Read it immediately — it states who’s suing, for what, and your deadline to respond (often 20–30 days). File a written answer by that deadline. Not responding means an automatic default judgment against you.
A summons means a lawsuit has officially begun and your response clock is running — commonly 20 to 30 days depending on the court. The single most damaging move is nothing: fail to respond and the plaintiff wins by default, converting their claims into a judgment enforceable by garnishment and liens, regardless of whether you had defenses. Read the complaint attached: who’s suing, over what, for how much. Then respond in writing — an "answer" admitting or denying each allegation and raising your defenses (wrong party, expired statute of limitations, payment already made). Court self-help centers and legal aid exist for exactly this. Even a bare-bones timely answer preserves everything; silence forfeits it all.
A default judgment — the plaintiff wins automatically, and the judgment can lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, and liens. Responding, even simply, prevents it.
Not necessarily — you can file an answer yourself, and court self-help centers assist. For high stakes, complex claims, or business suits, counsel is worth it.
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