Define: Answer

The Answer is a response to the Summons and Petition and states the Respondent’s replies to allegations and statements made in the Petition. In the Answer, the Respondent acknowledges receipt of the Petition and whether they agree with the items stated in the Petition. Once the Petition is served upon the respondent, they have 30 days to file their Answer.

The Answer can include a Counter Petition, which means that Respondent has specific requests of the Petitioner in response to the terms outlined in the Petition. For example, if the Petitioner requested spousal maintenance, the Respondent could counter-petition and request spousal maintenance from the Petitioner instead. The Petitioner would then have 30 days to file their Answer.