§ 2020 Responsive Pleading Deadline

Family Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says if someone sues you, you have 30 days to respond in writing.

Key Takeaways

•If you get sued, you must reply in writing
•You have 30 days to send your reply
•Your reply must go to the court and the person suing you

Example

Your neighbor sues you because your dog dug up their garden.

You get papers saying you're being sued. You have 30 days to write back to the court saying why you don't think you should pay.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 2020 Responsive Pleading Deadline

A responsive pleading, if any, shall be filed and a copy served on the petitioner within 30 days of the date of the service on the respondent of a copy of the petition and summons. (Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 581, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1999.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

responsive pleading petitioner respondent petition summons

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Family Code. Section 2020.

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Example

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References