Indiana Answer to Counterclaim is a legal response filed by a defendant in a lawsuit against a plaintiff's counterclaim. It is a crucial document that outlines the defendant's position and arguments against the allegations made in the counterclaim. There are typically two types of Indiana Answer to Counterclaim: General Denial and Affirmative Defense. 1. General Denial: The General Denial is a broad type of response where the defendant denies each specific allegation stated in the counterclaim. It puts the burden of proof on the plaintiff to provide evidence to support their claims. It is important to address each separate allegation individually and deny or admit it accordingly. 2. Affirmative Defense: Along with the General Denial, defendants may include Affirmative Defenses in their Indiana Answer to Counterclaim. Affirmative Defenses assert additional facts that, if proven true, would render the plaintiff's claims invalid. Examples of common Affirmative Defenses include statute of limitations, failure to state a claim, contributory negligence, duress, and waiver. When drafting an Indiana Answer to Counterclaim, it is crucial to follow the specific requirements set by the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure. The document should contain a title that clearly states it is an "Answer to Counterclaim." It should include the case caption, court information, and case number for identification purposes. The defendant should then respond to each numbered paragraph of the counterclaim, admitting or denying the allegations. If the defendant intends to use an Affirmative Defense, each defense should be explicitly stated and separately numbered. Include a brief explanation or factual basis for each defense, citing relevant laws or statutes where applicable. To ensure accuracy and compliance, it is advisable to seek legal counsel or consult the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure when preparing an Indiana Answer to Counterclaim. Properly addressing the counterclaim and asserting appropriate defenses can significantly impact the outcome of the case.