Answer to Complaint

An Answer to Complaint is a legal document that is filed by the defendant spouse in response to a complaint for divorce. The answer typically admits or denies the allegations made in the complaint, and may also raise affirmative defenses or counterclaims. For example, if the complaint alleges adultery as a ground for divorce, the answer may deny that allegation and raise a defense such as condonation (forgiveness) or recrimination (mutual fault). The answer may also include the defendant’s own claims for relief, such as a request for alimony or a different proposed property division. The filing of an answer is an important step in the divorce process, as it frames the issues that will be contested and sets the stage for further proceedings.