6 Things to Do If You’re Served with a Lawsuit in California
Served with a Lawsuit in California? Here’s What to Do Next
Served with a lawsuit in California and don’t know what to do? You’re not alone—and no, ignoring it won’t make it go away. Whether you were handed a stack of papers by a process server or received a surprise envelope from the court, being sued can trigger panic, confusion, and even shame.
But here’s the truth: getting sued doesn’t mean you’re guilty. And it doesn’t mean your world is over. It just means it’s time to get serious—because how you respond in the next few days could shape everything that follows.
Let’s walk through exactly what you need to do if you’ve been served in California—and why waiting could cost you more than you think.
Step 1: Don’t Panic—But Don’t Wait, Either
You have a limited window to respond to a lawsuit in California—just 30 calendar days from the date you were served. Miss the deadline, and the plaintiff can request a default judgment, which means they win by default and you lose the right to defend yourself.
This is one of the biggest mistakes we see: good people thinking they have “plenty of time” or hoping the problem will disappear. It won’t. The clock is already ticking.
Step 2: Read the Summons and Complaint Carefully
The court documents you received include a Summons (notifying you of the lawsuit) and a Complaint (outlining the allegations). Read both carefully. Who is suing you? What are they claiming? How much are they demanding?
You’ll need this information to prepare a proper response—called an Answer—which must be filed with the court and served on the plaintiff within that 30-day window.
Step 3: Don’t Talk to the Plaintiff Directly
It’s tempting to reach out to the person or business suing you to “clear things up.” Don’t do it. Anything you say can be used against you later. And even a simple apology or casual remark can be twisted into an admission of guilt.
Let your attorney handle communication from here forward. That’s what they’re there for.
Step 4: Start Gathering Evidence Immediately
Were you overcharged? Did the contract terms change? Was the other party the one who broke the deal first? Start collecting texts, emails, photos, payment records—anything that supports your side of the story.
California lawsuits rely heavily on documentation. The more you bring to the table, the stronger your position will be in court (or during settlement talks).
Step 5: Hire a California Litigation Attorney
This is not a DIY project. Responding to a lawsuit without legal guidance can backfire badly. One wrong move—like filing the wrong response form or missing a deadline—and you could lose your case before it even begins.
At Wright Law Corporation, we’ve helped Sacramento clients navigate lawsuits of all kinds: breach of contract, business disputes, landlord-tenant issues, defamation, and more. We’ll break it down in plain English, protect your rights, and fight back strategically.
Step 6: File Your Answer Before the Deadline
Your official Answer is your legal response to the Complaint. It must be typed on California court-approved forms, include specific defenses, and follow court formatting rules. Once completed, it must be:
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Filed with the court
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Served to the opposing party
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Accompanied by a proof of service
This is not optional. It’s your ticket into the courtroom—and your chance to tell your side of the story.
Why Sacramento Defendants Trust Wright Law Corporation
Getting sued is stressful, but it doesn’t have to destroy your life. At Wright Law Corporation, we’ve guided countless clients through lawsuits, helped them avoid default judgments, and even had cases dismissed entirely.
We don’t just fill out forms—we help you regain control of the situation, understand your rights, and mount the strongest possible defense.
If you’ve been served with a lawsuit in California, don’t go it alone. We’re here. Let’s talk strategy.
Conclusion: Getting Sued Isn’t the End—It’s the Beginning of Your Defense
Being sued is scary. But doing nothing? That’s what really costs you. The law gives you a voice—but only if you use it. File your response. Know your rights. And let a qualified legal team stand between you and a judgment that could haunt you for years.
References:
California Code of Civil Procedure § 412.20 – Summons Requirements, available at https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Courts – Civil Lawsuit Basics, available at https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-lawsuit.htm
State Bar of California – Responding to a Lawsuit, available at https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Free-Legal-Information/Lawsuits