Completing an Answer to a Petition/Complaint and/or a Response to Request for Admissions

You MUST file an answer to the Petition/Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service. Otherwise, the court can find you in default and enter an order without further notice to you.

If you need to answer a Petition/Complaint AND a Request for Admissions, you need to answer them separately using two Answer forms. You can file an Answer by doing the following:

• Copy the caption (name of court, names of parties, case number and division) from the Petition/Complaint or Request for Admissions onto the attached Answer form. This can be handwritten.
• Check the box indicating what document you are answering (a Petition/Complaint or Request for Admissions). If Answering a Petition/Complaint, write the title of the Petition/Complaint on the line next to “Petition/Complaint.”
• On the line in Paragraph 1, list all paragraph numbers in the Petition/Complaint or Request for Admissions that you AGREE with.
• On the line in Paragraph 2, list all paragraph numbers in the Petition/Complaint or Request for Admissions that you DISAGREE with.
• On the line in Paragraph 3, list all paragraph numbers in the Petition/Complaint or Request for Admissions that you cannot answer due to lack of information.
• You have to provide a copy of your Answer to the other party. Check the method you are going to use to deliver a copy of the Answer to the other party (mail, fax and mail, e-mail, or hand delivery) and the date you are going to deliver the copy of the Answer. Be sure to write the date that you actually deliver it.
• Print the other party’s name or their attorney’s name, and their (or attorney’s) address, fax number, and email address.
• Print your name, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address on the second page. Don’t sign it until you are with a notary. Have your signature notarized and date the Answer.
• If someone who is not a lawyer helped you fill out the Answer, have that person complete the last section of the form.
• Make two photocopies of your Answer. Keep one for yourself, mail one to the opposing party or to the other party's attorney listed on the Summons, and file the original in the Hillsborough County Courthouse (in person: Clerk of the Circuit Court, Family Law, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Room 101, Tampa, Florida / by mail: Clerk of the Circuit Court, Family Law, P.O. Box 3450, Tampa, FL 33601-3450), or in the appropriate courthouse if not in Hillsborough County. It does not cost any money to file an Answer.