Rule 502.5.Answer

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 502.5 requires a defendant to file a written answer by the end of the 14th day after being served (the 42nd day if served by publication), lets a general denial suffice, and has the answer noted on the court's docket.

Full Text of Rule 502.5

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)

(a) Requirements. A defendant must file with the court a written answer to a lawsuit as directed by the citation and must also serve a copy of the answer on the plaintiff. The answer must contain:

(1) the name of the defendant;

(2) the name, address, telephone number, and fax number, if any, of the defendant’s attorney, if applicable, or the address, telephone number, and fax number, if any, of the defendant; and

(3) if the defendant consents to email service, a statement consenting to email service and email contact information.

(b) General Denial. An answer that denies all of the plaintiff’s allegations without specifying the reasons is sufficient to constitute an answer or appearance and does not bar the defendant from raising any defense at trial.

(d) Due Date. Unless the defendant is served by publication, the defendant’s answer is due by the end of the 14th day after the day the defendant was served with the citation and petition, but

(1) if the 14th day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the answer is due on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday; and

(2) if the 14th day falls on a day during which the court is closed before 5:00 p.m., the answer is due on the court’s next business day.

(e) Due Date When Defendant Served by Publication. If a defendant is served by publication, the defendant’s answer is due by the end of the 42nd day after the day the citation was issued, but

(1) if the 42nd day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the answer is due on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday; and

(2) if the 42nd day falls on a day during which the court is closed before 5:00 p.m., the answer is due on the court’s next business day.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 502.5 covers the defendant's response. The defendant must file a written answer with the court and serve a copy on the plaintiff; the answer gives the defendant's name and contact information and may consent to email service. A general denial — denying all of the plaintiff's allegations without giving reasons — is enough to put the case in dispute, and the appearance is noted on the docket.

The answer is due by the end of the 14th day after the defendant is served, rolling to the next business day if that day is a weekend, holiday, or court-closed day. If the defendant is served by publication, the answer is due by the end of the 42nd day instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you have to answer a justice court lawsuit in Texas?

By the end of the 14th day after you are served — or the 42nd day if served by publication (Rule 502.5).

Is a general denial enough in justice court?

Yes. Rule 502.5 says an answer denying all the plaintiff's allegations without specifics is sufficient to put the case in issue.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 502.5), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov). Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: answer justice courtgeneral denialanswer due datefourteen daysTRCP 502.5