Served with a lawsuit in California? You have 30 days to respond. Here's how to file your Answer under the California Code of Civil Procedure.
Time-sensitive
In California, your deadline is 30 days from service. If the plaintiff files a Request for Entry of Default, you lose your right to defend. Act now.
California Answer deadlines
Step by step
Determine your deadline
In California, you have 30 days from the date of service to file your Answer. If served by substituted service or mail, additional days are added. California's deadlines are slightly more generous than many states, but a default judgment can still be entered if you miss yours.
Choose General or Specific Denial
California lets you file a General Denial (denying everything in the Complaint) if the amount in controversy is under $1,000 or if the case is in limited civil (under $25,000). For unlimited civil cases ($25,000+), you must file a Specific Denial responding to each paragraph individually.
Draft your Answer
Use Judicial Council Form PLD-050 (Answer—Contract) or PLD-PI-003 (Answer—Personal Injury) if applicable. Otherwise, prepare a typed Answer with: case caption, case number, paragraph-by-paragraph responses, affirmative defenses, and signature. California requires specific formatting: 28 lines per page, line numbers in the left margin.
Include affirmative defenses
California Code of Civil Procedure § 431.30(b) requires you to state any new matter that constitutes a defense. Raise all affirmative defenses in your Answer — California courts may find them waived if not timely asserted.
File with the court
File your Answer at the Superior Court clerk's office in the county where the case was filed. Many California counties accept e-filing through approved providers. Filing fees vary by case type (currently ~$225-$450 for unlimited civil; less for limited civil). Fee waivers are available.
Serve the opposing party
After filing, serve a copy on the plaintiff or their attorney. Under CCP § 1013, you can serve by mail, personal delivery, or electronic service if the other party consented. File a Proof of Service (POS-030 or POS-040) documenting your service.
Common affirmative defenses in California
California court system basics
Superior Courts
California has one Superior Court per county (58 total). Civil cases are classified as Limited Civil (under $25,000) or Unlimited Civil ($25,000+). Los Angeles County Superior Court is the largest trial court in the United States.
Small Claims
California small claims court handles cases up to $10,000 ($5,000 for businesses). No attorneys are allowed in small claims hearings. Different procedures apply.
Judicial Council Forms
California uses standardized Judicial Council forms for many filings. Some are mandatory. SynthCounsel formats your Answer to comply with California's 28-line-per-page format and line numbering requirements.
California's courts are busy. Your Answer shouldn't wait.
SynthCounsel generates a California-compliant Answer with proper formatting, Judicial Council form references, and a Proof of Service. Minutes, not days.