • Look at the numbered paragraphs.
    • Decide for each paragraph:
      • 1 Agree - you agree with everything in the paragraph.
      • 1 Disagree - you disagree with any part of the paragraph.
      • 1 Not Sure - you need more information to know if you agree or disagree.

Mark the Complaint

  • Use a pen or pencil to mark each paragraph with:
    • A for Agree.
    • D for Disagree.
    • N for Not Sure.

Transfer your markings on the complaint to the first three paragraphs of the answer:

  • Paragraph 1: Write the numbers of the paragraphs you marked A - agree.
  • Paragraph 2: Write the numbers of the paragraphs you marked D - disagree.
  • Paragraph 3: Write the numbers of the paragraphs marked N - not sure.

Your answer will look similar to the picture below.

A picture of a form answer. Paragraph 1 has the numbers 1, 3, and 5 in the response field. These are the numbered paragraphs in the complaint that the defnedant agrees with. There are other numbers listed for the responses to paragraph 2 of the answer, which note the paragraphs the defnedant disagrees with. There are similar numbers for paragraph 3, noting the numbered paragraphs in the complaint that the defendant is unsure about

The last part of the form is called the certificate of service. This tells the court who will get a copy of your papers.

If you are using MyCourtCase (only debt collection and eviction cases), the system might fill it out for you automatically.

Fill it out like this:

  • Write the name of each person who will get a copy.
  • Check ONE box to show how you will send it.
  • Write their address or email .
  • Add the date you plan to send it.
Example

The defendant served Larry Landlord with a copy of the form. They sent it by email to Larry's email address at Larry@landlord.com on March 3, 2025. 

A picture of a completed Certificate of Service. Under the name, it shows Larry Landlord. Under service method, it shows email. Under service address, it includes his email address. Under service date, it includes the date the defendant emailed the answer to Larry Landlord. A sample certificate of service

 

1 IMPORTANT: After you file your form with the court, you MUST send copies to everyone you listed. This is called "service."

1 Submitting papers to the court is called filing.

  1. How to File: Choose ONE:
    • 1 In Person: Take your papers to the courthouse clerk's office.
    • 1 Email: Send copies to your court's email address (find it here), write "Filing in [your case number]" in the subject line, papers must be in English, filled out completely and only black and white.
    • eFiling: My Court Case (online system). Not available in most cases: only eviction, debt collection, and small claims.
    • 1 Mail: Slowest method. Papers only filed when received by court.
  2. Get Copies: Request date-stamped copies if filing in person. 

Need more help? See our page on Filing Procedures.

1 Send the other side copies. This is called service.

Sending papers during your case:

  1. Who Gets Copies: Send to all parties (or their lawyer or licensed paralegal practitioner)
  2. How to Send: Choose ONLY one way:
    • 1 Email.
    • 1 Hand Delivery.
    • 1 Mail.
    • My Court Case (online system) if the other side has an account or is represented.
    • one of the other ways allowed under court rules.
  3. Prove It: Fill out the "Certificate of Service" (usually on the last page of your court form) and file it with your court papers. This is required.

Have more questions? See our page on Serving Papers.

Congratulations! If you made it this far it means you have completed your answer, filed it, and served the other side. This can help protect your rights.

1 The next step is to work on your initial disclosures. Also, pay attention to any court papers you receive and read them carefully. 

If you want to transfer your case to small claims court

If you were only sued for money, you might be able to ask to transfer your case to small claims court. Learn more on our removing to small claims page.

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