How to Respond to a Lawsuit in Arizona: Answer a Summons (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team. Arizona. Last updated 2026-06-02
In Arizona, a defendant served with a civil summons and complaint generally has 20 calendar days to file a written answer. For a general civil case, that 20-day period runs from the date of service under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A), and it extends to 30 days if you were served outside Arizona under Rule 4.2(m). Small claims works the same way on timing. Under A.R.S. Section 22-514 a small claims defendant must file a written answer within 20 days of service, so Arizona small claims is not a no-answer track. Eviction is the short and different track. A special detainer (eviction) case sets no fixed written-answer deadline. Under A.R.S. Section 33-1377(B) the tenant must appear at the initial appearance set not more than six nor less than three days from the date of the summons, and may answer orally or in writing at that appearance under Ariz. R. P. Evic. Act. 7. A response to a divorce or dissolution petition is due within 20 days under Ariz. R. Fam. Law P. 24.1(b), or 30 days if served outside Arizona under Rule 24.1(c). If you miss a deadline where an answer is required, the plaintiff can apply for entry of your default under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 55(a) and the court can enter a default judgment, which you can later move to set aside within six months under Rule 60(c)(1).
How long do I have to respond to a lawsuit in Arizona?
It depends on the track. For a general civil complaint, Ariz. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A) gives you 20 calendar days after the summons is served to file a written answer, or 30 days if you were served outside Arizona under Rule 4.2(m). Small claims also requires a written answer within 20 days under A.R.S. Section 22-514. An eviction (special detainer) sets no fixed written-answer deadline; you appear at the initial appearance set not more than six nor less than three days from the date of the summons.
How do I respond to a civil summons in Arizona?
You respond by filing a written answer with the clerk of the court named in the summons, then serving a copy on the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney and filing proof of service under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 5(c). You can file in person, by mail, or through an authorized Electronic Filing Service Provider. The answer admits or denies each numbered allegation of the complaint and states your affirmative defenses.
What happens if I don't answer a summons in Arizona?
If you do not respond by your deadline, the plaintiff can apply to the clerk for entry of your default under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 55(a). The default does not become effective until 10 days after the application is filed, and if you plead or otherwise defend within that 10-day period the default does not take effect. After it becomes effective, the court can enter a default judgment, which you may move to set aside within six months under Rule 60(c)(1).
How do I answer a summons without an attorney in Arizona?
Self-represented defendants can file an answer themselves. Arizona courts publish a fillable Civil Answer Form, and counties offer their own versions such as the Maricopa County form CVC31f, or you can type your answer as a pleading with the caption formatted under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 10(a). File it with the clerk of the court named in the summons, serve the plaintiff, and pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver.
Arizona response framework at a glance
Arizona's response rules turn first on which track your case is in. A general civil complaint is governed by Ariz. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A), which directs the defendant to file and serve an answer within 20 days after being served with the summons and complaint, extended to 30 days when service is made outside Arizona under Rule 4.2(m). Small claims follows the same 20-day clock and, unlike many states, does require a written answer: under A.R.S. Section 22-514 the time to answer is in all cases 20 days from the date of service, so an Arizona small claims defendant who files nothing risks a default. Eviction is the short and different track. A special detainer case sets no fixed written-answer day count. Under A.R.S. Section 33-1377(B) the summons commands the tenant to appear at an initial appearance set not more than six nor less than three days from the date of the summons, and under Ariz. R. P. Evic. Act. 7 the tenant may file a written answer or answer orally in open court at that appearance. A response to a dissolution petition is due within 20 days under Ariz. R. Fam. Law P. 24.1(b), or 30 days if served outside Arizona under Rule 24.1(c). Answers are filed with the clerk of the court named in the summons, served on the plaintiff under Rule 5(c), and may be filed in person, by mail, or through an authorized Electronic Filing Service Provider. The Arizona Judicial Branch website at www.azcourts.gov is the official source for the statewide civil answer forms, the fee-waiver application, and the Justice Court and Superior Court filing information defendants need.
Court Resources
Arizona Judicial Branch. Justice Courts and civil case basics
Official page explaining the Justice Courts, the $5,000 small-claims limit, the $10,000 Justice Court civil limit, and the Superior Court threshold for claims over $10,000 that decides where a defendant files an answer.
Arizona Courts Self-Service Center. Civil answer forms
The judicial-branch forms library where a self-represented defendant can find the fillable Civil Answer Form used to respond to a complaint, with county-specific versions such as the Maricopa County form available locally.
