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What is a Summons?

After a plaintiff files a civil complaint, they have to properly serve all defendants.  A summons is the document issued by the court that will be served with the complaint.

The summons itself is the document that triggers your obligation to respond to the complaint.  You have twenty days from service of the summons to submit a response- though this period is often extended by agreement, you should not wait ton contact an attorney so that they have time to advise you of the most appropriate response, and to prepare it.

Some things you should know:
  • It is the date you are served, not the date on the complaint, that starts the 20 day period.
  • Even if you know about the complaint from another source, you do not have to respond until you are properly served.
  • It is common in Massachusetts for the summons and complaint to be served by the Sheriff's Department.  This can be alarming, but it is normal.
  • If you do not respond to the complaint, you could lose by default.


Learn more here about what to expect as a defendant in a civil lawsuit.

Need Help Responding to a Summons?

Contact Us
What is a Summons?

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  • Home
  • Estate Planning
    • Massachusetts Wills and Trusts
    • Why You Need an Estate Plan
    • Massachusetts Estate Tax
    • Inheritance Tax
    • How to Make an Estate Plan
  • Employment Law Solutions
    • Employment Law MA
    • Employment Termination
    • Sexual Harassment at Work >
      • Sexual Harassment in a Small Business
      • Sexual Harassment and Non Disclosure Agreements
      • Sexual Harassment and Remote Work
    • Wage and Hour Laws
    • Independent Contractor Law
    • Non Compete Agreements >
      • Are non competes enforceable
      • Massachusetts Non Compete Act
      • Pre 2018 Massachusetts Non Competes
    • Equal Pay Act
  • Business Law Solutions
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Stowell Simonton
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact