If you received a summons for a civil lawsuit in Pennsylvania, the first thing you should do is not ignore it. The summons will typically contain important information such as the name and contact information of the plaintiff's attorney, the court where the case will be heard, and the deadline to respond. The deadline for responding to the summons will depend on the specific type of case involved.
If the summons is for a small claims case, you will generally have 20 days to file a written response. For other civil cases, you may have 30 or 40 days to respond, depending on the circumstances. If the summons does not specify a deadline, you should contact an attorney or the court to find out when your response is due.
Once you have determined the deadline, you should decide whether you will represent yourself or hire an attorney. If the amount in dispute is small and you are comfortable representing yourself, you may be able to handle the case on your own. However, if the case is complex or involves a significant amount of money, it is advisable to hire an attorney.
If you decide to represent yourself, you should prepare your response to the summons. Your response should include any defenses or counterclaims you may have, as well as any factual statements or evidence that support your case. You should also file your response with the court within the deadline specified on the summons.
If you hire an attorney, they will handle the preparation and filing of your response on your behalf. They will also represent you in court and advise you on the best course of action throughout the case.
In either case, it is important to take the summons seriously and respond in a timely manner. Failure to respond could result in a judgment being entered against you without your input, which could have significant financial and legal consequences. If you are unsure about what to do, it is always advisable to seek legal advice from a licensed attorney.
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