Summarize this article:

If you need additional time, contact the person whose name and phone number are in the left hand corner of the complaint (usually the plaintiff's attorney), and ask for a short extension.  If the plaintiff agrees to give you more time to respond, follow up by sending a brief letter or email confirming the extension. Whether or not the plaintiff agrees to the extension, file a Motion to Extend Time with the court to formally ask for the extension. Check the rules of your jurisdiction to find out how and when to file the motion. You have two main options for your initial response. You can file a formal document called an answer that responds to each allegation in the complaint, and includes defenses and possibly counterclaims.  Or, you can file a motion with the court asking to dismiss the complaint based on a procedural defect in the lawsuit.   An attorney can, and should, help you decide which avenue to pursue, based on the facts of your specific case. Read the rules of your jurisdiction carefully. Some jurisdictions may require you to file an answer even if you have a motion to dismiss pending, and others may not. If you don't have time to file a motion before your answer deadline, file any answer that contests the allegations in the complaint to prevent a default judgment. You can always amend your answer at a later date, and there are other avenues available for you to ask the court to dismiss the lawsuit down the road.
Request an extension of time to respond. Decide how best to respond to the complaint. File something with the court before the deadline.