How do I file an answer?

District Court or Superior Court

First create your answer.

• Use our on-line interview to create your own. Answer questions and you will have an answer to file with the court at the end.  
• You can fill out the sample answer. Add your own information and add any counterclaims or defenses you have. 
• You could also create your own answer from scratch.  Look at our Sample answer in a Debt Collection case.

Next, give the original answer to the court.

Give a copy to the creditor’s attorney. 

Always keep a copy for yourself.

Small Claims Court

In a small claims court case, you do not have to file an answer.  You can just go to court and tell the judge or magistrate your defenses. 

But many people do file an answer. An answer lets you tell the court all the reasons the plaintiff should not win.  You have time to think about your reasons at home, and write them down.  In your answer, write down why the plaintiff should not win and what the plaintiff did wrong. These are your claims against the plaintiff.

Learn more about how a case in Small Claims Court is different on Mass.gov.