You can either answer the summons in writing or in person. If you answer in person, you must go to the courthouse clerk's office and tell the clerk about your defenses to the plaintiff's claims. The clerk will check off the boxes in a Consumer Credit Transaction Answer In Person form.
The answer can be told to the clerk at the courthouse in person, or can be written down and given to the clerk in writing. It may be easier for you to answer in person.
Your answer should include the court name, case name, case number, and your affirmative defenses. Print three copies of your answer. File one with the clerk's office and mail (or “serve”) one to the plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney.
Once a summons and complaint or summons with notice have been served, a defendant must respond in writing within a limited period of time. The response is sent to the plaintiff's attorney or directly to the plaintiff, if the plaintiff is appearing is self represented.
That might mean writing a timely response and showing up to court on the date stated in the court papers, even if you think you don't owe the debt. Responding or showing up in court might help you settle the debt because some collectors would rather settle than go through a long (and expensive) lawsuit.