Responding to a Complaint in Minnesota: What You Need to Know
When your business receives a legal complaint in Minnesota, understanding the proper response procedures and timeframes is critical. A recent comprehensive Q&A guide by Loren M. Solfest of our firm, published through Practical Law, offers essential guidance on this process.
Key Highlights from the Guide:
Response Deadlines: Generally, defendants must respond within 21 days after being personally served with a summons, or within 60 days if service is waived.
Extension Options: The guide outlines various ways to obtain extensions, including court orders and stipulations between attorneys.
Response Types: Learn about the different ways to respond, including answers, motions to dismiss, motions for more definite statements, and motions to strike.
Pre-Answer Motions: Understand the requirements, procedures, and potential grounds for filing pre-answer motions, including important waiver considerations.
Answering Requirements: The guide details both required and optional contents for answers, including proper formatting, affirmative defenses, and signature requirements.
Defendant's Claims: Learn how and when defendants can assert counterclaims, crossclaims, and third-party claims, including mandatory (compulsory) claims.
This guide serves as an excellent resource for businesses and individuals facing litigation in Minnesota courts. Understanding these procedural requirements can help avoid default judgments and preserve important defenses.
About the Author:
Loren M. Solfest is an attorney at Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A. with extensive experience in civil litigation matters throughout Minnesota.
Download the Complete Guide: Responding to a Complaint in Minnesota (PDF)
Need assistance responding to a complaint? Contact our litigation team for a consultation.
