Once served with a summons and complaint in a civil lawsuit, the defendant must file a(n) ____ or suffer a default judgment.

Once served with a summons and complaint in a civil lawsuit, the defendant must file a(n) ____ or suffer a default judgment.

• A. Counterclaim
• B. Motion to Dismiss
• C. Answer
• D. Motion for Summary Judgment

Answer: (C)

After being served with a summons and complaint, the defendant must file an answer. The Answer is the formal response that admits or denies each factual allegation and raises any defenses. It can also include a counterclaim if the defendant wants to bring a claim against the plaintiff. If no answer is filed by the deadline, the plaintiff can obtain a default judgment granting the relief requested. A counterclaim is optional and would be included in the Answer if brought. A motion to dismiss is a pre-answer challenge to the complaint and doesn’t replace the need to respond with an answer, while a motion for summary judgment is a later request for judgment on the merits after discovery and pleadings have progressed.

After being served with a summons and complaint, the defendant must file an answer. The Answer is the formal response that admits or denies each factual allegation and raises any defenses. It can also include a counterclaim if the defendant wants to bring a claim against the plaintiff. If no answer is filed by the deadline, the plaintiff can obtain a default judgment granting the relief requested. A counterclaim is optional and would be included in the Answer if brought. A motion to dismiss is a pre-answer challenge to the complaint and doesn’t replace the need to respond with an answer, while a motion for summary judgment is a later request for judgment on the merits after discovery and pleadings have progressed.