8-3-5.4. ANSWER - AMENDMENT.

Any party served with a Summons and Complaint shall respond to the person whose signature appears upon the Summons within seven (7) days by serving a copy of their written answer upon the Plaintiff. If that party fails to so answer, a default judgment upon proof being shown may be entered against that party for the relief requested and shown by testimony or affidavit to be valid. The defendant shall answer any eviction allegations as set forth in Section 8-3-5.5 below, unless the situation and conditions dictate an earlier eviction hearing.

Any counterclaim or defenses that the defendant may assert shall be served upon the opposing party within the time period for answering the respective claim in the complaint-e.g. , eviction or money damages.

The opposing party shall respond to any counterclaim within fifteen (15) days of service of any counterclaim.