Application for Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
The official fee-waiver application a defendant can file instead of paying the answer filing fee, based on public benefits such as TANF or food stamps, non-profit legal-aid assistance, or income between 150% and 225% of the federal poverty level.
Arizona Judicial Branch. Consumer debt legal information
Judicial-branch legal-information sheet explaining how to respond to a debt-collection lawsuit in Arizona, including the answer requirement and the statute of limitations that often applies in debt cases.
Relevant Laws
Ariz. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A) (20-Day Answer to a Civil Complaint)
Directs that a defendant must file and serve an answer or other responsive pleading within 20 days after being served with the summons and complaint, unless the person waived service or was served outside Arizona, in which case Rule 4.2(m) supplies a 30-day window. This is the standard general civil answer deadline.
A.R.S. Section 22-514 (Small Claims: 20-Day Time for Answer)
Provides that the time in which the summons requires the defendant to answer is in all cases 20 days from the date of service. Unlike many states, Arizona small claims requires a written answer, so a small claims defendant who files nothing can be defaulted.
A.R.S. Section 33-1377(B) (Eviction: Appear at the Initial Appearance, No Fixed Paper Answer)
Requires the special detainer (eviction) summons to command the tenant to appear and answer at a time and place set not more than six nor less than three days from the date of the summons. There is no separate written-answer day count; under Ariz. R. P. Evic. Act. 7 the tenant may answer orally or in writing at that appearance.
Ariz. R. Fam. Law P. 24.1(b) (Response to a Dissolution Petition)
Requires a respondent served in Arizona with a summons and petition to file and serve a response not later than 20 days after service is complete, extended to 30 days when served outside Arizona under Rule 24.1(c). This is the divorce and dissolution response deadline.
Ariz. R. Civ. P. 55(a) (Entry of Default and the 10-Day Grace Period)
Provides that the plaintiff applies to the clerk for entry of default when a defendant fails to plead, and that the default does not become effective until 10 days after the application is filed. If the defendant pleads or otherwise defends within that 10-day period, the default does not become effective.
Ariz. R. Civ. P. 60(c)(1) (Setting Aside a Default or Default Judgment)
Allows a court to relieve a party from a default judgment taken through mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect under Rule 60(b)(1), on a motion made within a reasonable time and in no case more than six months after the judgment.
Regional Variances
Answer deadline by case track in Arizona
General civil complaint (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A))
20 calendar days after the summons and complaint are served to file and serve a written answer, extended to 30 days if you were served outside Arizona under Rule 4.2(m). This is the default civil deadline and the one most defendants are working against.
Small claims (A.R.S. Section 22-514)
20 calendar days after service to file a written answer. Arizona small claims is not a no-answer track: the statute sets the time to answer at 20 days in all cases, and a defendant who files nothing can be defaulted.
Eviction / special detainer (A.R.S. Section 33-1377(B); Evic. R. 7)
No fixed written-answer deadline. The tenant appears at the initial appearance set not more than six nor less than three days from the date of the summons, and may answer orally or in writing at that appearance. Missing the appearance, not a paper deadline, is what triggers a default.
Divorce / dissolution response (Ariz. R. Fam. Law P. 24.1(b))
20 calendar days after service of the summons and petition is complete to file and serve a response, extended to 30 days if served outside Arizona under Rule 24.1(c). Missing it can let the dissolution proceed by default on property, support, and custody.
Which Arizona court hears your case, by amount
Small Claims Division, Justice Court
Hears claims up to the small-claims cap of $5,000. A written answer is required within 20 days under A.R.S. Section 22-514, and there is no jury and no lawyers without both parties' agreement.
Civil Division, Justice Court
Handles civil claims up to $10,000. A written answer is required within 20 days after service under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A), filed with the clerk of the Justice Court named in the summons.
Superior Court of Arizona
Handles civil claims exceeding $10,000. A written answer is required within 20 days after service, and the minimum base civil answer fee is about $148 plus local county fees, unless the court grants a deferral or waiver.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Calculate your response deadline from the date you were served
Day 0 (date of service) days after startingFind the deadline that matches your track. A general civil complaint is due in 20 calendar days after service under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A), or 30 days if you were served outside Arizona under Rule 4.2(m). Small claims also requires a written answer within 20 days under A.R.S. Section 22-514. A dissolution response is due in 20 days under Ariz. R. Fam. Law P. 24.1(b). An eviction sets no fixed written-answer deadline; under A.R.S. Section 33-1377(B) you appear at the initial appearance set three to six days from the summons. Mark the exact date on a calendar.
