Rule 12.01.When presented.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
Full Text of Rule 12.01
Amendment History
(Amended December 3, 1998, effective January 1, 1999.)
Plain-English Summary
Once a defendant is served with a summons and complaint, the clock starts running: Kentucky gives 20 days to serve an answer. The same 20-day period applies to a party served with a cross-claim, and to a plaintiff who must reply to a counterclaim raised in the answer, or, if the court orders a reply to something else, 20 days from that order.
Filing certain motions under Rule 12 pauses and resets that clock. If a party moves to dismiss or raises another Rule 12 defense instead of answering, and the court denies the motion or defers ruling until trial, the responsive pleading is due 10 days after entry of the court's order. If the court instead grants a motion for a more definite statement, the responsive pleading is due 10 days after the more definite statement is served. In each case, the court can set a different deadline by order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does a defendant have to answer a complaint in Kentucky?
Under Rule 12.01, a defendant must serve an answer within 20 days after being served with the summons.
If I file a motion to dismiss instead of answering, when is my answer due if the motion is denied?
Rule 12.01 gives the responsive pleading 10 days after entry of the court's order denying the motion or postponing it until trial, unless the court sets a different deadline.
How long do I have to reply to a counterclaim in Kentucky?
Rule 12.01 gives 20 days after service of the answer containing the counterclaim, or 20 days after a court order requiring a reply if one is ordered, unless the order directs otherwise.