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Some courts require pre-answer motions to dismiss to be made within 21 days of service of the complaint. Other courts require only that they be made before the deadline for filing responsive pleadings, whether that deadline is within 21 days or later.

If you go to court, the judge will tell you when you need to file your Answer. It will usually be 10 days from your court date. In lawsuits for more than $50,000, the Summons will state that you must file an appearance within 30 days after the day you are served.

Illinois is a fact-pleading state; conclusions of law and conclusory allegations unsupported by specific facts are not sufficient to survive dismissal.

A denial or failure of proof defense focuses on the elements of the crime and prevents the prosecution from meeting its burden of proof. An affirmative defense is a defense that raises an issue separate from the elements of the crime.

735 ILCS 5/2-608 (emphasis added). In contrast, an affirmative defense is a defense that, if proven, would mitigate or eradicate the defendant's negligent conduct alleged in the complaint. An affirmative defense is not a separate cause of action.

Some have allowed defendants to file a simultaneous motion and an answer, and some have allowed defendants to file a post-answer 12(b)(6) motion as long as the defendant raised the defense in its answer.

A plaintiff can file a motion to voluntarily dismiss the case before the defendant has filed their answer. After the defendant has filed their answer to the complaint, the plaintiff and the defendant can come to an agreement and file a motion with the court to dismiss the case.

A defendant may respond in an answer that admits or denies each of the plaintiff's allegations in the complaint. The answer will list defenses and counter-claims or cross-claims against the plaintiff or other defendants. The answer will state whether the defendant wants a jury trial. The case will then continue.