File a written answer with the court before the response deadline on the front of your summons. That single action preserves your right to defend the lawsuit. Missing the deadline almost always results in a default judgment for the full amount alleged, plus court costs and (in many states) attorney fees, which the collector can then enforce through wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens.
Find the response deadline first. Look at the front page of the summons. It will state the number of days you have to respond, usually 20, 28, or 30 depending on your state and court. The clock starts on the date you were served (the date the papers were physically handed to you or properly left with a person of suitable age at your residence). Write the deadline in three places: a calendar, a sticky note on your front door, and your phone.
What an answer is. An answer is a written document filed with the court that responds to each numbered allegation in the complaint. For each allegation you either admit (yes, that's true), deny (no, that is not true), or state lack of knowledge (you don't have enough information to admit or deny). You also list your affirmative defenses, which are reasons the plaintiff should not win even if their facts are true.
Common affirmative defenses to assert. Statute of limitations: the lawsuit was filed after the deadline expired. Lack of standing: the plaintiff has not proven it owns the debt. Lack of authentication: the plaintiff has not provided admissible records. FDCPA violations: the plaintiff or its lawyers violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Improper service: you were not properly served with the complaint. Identity issues: this isn't your debt or you're not the right person named. Accord and satisfaction: the debt was already settled or paid.
How to file. Most state courts have a self-help website with a fill-in-the-blank answer form. Some courts have specialized collection-defense answer forms. You print, sign, and either e-file, mail, or hand-deliver to the court clerk. The filing fee for an answer is typically $30 to $100; fee waivers are available for low-income filers. After filing, mail a copy to the plaintiff's lawyer with a Certificate of Service attached.
What to attach (or not). An answer typically doesn't include attachments. You are not yet putting on evidence. You are simply responding to the complaint and reserving your defenses. Save documents and exhibits for later in the case (motion practice, discovery, or trial).
What happens after you answer. The case moves to discovery. The plaintiff must produce the contract, statements, and chain of title documents you ask for. Most collection cases settle or get dismissed in discovery because the plaintiff cannot produce the records needed to win a contested case. The case can take 6 to 18 months from answer to trial; settlement usually happens earlier.
Self-represented filing is normal. Most consumers respond to collection lawsuits without a lawyer. State court self-help offices are designed for pro se filers. Court clerks cannot give legal advice but can show you the right forms. Reading the form carefully and using the court's plain-English instructions is enough for most consumer collection cases at the answer stage.
When you need a lawyer. If the debt is large, complex (mortgage deficiency, business guaranty), involves identity theft, or you have potential FDCPA claims, consider hiring a consumer protection attorney. The National Association of Consumer Advocates maintains a directory. Many attorneys handle collection defense on contingency or sliding scale.
The honest summary. Whatever you do, do not ignore the summons. Filing even a basic answer preserves all your rights. Filing nothing forfeits them.