California · Official court form
Fill out form PLD‑050 yourself
PLD-050 · Rev. January 1, 2024 · Judicial Council of California
General Denial: a form some defendants can use to answer a lawsuit. You type every answer. We put your words, exactly as you typed them, into the official form and make a PDF on your device.
We are not connected with the California courts. You choose the form and every answer. The PDF is the Judicial Council’s form PLD-050, Rev. January 1, 2024, with its text unchanged.
Read this first. Not every case can use this form. The court’s guide says: “You may also be able to use a form called a General Denial (form PLD-050). Read the instructions on that form very carefully to make sure you can use it in your case.” Some cases need a different answer, for example when the complaint is verified.
The form’s own instructions, word for word: “If you want to file a general denial, you MUST use this form if the amount asked for in the complaint or the value of the property involved is $1,000 or less. You MAY use this form for a general denial if 1. The complaint is not verified; or 2. The complaint is verified and the case is a limited civil case (the amount in controversy is $35,000 or less), BUT NOT if the complaint involves a claim for more than $1,000 that has been assigned to a third party for collection. (See Code of Civil Procedure sections 85–86, 90–100, 431.30, and 431.40.)”
Deadline: the court’s guide says the Answer is generally due within 30 days after you were served.
The court’s guides: Fill out Answer form to respond · Respond to a debt lawsuit (it explains the Answer—Contract, form PLD-C-010).
Your PLD-050 is ready. What to do next
Do this by hand after you print:
- If item 2 needs more space, attach additional pages, as the form says.
- Sign the form by hand.
- Someone else (18 or older, not a party) serves a copy and fills out and signs a proof of service.
- Check that this is the right form, then sign
Read the box at the top of the form again: it says when you must, may and may not use a general denial. If you are not sure, the court’s self-help guide explains other answer forms and where to get free help. Sign the form by hand.
- Mind the deadline
The court’s guide says you must serve the plaintiff and file your Answer with the court, generally within 30 days after you were served. If more than 30 days have passed, it says to check with the court whether the plaintiff got a default; if there isn’t a default, you can still file an Answer.
- Check for local forms and make copies
The guide says some courts require additional local forms (ask the clerk or check the court’s website) and to make 3 copies after you sign.
- Have someone else serve it
The form says it must be served on each plaintiff’s attorney and on each plaintiff not represented by an attorney, by personal delivery or by mail, by anyone at least 18 years of age except you or any other party. The person who serves it fills out and signs a proof of service, such as form POS-030. Court guide: Serve your Answer.
- File it with the court
The form says the original must be filed with the clerk with proof that a copy was served. The guide says the filing fee is $225–$450, and if you can’t afford it you can ask for a fee waiver.
- Watch your mail
The guide says to expect papers from the court and the plaintiff, to respond to them on time, and to file a Notice of Change of Address (MC-040) if you move.
Good to know
- The form says: “If you have a claim for damages or other relief against the plaintiff, the law may require you to state your claim in a special pleading called a cross-complaint or you may lose your right to bring the claim. (See Code of Civil Procedure sections 426.10–426.40.)”
- The court’s guide says a lawsuit can last a year or longer and that ignoring next steps after you answer can make you lose the case.
Sources: California Courts Self-Help Guide: Fill out Answer form to respond · Serve your Answer · Respond to a debt lawsuit · PLD-050 form page · form PLD-050.