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Indiana answer to complaint deadline
Quick answer
In Indiana, you generally must respond to a complaint within 20 days after service of the summons and complaint (Ind. T.R. 12(A)).
Ind. T.R. 12(A)
AI-assisted — Indiana rules pending attorney verification; confirm against the cited rule.
AI-assisted — verify independently. Indiana deadline rules here are AI-generated and pending attorney review. Confirm against the cited rule and your local court before relying on this.
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Start a trial — setup in 5 minutesEstimates based on standard Indiana rules and court-holiday closures; not legal advice. Confirm against your specific case, local administrative orders, and the current rules.
How the deadline works
Under Ind. T.R. 12(A), the answer is due within 20 days after service of the summons and complaint. One automatic 30-day enlargement is available by filing a notice on or before the due date. When the triggering paper is served by mail, Ind. T.R. 6(E) adds 3 days for service by mail. A deadline landing on a weekend or court holiday moves to the next business day.
- Served by mail? Ind. T.R. 6(E) adds 3 days for service by mail. Select “Service by mail” above and the calculator applies it.
Questions
- How long do I have to respond to a complaint in Indiana?
- Generally 20 days after service of the summons and complaint, under Ind. T.R. 12(A).