Responding to Legal Claims
How can we help?
You received a demand letter or court papers and need to know what it means and what must happen next.
Common situations
- an attorney letter demanding payment
- accusation of breaching a contract
- claim you caused property damage
- business or contractor dispute
- summons and complaint delivered by a process server
- a stated response deadline
- threat of a lawsuit if you do not respond
- concern about default judgment
What happens next
The documents and deadlines are reviewed first so a response can be determined before rights are lost.
How these disputes usually start
Most people contact a lawyer at the moment a document arrives.
Sometimes it is a letter from an attorney demanding payment or corrective action. Other times a process server delivers a summons and complaint. The situation feels urgent because it is unclear whether a decision has already been made.
The important distinction is simple: not every legal demand is the same.
The correct response depends entirely on what you actually received.
The real legal issue
A demand letter and a lawsuit are different legal events.
A demand letter is a claim.
A lawsuit is a court proceeding.
No judge has ruled anything when a letter arrives. It usually means the other side is preparing legal action if the dispute does not resolve.
If a summons and complaint are served, a case has begun.
You have not lost. You now have a response deadline.
The legal risk is procedural. Failing to respond allows the court to enter a default judgment without hearing your side.
What I review first
Initial review typically includes:
- the demand letter or complaint
- the contract or transaction involved
- communications between the parties
- payment or performance records
- stated deadlines in the documents
The first objective is identifying the actual exposure and the response required to preserve defenses.
What legal action can accomplish
A proper response can:
- prevent default judgment
- preserve defenses
- clarify disputed facts
- open negotiation
- narrow or resolve the dispute
The immediate goal is not trial.
It is protecting your legal position so the case can be evaluated and, when possible, resolved.
How resolution usually happens
Civil claims usually follow this sequence:
- Initial review — determine allegations and risk
- Formal response — Answer or motion filed with the court
- Communication between counsel — negotiation begins
- Information exchange — documents and evidence reviewed
- Settlement or mediation — many disputes end here
- Court decision if necessary
Many cases resolve after both sides understand the strengths and weaknesses of their positions.
Deadlines and default judgment
The most serious mistake is ignoring the documents.
If the response deadline passes, the other party may request a default judgment. A default judgment can allow:
- bank garnishment
- wage garnishment
- property liens
The court may not contact you again before enforcement begins.
Waiting because you intend to “explain later” often eliminates the ability to defend the case.
Timing and avoidable mistakes
Common errors after receiving a claim:
- ignoring a demand letter
- missing the response deadline
- contacting the opposing party to argue the case
- sending admissions in text or email
- posting about the dispute online
- discarding relevant records
Civil litigation is deadline-driven and document-driven. Early response preserves options.
What happens after a response
After a response is filed, the case usually slows down. Weeks or months may pass without a hearing. This is normal.
The next stage is discovery — exchange of documents, communications, and sometimes testimony. Courts often require mediation before trial. Most cases resolve during or after this stage.
Being sued means allegations were made, not that they were proven.
FAQ
Do I have to go to court immediately?
No. Most work occurs through written filings and document exchange before any hearing.
Does responding admit fault?
No. A response preserves defenses and allows you to contest the allegations.
Should I call the other lawyer myself?
Usually not. Informal communications often become evidence.
Next step
If you received a demand letter or were served with a lawsuit, a consultation determines the deadline, required response, and available defenses before rights are lost.
Call 720-588-3529 or request a consultation.