A step-by-step guide to help you file your Answer confidently and correctly.
💡 Why this guide matters
We know dealing with a lawsuit can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re handling it on your own.
This short guide walks you through two important final steps:
- Paying your court filing fee
- Mailing your Answer to the right place
Follow these steps carefully and you’ll officially complete your court filing.
⚖️ Step 1: Understand the Filing Fee
When you send your Answer to the court, most courts require a small filing fee before they will officially process your response.
Don’t worry — it’s normal and easy to handle.
🧩 What is a Filing Fee?
A filing fee is the amount a court charges to officially record your Answer.
Without it, the court may not open or process your case file.
💬 Step 2: Filing Fee Explained (Three-Step Guide)
🟦 Step 1: Why this fee exists
Every court requires a small filing fee to officially record your Answer.
Without it, the court won’t process your response or recognize your case.
🟩 Step 2: How much it costs
The fee usually ranges from $100 to $250, depending on your state and case type.
(For California, the standard fee is $225–$435 depending on the amount at issue. See your state’s filing fee chart in the attached PDF.)
🟨 Step 3: How to pay it
You can pay this fee easily by including a money order or cashier’s check when you mail your Answer.
It’s simple, safe, and works in every state.
🪙 Step 3: How to Pay Your Filing Fee
When you mail your Answer, include the payment in the same envelope.
Here’s exactly what to do:
✅ What you need
- A money order (from USPS, Walmart, or 7-Eleven)
- Make it payable to:
“Clerk of [Your Court Name]” - The exact amount listed for your state (see attached PDF or your court’s website)
✍️ What to write
On the memo line, write:
“Filing fee for Defendant’s Answer – Case No. [your case number]”
📦 What to include in your envelope
- Your signed Answer document
- The money order or cashier’s check
- A short cover note, for example: “Enclosed please find my Answer and filing fee for Case No. [your case number].”
📬 Step 4: Mailing Your Answer
🏛️ Where to mail
Mail one copy of your Answer and filing fee to the Court Clerk’s Office (address shown on your complaint).
Mail another copy (without the fee) to the plaintiff’s attorney.
✉️ How to mail
Use USPS Certified Mail or another trackable service (FedEx, UPS).
Keep the tracking number as proof of delivery.
📅 When to mail
You must mail your Answer before your court deadline, which is usually 20–30 days after receiving the complaint.
📄 Step 5: Keep Your Records
Keep copies of:
- The Answer you mailed
- The USPS or FedEx receipt
- The money order stub
- The cover letter
These documents are your proof of timely filing and can protect you if any issue arises later.
🧭 Summary Checklist
| Task | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Review your state’s filing fee | See attached state fee chart (PDF) | ☐ |
| ✅ Prepare your money order | Payable to “Clerk of Court” | ☐ |
| ✅ Sign your Answer document | Print and sign by hand | ☐ |
| ✅ Mail both documents | To the Court Clerk and plaintiff’s attorney | ☐ |
| ✅ Keep receipts | USPS or FedEx proof of mailing | ☐ |
❤️ Final Words from DebtAegis
Filing your Answer is the single most important step in protecting yourself from a default judgment.
You’ve already done the hardest part — creating your response.Now, just follow these final steps to make it official.
You’re almost done. Stay confident — we’ve got your back.