Identify your case track and the correct court
Within 2 days of service days after startingRead the summons to confirm whether the case is in the Small Claims Division (up to $5,000), the Justice Court civil division (up to $10,000), the Superior Court (over $10,000), an eviction (special detainer) action, or family court. The track decides whether the deadline is a written-answer date or an in-person appearance, the court, and the filing fee. Confirm the court named in the summons, because that is where your answer must be filed.
Identify your defenses and any counterclaims
Before drafting the answer days after startingList the affirmative defenses that fit your facts under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 8(c), such as the statute of limitations, accord and satisfaction, payment, fraud, or waiver, plus improper service in the right case. In debt cases, check the six-year written-contract limitations period under A.R.S. Section 12-548. If you have a claim against the plaintiff from the same transaction or occurrence, Ariz. R. Civ. P. 13(a) makes it a compulsory counterclaim you must plead with your answer or lose.
Draft the answer in the correct caption and format
Before the answer deadline days after startingRespond to each numbered allegation by admitting, denying, or stating you lack information to admit or deny, then state your affirmative defenses. Arizona courts publish a fillable Civil Answer Form, with county versions such as the Maricopa County form CVC31f, or you can type the answer as a pleading. Set the caption with the court, the parties, and the case number under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 10(a). Attorney review of the drafted answer is available as an option before you file.
File the answer with the clerk of the correct court
On or before the answer deadline days after startingFile with the clerk of the court named in the summons. You can file in person, by mail, or through an authorized Electronic Filing Service Provider under ACJA Section 1-901; e-filing is generally not mandatory for self-represented litigants. The minimum base civil answer fee in Superior Court is about $148, with local county fees added; Justice Court fees are lower.
Serve the plaintiff and file proof of service
With or promptly after filing days after startingServe a copy of the filed answer on the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney by mail, hand delivery, or electronically if the plaintiff consented, then file the proof of service with the court under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 5(c). An answer that is filed but not served, or served without proof on file, can be challenged.
Request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the filing fee
At the time of filing days after startingIf you receive public benefits such as TANF or food stamps, get non-profit legal-aid help, or have income between 150% and 225% of the federal poverty level, file the Application for Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees and Costs with your answer. Submitting the application lets you file on time without paying the fee up front while the court decides eligibility.
Appear at the initial appearance, hearing, or conference the court sets
As set by the court days after startingCalendar every date the court sets. In an eviction (special detainer) case, where no written-answer deadline applies, the initial appearance set three to six days from the summons is your appearance, and missing it risks a default. In a general civil or small claims case you still file the written answer, then bring your evidence and a copy of your filed answer to any hearing or trial date.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculate your response deadline from the date you were served | Find the deadline that matches your track. A general civil complaint is due in 20 calendar days after service under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A), or 30 days if you were served outside Arizona under Rule 4.2(m). Small claims also requires a written answer within 20 days under A.R.S. Section 22-514. A dissolution response is due in 20 days under Ariz. R. Fam. Law P. 24.1(b). An eviction sets no fixed written-answer deadline; under A.R.S. Section 33-1377(B) you appear at the initial appearance set three to six days from the summons. Mark the exact date on a calendar. | - | Day 0 (date of service) |
| Identify your case track and the correct court | Read the summons to confirm whether the case is in the Small Claims Division (up to $5,000), the Justice Court civil division (up to $10,000), the Superior Court (over $10,000), an eviction (special detainer) action, or family court. The track decides whether the deadline is a written-answer date or an in-person appearance, the court, and the filing fee. Confirm the court named in the summons, because that is where your answer must be filed. | - | Within 2 days of service |
| Identify your defenses and any counterclaims | List the affirmative defenses that fit your facts under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 8(c), such as the statute of limitations, accord and satisfaction, payment, fraud, or waiver, plus improper service in the right case. In debt cases, check the six-year written-contract limitations period under A.R.S. Section 12-548. If you have a claim against the plaintiff from the same transaction or occurrence, Ariz. R. Civ. P. 13(a) makes it a compulsory counterclaim you must plead with your answer or lose. | - | Before drafting the answer |
| Draft the answer in the correct caption and format | Respond to each numbered allegation by admitting, denying, or stating you lack information to admit or deny, then state your affirmative defenses. Arizona courts publish a fillable Civil Answer Form, with county versions such as the Maricopa County form CVC31f, or you can type the answer as a pleading. Set the caption with the court, the parties, and the case number under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 10(a). Attorney review of the drafted answer is available as an option before you file. | answer-to-complaint | Before the answer deadline |
