If you answer a suite by denying most all of it, are you stuck?
or could you change your reply to a counter suit, envolving money
You didn't indicate what state you're in, and whether this is a collections matter, or some other thing, so its going to be difficult to answer your specific question. Read on: This answer does NOT constitute legal advice and I am making no inference on the merits of your problem.
That being said, I can review the basics of general civil procedure beside you.
1) When making the answer to a lawsuit, you must generally include the following in your answer:
a. You admit or deny respectively of the allegations in the lawsuit, either in the form of a paragraph admit each individually, or admitting allegations 1 - 5, for instance. If you don't have adequate information to admit or deny, then you state that, and therefore, deny. You also want to deny respectively and every allegation not specifically admitted.
b. If you have an affirmative defense, then you must state those affirmative defenses seperately. You will want to review your state's code of civil procedure to determine what the valid affirmative defenses are. A common affirmative defense in collections defenses is the statute of limitations has expired. NOTE: In some states, you MUST set forth your affirmative defenses surrounded by your initial answer, or you waive them.
c. You can then file a counter-claim, or cross-petition, in impossible to tell apart suit. I won't review here how to do this, because I don't know your factual situation.
I strongly urge you to consult with an attorney licensed in your state. He/she can recommend you and probably save you money by doing it correctly the first time. For a referral, contact your local or state bar association.
