Pro Se Academy

I was served. What's my deadline?

Enter the date you were handed the papers.
If you miss this deadline, the other side can ask the judge to finish the case without you. That is called a default judgment. It can decide custody, support, and property without hearing from you.

The rule: your written answer is due by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days from the day you were served (Tex. R. Civ. P. 99(b)). Count 20 days, including weekends and holidays, then go to the next Monday. If the 20th day is a Monday, go to the following Monday. Double-check on a calendar.

Get the TexasLawHelp.org Answer form
  1. Read everything you were given: the citation, the petition, any standing order or TRO, and any hearing date. A hearing date can come before your answer deadline. If so, see Hearing this week.
  2. Fill out the answer form for your case type (TexasLawHelp.org lists divorce, custody/SAPCR, paternity, and modification answers).
  3. File it by e-filing at eFileTexas.gov or with the district clerk. Many counties charge no fee for an answer. Check your district clerk's fee schedule.
  4. Send a copy to the other side (or their lawyer) and keep proof.
Live outside Texas, or think the case was filed in the wrong county? Talk to a lawyer before you file an answer. Filing first can give up those objections. Get help.