if I have been served summons, and have 20 days to respond, if I am not totally prepared to respond within those 20 days, can I ask for an extention?
You need to contact the other Party or the Attorney representing the Party and ask for an extension. If there is an attorney representing the other Party that is who you need to ask. Make sure you confirm the extension through email or other written format in case they try to go and enter a default on the case.