Answer to Complaint Template

This Answer to Complaint (“Answer”) is filed in the [Name of Court], [Jurisdiction], by the Defendant in response to the Complaint filed by the Plaintiff.

1. Parties

Plaintiff: [Full Legal Name]
Defendant: [Full Legal Name]
Case Number: [Case Number]

2. Preliminary Statement

The Defendant submits this Answer to the allegations set forth in the Complaint and asserts any defenses available under applicable law.

3. Responses to Allegations

The Defendant responds to the Complaint as follows:

• Paragraph 1: [Admit / Deny / Lack sufficient information to admit or deny].

• Paragraph 2: [Admit / Deny / Lack sufficient information to admit or deny].

• Paragraph 3: [Continue for each numbered paragraph in the Complaint].

4. Affirmative Defenses

Without admitting any liability, the Defendant asserts the following affirmative defenses:

1. Failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.

2. Lack of subject matter jurisdiction.

3. Statute of limitations has expired.

4. Plaintiff’s own negligence contributed to damages.

5. Any additional defenses as applicable.

5. Counterclaims (Optional)

If applicable, the Defendant asserts the following counterclaims against the Plaintiff:

• [Describe counterclaim and basis for relief].

6. Prayer for Relief

The Defendant respectfully requests that the Court:

• Dismiss the Complaint with prejudice.

• Award costs and attorney’s fees to the Defendant.

• Grant any further relief deemed just and proper.

7. Verification

I, the undersigned Defendant, certify that the statements made in this Answer are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

8. Certificate of Service

I certify that a copy of this Answer was served on the Plaintiff or Plaintiff’s counsel on [Date] by [Method of Service, e.g., mail, personal delivery].

Signatures

Defendant Signature: ____________________________ Date: _________
Printed Name: _________________________________________

Defendant Attorney (if applicable): ________________________ Date: _________
Printed Name: _________________________________________