Having gotten a FC summons 3 months ago, I filed an Answer and Appearance, as many have suggested. I did something else that I would encourage others to do (if they can fit it in their schedule)....
I went to court a few weeks before my own hearing date.
I sat in the gallery area and observed for 2 hours. In that short time I learned quite a few things.
First, I got a feel for the whole atmosphere and how the procedure went.
Where the attorneys were, how long cases were heard, what the judge typically responded to and what he routinely refused.
Granted I wished I didn't have to be there, but it was actually a very educational experience. I learned, for instance, that this judge gave every defendant another 30 days to file and answer EVEN IF THEY NEVER FILED ONE ORIGINALLY. So, they automatically got another 30 days.
Of course my experience was unique to this courtroom, YMMV etc. but it helped me feel confident when I went before the judge a few weeks later and was granted a 45 day extension, since the plaintiff wanted more time to study and reply to my answer. Hope this helps others.
I went to court a few weeks before my own hearing date.
I sat in the gallery area and observed for 2 hours. In that short time I learned quite a few things.
First, I got a feel for the whole atmosphere and how the procedure went.
Where the attorneys were, how long cases were heard, what the judge typically responded to and what he routinely refused.
Granted I wished I didn't have to be there, but it was actually a very educational experience. I learned, for instance, that this judge gave every defendant another 30 days to file and answer EVEN IF THEY NEVER FILED ONE ORIGINALLY. So, they automatically got another 30 days.
Of course my experience was unique to this courtroom, YMMV etc. but it helped me feel confident when I went before the judge a few weeks later and was granted a 45 day extension, since the plaintiff wanted more time to study and reply to my answer. Hope this helps others.