Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

served a summons

if i am going to file bankruptcy do i need to file an answer if i am being sued


Asked on 3/11/09, 9:16 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

David Gibbs The Gibbs Law Firm, APC

Re: served a summons

Depends on several factors. If you will be filing bankruptcy before an answer is due (generally 30 days from being served for a civil complaint in Superior Court, 5 days for a complaint in unlawful detainer, no answer required in Small Claims Court), then I would recommend that you not bother filing an answer. If, however, you are close to the deadline to file, you might consider it. If they can obtain a default judgment before you file bankruptcy, and obtain and file an abstract of judgment, then you may wish to file an answer just to delay their ability to fix their claim. You'll want to discuss this more thoroughly with your bankruptcy attorney before making any decisions.

*Due to the limitations of the LawGuru Forums, The Gibbs Law Firm, APC's (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided is general and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.

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Answered on 3/12/09, 12:35 pm
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: served a summons

In addition to Mr. Gibbs' suggestions, it depends on what the claim is. If it's for fraud or intentional injury to another, then that claim might not be dischargeable in bankruptcy and you definitely should file an answer or other responsive pleading. If it's a collection (credit card, loan) matter, then it should be dischargeable.

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Answered on 3/12/09, 3:31 pm


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