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When Answering a lawsuit does the defendant have 30 days? Are there any exceptions like extra days for delivery?
Optional Information: State/Country relating to question: California
Hi,My name is XXXXX XXXXX X'd be happy to answer your questions today. A civil defendant has 30 days to respond to the summons and complaint. Cal. Code Civ. P., Section 412.20. The 30 days begins to run when the Summons is hand-delivered to the defendant in most cases. There unfortunately isn't an extension of time when the response is mailed to the court, because the document has to be filed on the 30th day. The defendant may, however, apply for an extension of time, if necessary.
Experience: Attorney