Texas Defendant's Original Answer is a written response filed by a defendant in a civil lawsuit in the state of Texas. The Answer typically contains admissions or denials of the facts alleged in the plaintiff's petition, as well as affirmative defenses and counterclaims. Depending on the case, the Answer may also include special exceptions, pleas in abatement, and motions. There are two types of Texas Defendant's Original Answer: general denial and special exceptions. The general denial is a blanket denial of each and every allegation in the plaintiff's petition. Special exceptions are specific denials of certain allegations in the petition, as well as pleas in abatement or motions. These special exceptions are used to challenge the sufficiency of the pleadings or the jurisdiction of the court.