Sued for a debt?
File your Answer before default.

Is this legal advice?

No. Answered is a self-help legal tool, not a law firm. We don't give legal advice and we can't represent you in court. What we do is help you organize your case, flag possible issues to review, and produce self-help documents from the information you confirm. The choices are still yours.

Will this actually work?

It depends on your case. Many consumer debt cases have procedural weaknesses — expired statutes of limitations, missing chain of assignment, unverified complaints — and a defendant who files a response changes what the plaintiff has to prove. We surface possible issues and put them in front of you. What happens after that depends on your facts, your state, and the judge.

Do I need a lawyer instead?

If you can afford one, hire one. A consumer-rights attorney who knows debt collection cases will always be the strongest option. Most people who get sued by debt buyers can't afford that — that's who Answered is built for.

What if I lose?

Filing a response is almost always better than ignoring the lawsuit. If you ignore the case, the court can enter a default judgment for the full amount, plus fees and interest, and collection can follow where allowed. If you file a response, the plaintiff generally has to prove its case. Outcomes still depend on your facts, court, and state law.

How is this different from credit repair?

Credit repair is a recurring monthly subscription that promises to fix your credit report and almost always under-delivers. Answered is a one-time tool for a specific lawsuit: file the Answer before default, then review whether the collector can prove ownership, amount, and timing. Pricing is $60 for an Answer Packet, $99 for Full Defense, and optional mail filing for $50 per document where available. We don't touch your credit, we don't make ongoing claims, and we don't add a subscription.

What happens after I file?

You'll typically get a court date or a settlement offer. Some cases are dismissed once the plaintiff sees a defendant who's filed and pushed back; others go through discovery and motions; a smaller share go to a hearing. We guide you through what comes next based on what your case looks like.

Is my data safe?

We take it seriously because lawsuit papers can include addresses, account references, and financial allegations. We don't sell your data. Your documents and case data are stored with secure providers, and limited service providers may process uploads, email, checkout, or error data so Answered can operate. We don't claim certifications we don't have.

How long does this take?

Most users complete an Answer in 30 to 60 minutes once they have their summons in hand. The deadline to file is typically 20 to 30 days from the date you were served, depending on your state. If you choose mail filing, add 2 to 3 business days for delivery.