If you want to file a motion, the process is generally something like this: You write your motion. You file your motion with the court clerk. The court clerk inserts the date and time your motion will be heard by the judge. You “serve” (mail) your motion to the other side.
Generally, this is due within 30 days after you were served. If you don't, the plaintiff can ask for a default. If there's a default, the court won't let you file an Answer and can decide the case without you. What if it's been more than 30 days since I got the Complaint?
How to serve your Answer Choose a server. You can't serve papers yourself. Figure out when to serve. You have 30 days after you were served the Summons and Complaint to respond. Have your server mail the papers. Your server mails these papers. Have your server sign the Proof of Service form. Make copies.
San Diego County Superior Court Rule 2.1. 15 states, "A trial readiness conference generally will be scheduled for four weeks before the trial date." The trial readiness conference is an opportunity for the parties to attempt to resolve the case, or at least limit the issues for trial.
On a separate page or pages, write a short and plain statement of the answer to the allegations in the complaint. Number the paragraphs. The answer should correspond to each paragraph in the complaint, with paragraph 1 of the answer corresponding to paragraph 1 of the complaint, etc.