| File the answer with the clerk of the correct court | File with the clerk of the court named in the summons. You can file in person, by mail, or through an authorized Electronic Filing Service Provider under ACJA Section 1-901; e-filing is generally not mandatory for self-represented litigants. The minimum base civil answer fee in Superior Court is about $148, with local county fees added; Justice Court fees are lower. | - | On or before the answer deadline |
| Serve the plaintiff and file proof of service | Serve a copy of the filed answer on the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney by mail, hand delivery, or electronically if the plaintiff consented, then file the proof of service with the court under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 5(c). An answer that is filed but not served, or served without proof on file, can be challenged. | - | With or promptly after filing |
| Request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the filing fee | If you receive public benefits such as TANF or food stamps, get non-profit legal-aid help, or have income between 150% and 225% of the federal poverty level, file the Application for Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees and Costs with your answer. Submitting the application lets you file on time without paying the fee up front while the court decides eligibility. | - | At the time of filing |
| Appear at the initial appearance, hearing, or conference the court sets | Calendar every date the court sets. In an eviction (special detainer) case, where no written-answer deadline applies, the initial appearance set three to six days from the summons is your appearance, and missing it risks a default. In a general civil or small claims case you still file the written answer, then bring your evidence and a copy of your filed answer to any hearing or trial date. | - | As set by the court |
Frequently Asked Questions
An answer responds to each numbered paragraph of the complaint by admitting it, denying it, or stating you lack enough information to admit or deny, and then lists your affirmative defenses. Arizona courts publish a fillable Civil Answer Form, with county versions such as the Maricopa County form CVC31f, or you can type the answer as a pleading. Format the caption with the court, the parties, and the case number under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 10(a).
If a default judgment was entered against you, you can file a Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 60(c)(1). The court can relieve you for mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect under Rule 60(b)(1), on a motion made within a reasonable time and not more than six months after the judgment. Arizona also gives a built-in 10-day grace after the default application under Rule 55(a), so act fast at every stage.
Often yes. Parties commonly agree in writing to extend the 20-day answer period, and you can ask the court for more time by motion before the deadline runs. Get any extension in writing and confirm it with the court, because the default clock keeps running until the plaintiff agrees, the court grants more time, or you file your answer. Do not assume an informal conversation stopped your deadline.
You can ask the court to waive or defer your filing fee. Arizona's request is the Application for Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees and Costs, and eligibility is based on receiving public benefits such as TANF or food stamps, getting non-profit legal-aid help, or having income between 150% and 225% of the federal poverty level. The minimum base civil answer fee in Superior Court is about $148, with local county fees added.
Yes. Improper service of process is a recognized defense in Arizona. You can raise insufficient service or lack of personal jurisdiction in your answer or by motion rather than ignoring the case. If service was defective, the time to answer may not have started to run. Raise a service problem promptly, because ignoring the summons still risks a default under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 55(a).
Common affirmative defenses under Ariz. R. Civ. P. 8(c) include the statute of limitations, accord and satisfaction, payment, fraud, and waiver, plus improper service in the right case. If you have a claim against the plaintiff arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, Ariz. R. Civ. P. 13(a) makes it a compulsory counterclaim that you generally must plead with your answer or lose.
Respond the same way as any civil complaint: file a timely answer that admits or denies each allegation and raises your defenses. In debt cases, check the six-year statute of limitations for written contracts under A.R.S. Section 12-548 and whether the collector validated the debt under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 1692g. Do not ignore the summons, because silence leads to a default judgment for the full amount claimed. Attorney review of a debt-collection answer is available as an option.
These two tracks are opposite in Arizona. In small claims you do file a written answer: A.R.S. Section 22-514 requires it within 20 days of service, and a defendant who files nothing can be defaulted. In an eviction (special detainer) case there is no fixed written-answer deadline. Under A.R.S. Section 33-1377(B) you appear at the initial appearance set three to six days from the summons, and you may answer orally or in writing at that appearance. For eviction, missing the appearance, not a paper deadline, is what puts you at risk.
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