When you’re responding to a debt collection lawsuit, generating your Answer is only the first step. To officially file it with the court, you’ll usually need to pay a filing fee and mail your documents to the correct addresses.
Many people lose their cases because they miss these final steps — not because they owe the debt, but because the court never receives a properly filed Answer. This guide walks you through the entire process so you can file confidently, avoid default judgment, and keep your case moving forward.
If you haven’t created your Answer yet, you can generate a court-ready version here:
👉 https://debtaegis.com/pricing/
What Is a Filing Fee and Why It Matters
Most courts require a filing fee before they will accept and process your Answer. This fee opens or updates your case file and makes your response part of the official court record.
If you don’t pay the filing fee:
- The court may reject your Answer
- Your response may not be recognized
- The plaintiff may win automatically through default judgment
- Wage garnishment or bank levies may begin
Paying the fee ensures your Answer is officially recorded and your legal rights remain protected.
How Much Does the Filing Fee Cost?
Filing fees vary by state and case type, but most fall between $100 and $250.
Examples:
- California: $225–$435 (depending on amount in dispute)
- Texas: around $100–$150
- Florida: often near $200
Always confirm your court’s exact fee on its website or fee schedule.
How to Pay Your Filing Fee (Step-by-Step)
Most courts accept payment by money order or cashier’s check, included in the same envelope as your Answer.
1. Get a Money Order or Cashier’s Check
You can buy one at:
- USPS
- Walmart
- 7-Eleven
- Most banks
Make it payable to:
“Clerk of [Your Court Name]”
2. Write the Correct Memo Line
On the memo line, write:
“Filing fee for Defendant’s Answer – Case No. [your case number]”
3. Prepare Your Envelope
Include:
- Your signed Answer
- Your filing fee payment
- A cover note such as:
“Enclosed please find my Answer and filing fee for Case No. [your case number].”
This ensures the clerk understands exactly what the payment is for.
How to Mail Your Answer Correctly
You must mail copies of your Answer to two places.
1. Mail to the Court Clerk
This is your official filing.
Use the address listed on your Summons or Complaint.
Include your filing fee payment in this envelope.
2. Mail a Copy to the Plaintiff’s Attorney
This satisfies the legal requirement for service.
Do not include the filing fee here — the fee goes only to the court.
3. Use a Trackable Mailing Method
Recommended options:
- USPS Certified Mail
- USPS Priority Mail with tracking
- FedEx
- UPS
Keep your tracking number as proof of timely delivery.
4. Mail Before Your Deadline
Deadlines are typically 20–30 days after you receive the Complaint.
Missing the deadline almost always results in default judgment.
Checklist Before You Send
- Review your state’s filing fee
- Prepare your money order
- Sign your Answer document
- Mail to the Court Clerk and plaintiff’s attorney
- Keep all receipts and the money order stub
These documents serve as proof of filing if any issue arises later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many defendants unintentionally make critical filing errors. Avoid:
- Using personal checks instead of a money order
- Forgetting to include your case number
- Mailing only one copy of your Answer
- Paying the wrong filing fee
- Missing your deadline
- Assuming the court will send confirmation (many courts do not)
Double-check everything before mailing.
Example: How Filing Fees Influence a Case
Maria received a debt lawsuit in Arizona and mailed her Answer promptly — but she forgot to include the filing fee. The court never processed her Answer. Weeks later, she discovered she lost by default and her wages were being garnished.
She later refiled properly, but the mistake cost her stress and several hundred dollars in lost wages.
This is why completing the final filing steps correctly is essential.
Final Tips from DebtAegis
You’ve already done the hardest part by creating your Answer. Now finish strong by filing it properly.
If you still need to generate your Answer or want guided help through the process, you can begin here:
👉 https://debtaegis.com/pricing/
Responding correctly protects your rights, prevents default judgment, and keeps you in control of your case. Debtaegis is here to help you through every step.