In Texas, you have 14-20 days to answer, depending on the court.
- In justice court, you must respond by the end of the 14th day after you were served with the citation and petition. If the 14th day is a Saturday, Sunday, or court-observed holiday, the answer is due on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or court-observed holiday; and if the 14th day falls on a day during which the court is closed before 5:00 p.m., the answer is due on the court’s next business day.
- For debt collection claims filed in district court, the defendant must file an answer by 10 a.m. on the Monday following 20 days from the date the defendant received the petition.
If you are not sure what the filing deadline is for your case, call the court. They can help you.
When you respond or “answer” the lawsuit, the debt collector will have to prove to the court that the debt is valid and that you owe the debt. The burden is on the debt collector. You will have the chance to show that their proof is incorrect or invalid and/or that you have a reason you should not have to pay (this may also be known as an affirmative defense).
This page has an Answer form you can use to help in responding to the lawsuit and claiming any defenses that might apply to your case.