Texas Civil Answer Date Calculator (2025)
Answer Due Date:
Understanding the Texas Answer Date
In Texas civil litigation, after a defendant is formally served with a lawsuit (a "citation" and "petition"), they are required to file a written response, known as an "answer," within a specific timeframe. This timeframe is crucial, as failing to file an answer can result in a default judgment against the defendant.
The Rule: Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 99(b)
The general rule for calculating the answer due date in Texas state courts is found in Texas Rule of Civil Procedure (TRCP) 99(b). It states that the defendant must file a written answer "on or before 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next after the expiration of twenty days from the date of service thereof."
Let's break down this rule:
- Date of Service: This is the starting point. It's the day the defendant officially receives the lawsuit.
- Expiration of Twenty Days: You count 20 calendar days from the day after the date of service. For example, if served on January 1st, the 20-day period expires on January 21st.
- The Monday Next After: Once you've identified the date the 20-day period expires, you then look for the very next Monday that occurs *after* that expiration date. If the 20th day itself falls on a Monday, the answer is due the *following* Monday.
- Time Deadline: The answer must be filed by 10:00 a.m. on that calculated Monday.
How Our Calculator Works
This calculator automates the process described in TRCP 99(b) for dates within 2025. Simply input the "Date of Service," and it will determine the precise Monday and time by which the answer is due.
Example Calculation:
Let's say a defendant is served on January 7, 2025 (Tuesday):
- Date of Service: January 7, 2025.
- Add 20 Days: Counting 20 calendar days from January 7, 2025, brings us to January 27, 2025 (Monday). This is the date the 20-day period expires.
- Find the "Monday Next After": Since January 27, 2025, is itself a Monday, the rule requires us to find the *next* Monday.
- Calculated Answer Due Date: The Monday next after January 27, 2025, is February 3, 2025.
Therefore, the answer would be due on February 3, 2025, by 10:00 a.m.
Important Considerations:
- This calculator is based on the general rule for Texas state civil courts. Specific types of cases (e.g., forcible detainer, probate, federal court cases) may have different answer deadlines.
- Legal holidays can sometimes affect deadlines, but TRCP 99(b)'s "Monday next after" rule often inherently accounts for weekends. Always consult the specific rules applicable to your case.
- This calculator provides a helpful estimate but is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney. Always verify deadlines with legal counsel.