Rule 6 - Contents Of Answer; Time For Filing(a) Contents of Answer. An answer shall be in writing and signed by the defendant or his or her attorney, if any. It shall also state: (1) the reasons for denial of the relief sought by the plaintiff, including any affirmative defenses and the factual bases therefor; (2) any affirmative relief sought by the defendant, whether by way of counterclaim, set-off, cross-claim, or third-party claim, the factual bases for such relief, and the names and addresses of other persons needed for determination of the claim for affirmative relief; and (3) the address of the defendant or his or her attorney, if any.(b) Time for Filing Answer or Reply. A defendant shall file an answer with the clerk of the court within thirty (30) days after the service of the complaint upon the defendant. An answer to a cross-claim and a reply to a counterclaim shall be filed with the clerk of the court within 30 days of the date that the pleading asserting the claim is served. A copy of an answer or reply shall also be served on the opposing party or parties in accordance with Rule 5(b) of the Rules of Civil Procedure. Click here to view image
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Amended November 18, 1996, effective 3/1/1997; revised12/9/2004, effective 1/1/2005; amended June 2, 2011, effective 7/1/2011; amended May 24, 2012, effective 7/1/2012.COMMENT
Addition to Reporter's Notes, 2012 Amendment: The rule is revised to adopt the same 30-day response time for district court cross-claims and counterclaims that applies to responses to complaints, cross-claims, and counterclaims in circuit court and to responses to district court complaints.