An answer checklist requires...

An answer checklist requires...

• A. Caption only
• B. Catchall, response to every paragraph, and a certificate of service
• C. A cross-claim
• D. A separate discovery plan

Answer: (B)

An answer to a complaint must address each factual allegation and be properly served. The essential elements are a catchall denial for any allegations not expressly admitted, a response to every paragraph of the complaint, and a certificate of service showing that the answer was served on the opposing party. The catchall ensures you cover all asserted facts you don’t admit specifically, while addressing every paragraph prevents guessing or leaving matters unanswered, which could risk admission by default. The certificate of service is crucial to prove proper notice and compliance with the rules. Caption only would leave the allegations unanswered, a cross-claim is a separate pleading you file if you’re asserting a claim against a co-defendant, not a required component of a standard answer, and a separate discovery plan isn’t part of filing an answer.

An answer to a complaint must address each factual allegation and be properly served. The essential elements are a catchall denial for any allegations not expressly admitted, a response to every paragraph of the complaint, and a certificate of service showing that the answer was served on the opposing party. The catchall ensures you cover all asserted facts you don’t admit specifically, while addressing every paragraph prevents guessing or leaving matters unanswered, which could risk admission by default. The certificate of service is crucial to prove proper notice and compliance with the rules.

Caption only would leave the allegations unanswered, a cross-claim is a separate pleading you file if you’re asserting a claim against a co-defendant, not a required component of a standard answer, and a separate discovery plan isn’t part of filing an answer.