JV-28 (Revised 07/17/2012)
ANSWER TO
EQUITY COMPLAINT
DOCKET NO.
Trial Court of Massachusetts
Juvenile Court Department
I/We, the Defendant(s) in the above mentioned action, understand that I/we must state fully and specifically what facts set
out in the plaintiff(s)' complaint I/we deny and what facts I/we admit. I/We do so as follows (attach another sheet if you
require additional space):
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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 by
mailing the Answer by first-class mail, postage prepaid. You must also mail one copy of the Answer to the
Clerk-Magistrate, first-class mail, postage prepaid. If the plaintiff does not provide an address, mail two copies
to the Clerk-Magistrate.
Attorney's Signature (if applicable)
Date Defendant's Signature
Defendant's Signature
Agent'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) by
first-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.
Print Form
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DEFENDANT(S)
The Plaintiff(s) has/have filed an equity complaint naming you as the Defendant(s). Enclosed in this
mailing 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; and
3) 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 if
you 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 concisely
state which, if any, of the Plaintiff(s)' claims you deny. In addition, you should explain why the court
should not order what the Plaintiff(s) has/have requested. Finally, you should sign and date the
Answer and complete the Return of Service indicating whether:
1) you mailed a copy of your Answer by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or
2) 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 the
address provided in the complaint in accordance with your Answer in the Return of Service. If you are
unable to serve the Plaintiff(s), mail two copies of the complaint to the Clerk-Magistrate's office. One
copy 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 forward
the Answer to the Plaintiff(s)).
What is the Order of Notice? The Order of Notice tells you when and where you need to come to
court.
What happens if you cannot come to court on the date contained in the summons? Both parties
must appear in court on the date the case is scheduled for hearing. If you cannot come to court on that
date, contact the clerk's office immediately upon receipt of your court date. Do not wait until the last
minute. If you fail to appear for the hearing, the court will proceed to the hearing and
adjudication of this action.