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The packet explains why filing is critical to preserve notice rights for hearing dates, outlines how long you typically have based on the type of service, and warns that court staff cannot provide legal advice. Step-by-step guidance covers completing required sections, requests to the court, verification and certificate of service, copying, filing, and serving the opposing party or counsel.",{"@graph":63,"@context":118},[64,80,101],{"@type":65,"itemListElement":66},"BreadcrumbList",[67,71,74,77],{"item":68,"name":69,"@type":70,"position":9},"https://docshare.wps.com","Home","ListItem",{"item":72,"name":10,"@type":70,"position":73},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/",2,{"item":75,"name":41,"@type":70,"position":76},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/letters/",3,{"item":78,"name":59,"@type":70,"position":79},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/answer-packet-non-specific-instructions-on-preparing-an-answer/280713/",4,{"url":78,"name":59,"@type":81,"image":82,"author":87,"headline":59,"publisher":90,"fileFormat":93,"inLanguage":57,"description":61,"dateModified":94,"datePublished":95,"encodingFormat":93,"isAccessibleForFree":96,"interactionStatistic":97},"DigitalDocument",{"url":83,"@type":84,"width":85,"height":86},"https://docshare.wps.com/thumbnails/answer-packet-non-specific-instructions-on-preparing-an-answer/280713.png","ImageObject",442,249,{"name":88,"@type":89},"Stanley","Person",{"url":68,"name":91,"@type":92},"DocShare","Organization","application/pdf","2026-10-18","2026-09-16",true,{"@type":98,"interactionType":99,"userInteractionCount":15},"InteractionCounter",{"@type":100},"ViewAction",{"@type":102,"mainEntity":103},"FAQPage",[104,110,114],{"name":105,"@type":106,"acceptedAnswer":107},"Why must a written answer be filed after a legal action is brought against you?","Question",{"text":108,"@type":109},"Filing a written answer preserves your right to be notified of the hearing date and place. 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Court personnel are prohibited by state law  \nfrom giving you legal advice (O.C.G.A. § 15-9-51). Different situations might require special procedures, and court personnel are not allowed to advise you on how to proceed or what forms may be necessary in specific situations.  \nIt is very important to file a written answer to any legal action which is brought against you. Filing an answer gives you the right to be notified of the hearing date and place. If you fail to file a written answer, this tells the Court that you are not contesting or disputing what the other side has asked for, and you are waiving your right to be notified by the Court of any court dates. Preparing an answer and counterclaim can be complicated. Please consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your legal rights and responsibilities.  \nIf you are served by the sheriff, special process server or if you acknowledge service of a petition, you normally have thirty days to file a written answer with the clerk of Superior Court in the County in which the original petition was filed. If you have been served by publication, then you have sixty days from the date the petition is first published in the legal newspaper to file a written answer. When you are served, a summons will be on top of the petition. It will tell you exactly how many days you have to file a written answer with the Court and to whom you must serve a copy of your answer.  \nSTEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING YOUR ANSWER  \nStep 1: Carefully read the Petition that was served on you.  \nReview the petition that was served on you. It is sometimes helpful if you go through it with a pencil and make notes on whether you agree or disagree with what the other side has stated in his or her petition. Jot down any points you want to make in response.  \nStep 2: Begin filling out the Answer and Counterclaim  \nInsert the name of the person who sued you where it says “Plaintiff/Petitioner.” Insert your name where it says “Defendant/Respondent.” Where it says “Answer to:  ,” fill in the name of the petition that was served on you. If you do not want a counterclaim, strike through the word “Counterclaim.” If you do want a counterclaim, insert in the space provided the type of counterclaim you are seeking. For example, if you were served with a Complaint for Divorce, you may want to counterclaim for divorce so that you can make requests to the judge to award you custody of the children, ownership of certain property, relief from responsibility for certain debts, etc. You should speak to an attorney before filing a counterclaim to make sure that you have a proper counterclaim, and that you have included all of your requests.  \nNot all answers require a counterclaim. If you are prepared to file your answer, you may file it without a counterclaim, and later, after speaking with an attorney, add a counterclaim. However, be aware that not all counterclaims may be added later and that you may lose your right to add a counterclaim if you do not include it with your Answer. You should always consult with an attorney if you think you have a counterclaim.  \nFollowing the complaint or petition which was served on you, admit or deny each numbered paragraph using the spaces provided. The number of your paragraph should correspond to the number of the paragraph to which you are responding. If you need to add additional facts, you may do so in the space provided.  \nStep 3: Requests to the Court  \nAfter the numbered paragraphs ofthe answer and counterclaim, there is a section which begins with “Wherefore I request.” In paragraph (a) insert the type of action that was served on you. In paragraph (b) insert the type of counterclaim you are filing if you are filing a countercl","cbCaibV0PC32OX0R","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaibV0PC32OX0R","pdf",833937,"English","# Instructions on Preparing an Answer\n## Non-Specific Instructions and Legal Advice Warning\n## Filing Deadlines Based on Service\n# Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Your Answer\n## Step 1: Review the Petition\n## Step 2: Fill Out the Answer and Counterclaim\n## Step 3: Requests to the Court\n## Step 4: Complete the Verification Form\n## Step 5: Complete the Certificate of Service Form\n## Step 6: File Your Answer and Counterclaim\n## Step 7: Serve the Opponent","[{\"question\":\"Why must a written answer be filed after a legal action is brought against you?\",\"answer\":\"Filing a written answer preserves your right to be notified of the hearing date and place. If you do not file, the court may treat the allegations as uncontested and you may waive notice of court dates.\"},{\"question\":\"How long do you have to file an answer depending on how you were served?\",\"answer\":\"If served by sheriff or special process server (or if service is acknowledged), you normally have thirty days to file with the clerk of Superior Court. If served by publication, you have sixty days from the date the petition is first published in the legal newspaper.\"},{\"question\":\"What are the key steps to complete and submit your answer and counterclaim?\",\"answer\":\"You must follow the petition’s numbered paragraphs, fill required labels and requests to the court, complete the verification form and certificate of service, make three photocopies, file with the docket clerk, and then serve the opposing attorney (or the opponent if self-represented) with copies by mail or as directed.\"}]","ANSWER PACKET - NON-SPECIFIC - Instructions on Preparing an Answer | PDF",1789555464]