Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: response question

The response time is thirty days and it should say so on the summons that is served with the complaint. Yes, you can often get an agreement for an extension of time to respond by calling the opposing attorney. Make sure you get time to respond (not just answer) and that you get it in writing. Even if you are out of the country, however, you should begin making arrangements to retain an attorney to assist you as soon as possible. It makes it difficult when a client brings in a new case with a response date within days of the initial client meeting. I will also note that the response required is a specific type of legal document. I have seen people try to send a letter to a judge or something else completely unhelpful in response to a lawsuit and this does absolutely nothing and could lead to a default judgment.