A blank answer form is available Summons – Civil Action/Rev Feb 2019
at www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help Form 1, Appendix ND Rules of Civil Procedure
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUMMONS – CIVIL ACTION
ND Legal Self Help Center Staff and Court employees cannot help you fill out forms. If you
are unsure how to proceed, consult a lawyer.
There is no guarantee that all judges and courts will accept forms available through the ND
Legal Self Help Center.
Do not include this instruction sheet when you serve or file the completed form.
THE “DISTRICT COURT CIVIL” SECTION of the ND Legal Self Help Center website has additional
information and resources.
A summons directs the Defendant to answer the complaint within a certain amount of time.
The summons notifies the Defendant that a default judgment will be taken against them if the
Defendant does not answer.
Fill in the name of the County in North Dakota where the Plaintiff intends to file the civil
action.
Fill in the name of the Judicial District in North Dakota where the Plaintiff intends to file
the civil action. (The County is within the Judicial District.) County and Judicial District
information and maps are available at www.ndcourts.gov.
Fill in the case number, if known.
Fill in the full, legal name of the Plaintiff on the Plaintiff line. There can be more than
one Plaintiff.
Fill in the Defendant’s full, legal name on the Defendant line. There can be more than
one Defendant.
Sign and date the summons.
A copy of the complaint must be served with the summons.
Do not include this instruction sheet when you serve or file the completed form.
***The North Dakota Legal Self Help Center provides resources to people who represent
themselves in civil matters in the North Dakota state courts. The information provided by the
Center is not intended for legal advice but only a general guide to the civil court process. The
Center is not responsible for any consequences that may result from the information provided.
The information cannot replace the advice of competent legal counsel licensed in the state.
Use at your own risk.***