How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Indiana (2025 Guide)
December 11, 2025 | By DebtAegis Legal Insights
If you just received a Summons and Complaint in Indiana, your heart might be racing. It feels like a heavy weight has just landed on your doorstep. But here is the good news: you have rights, and the legal system provides a specific path for you to defend yourself.
In Indiana, you usually have 20 days to respond to a debt lawsuit. If you miss this window, the court can enter a “default judgment” against you. This allows a collector to garnish your wages or take money directly from your bank account without further warning.
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1. Understanding the 20-Day Deadline
Indiana Civil Procedure Rule 6(C) is clear: you must serve your response within 20 days of being served. Do not wait until day 19. If the court does not receive your Answer by the deadline, the plaintiff wins automatically. Marking the date you were served on your calendar is the first step to winning your case.
2. How to Address the Claims (The “Answer”)
When you look at the Complaint, you will see a list of numbered allegations. You must respond to each one individually. You generally have three choices for each claim:
- Admit: You agree the statement is true.
- Deny: You demand the collector prove it.
- Lack of Knowledge: You don’t have enough information to say if it’s true or false.
Many people choose to deny most allegations. This forces the debt collector to provide actual evidence—like original contracts or payment histories—which they often do not have in their possession.
3. Use Affirmative Defenses
An affirmative defense is a legal reason why you shouldn’t have to pay, even if the debt was originally yours. Common Indiana defenses include:
- Statute of Limitations: In Indiana, the time limit to sue for most credit card debt is 6 years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-7). If the debt is older, the case should be dismissed.
- Identity Theft: You have evidence that the debt isn’t yours.
- Already Paid: You have records showing the debt was settled or paid in full.
4. No Filing Fees in Indiana
The best part about filing a standard Answer in Indiana? It is typically free. You do not have to pay the court clerk to submit your defense, though you will need to cover your own mailing or travel costs. This removes a major barrier to getting your day in court.
5. Filing and Serving Your Documents
Once your Answer is ready, you must complete two final steps:
- File with the Court: Deliver the original to the courthouse listed on your Summons. While some attorneys use electronic filing, individuals representing themselves (pro se) often file by mail or in person.
- Serve the Plaintiff: You must send a copy to the creditor’s attorney. We strongly recommend using USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt so you have legal proof they received it.
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