How to Countersue

Learn the purpose of a counterclaim. A counterclaim is a claim against the party that originally instituted an action against you. In some states, a counterclaim is called a “cross-complaint.” Under the federal rules, you can file a counterclaim against your opponent for any claim that you have against them, whether or not the claim relates to the lawsuit filed against you. If the claim that you have against the opposing party arises from the same event or action for which they are suing you, you must file a counterclaim. You will otherwise waive your right to sue them in the future.

• For example, say someone with whom you were in a car accident decides to sue you. If you believe that the car accident was actually their fault, you must assert a counterclaim against them. You cannot sue them at a later date.
• The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern counterclaims in federal court.
• If the lawsuit is in state court, the state rules of civil procedure for your state probably govern the proceedings. However, most states have adopted rules that are very similar to the federal rules.

Understand when to file a counterclaim. Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, you usually have 21 days from the day you receive your summons and complaint to file your answer. ^[1] Read the summons and complaint carefully. Both state and federal courts offer standardized “answer to complaint” forms for the respective jurisdiction. These forms usually have space to introduce a counterclaim. You should file your counterclaim with the answer to complaint if possible.^[2] If you need more time to file, you may file a motion with the court asking for more time.

• For instance, you can find instruction for the Southern District of New York Federal Court here and the form for the California state courts here.
• Though many states follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, it’s not mandatory. Ensure you find out how much time you have to file in your state. Failing to file an answer or counterclaim on time may result in a default judgment hearing and potentially a default judgment against you.
• The court can grant your motion for “good cause,” which is left to the discretion of the judge who is handling your case.
• A lawyer is your best option for determining the validity of the counterclaims you wish to bring against the person suing you.^[3]

File your counterclaim after you have answered the complaint only in situations where the counterclaim arises after the initial filing. Your counterclaim against the opposing party may not arise or become apparent to you until after you have already answered the complaint. In this case, the court may permit you to file a supplemental pleading asserting a counterclaim that matured after serving an earlier pleading.^[4]

Look up the elements of the action that you wish to use. Your counterclaim will require the specific statutes from your state’s civil code that you wish to use as grounds for your counterclaim. You can find this information by looking in your state’s civil code, searching online for common law principles, or calling the clerk of court to ask. You should also consider talking to and hiring an attorney. Correctly filing your counterclaim is very important to your case, because the opposing side could attempt to get it thrown out of court. Having an attorney write your counterclaim for you will insure that it appears in the correct format and contains all of the necessary elements.

• The opposing side can use statements you make in both your answer and counterclaim against you in ways you might not anticipate.^[5] An attorney will not only file the counterclaim correctly but ensure the proper wording of all claims as well.

Prepare a counterclaim form. Many states offer a standardized counterclaim form that you can use to file. You can also search online for examples of counterclaims that others have previously filed. If you are not using a form, make sure you identify the party and what you allege that they did wrong.

• Put the facts of the occurrence in your counterclaim. Be as specific as possible. Usually, you will number the allegations you have against the opposing party and include your facts that way.^[6]

File your counterclaim. Give the clerk of courts a copy of your complaint at the same location where the plaintiff filed the original complaint. You may file the counterclaim at the same time you file your answer.

• Make sure that you keep a copy of the counterclaim for you records.

Pay the filing fee. The filing fee will vary depending on the court where the plaintiff filed the lawsuit. You can call ahead or look online to determine the fee for your specific court.

Serve the opposing party’s attorney. Once you have filed your counterclaim, you need to give a copy of it to the opposing party. The party will have to file an answer the same way you did. If the opposing party is represented by counsel, you may serve a copy of the counterclaim to the opposing party’s counsel.

• You or your attorney can simply call the attorney for the opposing party and ask them if they will accept service for their client. If they say yes, there is no need to serve the opposing party.