How to Answer a Summons for a Delinquent Credit Card Account in Ohio

In Ohio, a summons is the notification of a lawsuit, according to Ohio Legal Services. Attached to the summons is a complaint, which explains why you are being sued and provides details, such as when you opened the account and when you stopped making payments. The summons also lists the address of the court, the name of the party filing suit against you and the deadline for you to respond to the allegations. If you fail to respond, a judge will hold you in default and enter a judgment against you for the full amount.

Instructions

1

Write a response to the lawsuit, called an "Answer." Write short statements as you respond to each numbered statement in the complaint. You have three options as you respond, according to Ohio Legal Services. You can deny the allegation, admit it is true, or indicate you lack sufficient information to deny or admit to the allegation.

2

State your defense in the Answer. A number of defenses are possible in Ohio, including fraud. You could allege that someone illegally opened the credit card account in your name, so you are not responsible for the debt. Another defense is that you paid the debt, so the lawsuit should be dismissed.

3

File your answer within 28 days to avoid a default judgment, according to Ohio Legal Services. Take your answer to the court listed on the summons and file it with the assistance of a clerk. Send a copy to the party filing suit, and await notification of a court date to appear before a judge.