Enter the name of the county in which you are filing this case. STATE OF , CIRCUIT COURT, COUNTY Enter the Plaintiff’s name. The Plaintiff is the person bringing the lawsuit. Plaintiff(s): First name Middle name Last name Address Address City Zip See attached for additional plaintiffs. -vs- Enter the Plaintiff’s address. If there is more than one plaintiff, check the “additional plaintiffs” box and attach another sheet with their names and addresses. Enter the case number from the summons and complaint. Answer and Counterclaim Small Claims Case No. Enter your name. You are the Defendant. Defendant(s): First name Middle name Last name Address Address City State Zip See attached for additional defendants. Enter your address. If there is more than one defendant, check the “additional defendants” box and attach another sheet with their names and addresses. Check 1 or 2. Check 1if you do not dispute the plaintiff’s claim. Check 2 if you do dispute the plaintiff’s claim. State the reasons why you disagree. Check the box if you need more room and attach any additional pages. ANSWER I am the defendant (or an authorized representative of the defendant): 1. This matter IS NOT contested. I agree with the plaintiff’s claim. Judgment may be taken as requested in the complaint, plus costs and interest as allowed by law. - 2. This matter IS contested. I do not agree with the plaintiff’s claim. This matter should be scheduled so that the parties may present their evidence. The reason(s) why the matter is contested are as follows: . See attached for additional information.
Check the box if there is no counterclaim and go to the signature section. Do not complete counterclaim section below unless you have a claim of your own against the plaintiff(s). I/We do not have a claim against the plaintiff(s). Complete this section only if you are making a counterclaim against the plaintiff(s). Defendant's Demand: I/We have a claim against the plaintiff(s) and demand judgment against the plaintiff(s) for $ , plus interest, costs, attorney fees, if any, and such other relief as the court deems proper. Briefly explain why the court should award you what you are asking for. If your counterclaim is for more than $10,000, or if your tort or personal injury is for more than $5,000, the case may not continue in small claims court. You must pay a filing fee to the Clerk of Court, and you must send the Notice of Counterclaim (SC-5250V) to the plaintiff(s) on the same day the counterclaim is filed. NOTE: Eviction actions are heard in small claims court, regardless of the amount of the counterclaim. Brief statement of dates and facts: If you need more room, check the box and attach any additional pages to this Counterclaim. Follow local rules for filing and serving. See attached for additional information. Defendant(s) certify that a copy of this answer and counterclaim has been or will be mailed to the plaintiff(s) or plaintiff’s attorney, if any. Signatures Sign and print your name. Enter the date on which you signed your name. Note: This signature does not need to be notarized. Signature of Defendant/Attorney Date If an attorney is completing this form, enter your information. Attorney Name, Law Firm, Address Telephone Number Attorney's State Bar Number COPIES: For each person you are serving, make one copy (for an answer) or two copies (if a counterclaim is being made) of this signed original and any attachments and bring them to the clerk of court. The clerk will authenticate the copy/copies for service on the plaintiff(s).