Equity Answer {JV-28}

JV-28 (Revised 07/17/2012) ANSWER TOEQUITY COMPLAINT DOCKET NO. Trial Court of MassachusettsJuvenile Court DepartmentI/We, the Defendant(s) in the above mentioned action, understand that I/we must state fully and specifically what facts setout in the plaintiff(s)' complaint I/we deny and what facts I/we admit. I/We do so as follows (attach another sheet if yourequire additional space):Defendant(s)' Address (Agent if applicable)Address INSTRUCTIONS: Once completed, you must serve the Plaintiff(s), the Plaintiff(s)' Agent, or the Plaintiff(s)'Attorney with a copy of the Answer to the address provided in the complaint. Service should be completed bymailing the Answer by first-class mail, postage prepaid. You must also mail one copy of the Answer to theClerk-Magistrate, first-class mail, postage prepaid. If the plaintiff does not provide an address, mail two copiesto the Clerk-Magistrate.Attorney's Signature (if applicable)DateDefendant's SignatureDefendant's SignatureAgent's Signature (if applicable) RETURN OF SERVICE I certify under pains and penalties of perjury that I have served a copy of the Answer to the Plaintiff(s) byfirst-class mail, postage prepaid. Attached is a copy of the Answer for filing. I certify that I was unable to serve the Answer for the following reason: . Attached are two copies of the answer. Defendant(s):v. Plaintiff(s): BBO No. Telephone No. Telephone No. American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DEFENDANT(S)The Plaintiff(s) has/have filed an equity complaint naming you as the Defendant(s). Enclosed in thismailing are the following documents:1) A copy of the Plaintiff(s)' Complaint; (The Complaint contains the Plaintiff(s)' claim and request for court action. For example, to enforce the terms of a post-adoption agreement along with information about how the agreement was violated);2) Defendant(s)' Answer Form, which contains Return of Service; and3) Order of Notice issued by the Juvenile Court requiring you to appear in court.Do I need an attorney? You are not required to bring an attorney to the hearing, but you may do so ifyou wish. By law, the court cannot appoint an attorney for you even if you cannot afford one.How Should I complete the Answer and Return of Service Form? You should clearly and conciselystate which, if any, of the Plaintiff(s)' claims you deny. In addition, you should explain why the courtshould not order what the Plaintiff(s) has/have requested. Finally, you should sign and date theAnswer and complete the Return of Service indicating whether:1) you mailed a copy of your Answer by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or2) you were unable to mail a copy of your Answer and mailed two copies of your Answer to the court.Once you have completed the Answer form, you must mail or file one copy of your Answer in the Clerk-Magistrate's office at the address provided in the Order of Notice. You must also serve the Plaintiff(s),the Plaintiff(s)' Agent, or the Plaintiff(s)' Attorney (see Complaint) with a copy of the Answer to theaddress provided in the complaint in accordance with your Answer in the Return of Service. If you areunable to serve the Plaintiff(s), mail two copies of the complaint to the Clerk-Magistrate's office. Onecopy will be filed with the clerk's office and the other will be mailed to the Plaintiff(s) (if Plaintiff(s)'address is left blank on the complaint form, per the Plaintiff(s)' request, the Clerk's office will forwardthe Answer to the Plaintiff(s)).What is the Order of Notice? The Order of Notice tells you when and where you need to come tocourt.What happens if you cannot come to court on the date contained in the summons? Both partiesmust appear in court on the date the case is scheduled for hearing. If you cannot come to court on thatdate, contact the clerk's office immediately upon receipt of your court date. Do not wait until the lastminute. If you fail to appear for the hearing, the court will proceed to the hearing andadjudication of this action. American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com