Can you file a motion to dismiss after filing an answer federal court?
Asked by: Yoshiko Donnelly | Last update: June 11, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (13 votes)
A defendant making a motion to dismiss must do so before filing an answer or other responsive pleading, and the motion is generally due when the defendant's answer would have been due (see FRCP 12(b)Opens in a new window).
Can you file an answer and motion to dismiss at the same time?
The defendant generally waives their right to file a motion to dismiss once they file an answer to the complaint. There are some exceptions where a motion to dismiss may be filed at a later point in litigation, such as if the plaintiff amends the complaint.
Can you remove a case to federal court after filing an answer?
Once a case is served, the defendant has 30 days to remove it to federal court. If a case is not initially removable, but becomes removable later—due to amendment, joinder, or otherwise—this typically triggers the 30-day deadline from the date of the operative event.
When can a motion to dismiss be granted?
The court may grant a motion to dismiss if the plaintiff's complaint fails to allege all the elements of a claim adequately. Or the court may grant it if the complaint fails to allege a measurable injury.
What is a motion to dismiss as answer?
A “motion to dismiss” is typically filed in response to a complaint and is made in lieu of filing an “answer.” Technically, a plaintiff can move to “strike” a defense that a defendant has pled, given that defenses are subject to the same pleading requirements as are the plaintiff's claims.
Can Defendants file a motion to dismiss instead of an answer to a complaint? Are they in default?
Can you file a motion to dismiss after filing an answer in federal court?
A defendant making a motion to dismiss must do so before filing an answer or other responsive pleading, and the motion is generally due when the defendant's answer would have been due (see FRCP 12(b)Opens in a new window).
Can you file a 12 b 6 motion after filing an answer?
The Court ruled, based on the “express language of Rule 12(b)” and in the absence of case law “interpreting such language to mean otherwise,” that a Rule 12(b) motion must be filed prior to an answer, but that such a motion filed after an answer may, if appropriate, be considered a Rule 12(c) motion for judgment on the ...
What is the success rate of motions to dismiss?
Indeed, motions to dismiss are filed in almost all securities cases, with an approximately 50% success rate.
Which of the following are proper grounds for a motion to dismiss?
- (b)(1) a lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.
- (b)(2) a lack of personal jurisdiction.
- (b)(3) improper venue.
- (b)(4) insufficient process.
- (b)(5) insufficient service of process.
- (b)(6) failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
- (b)(7) failure to join a party under Rule 19.
Can a victim file a motion to dismiss?
Only the prosecutor can dismiss a case. You can certainly talk to the prosecutor. Or get a lawyer. Or a judge can dismiss after a hearing.
How do you get a federal case dismissed?
On the other hand, a federal court case dismissal can only be initiated by a judge of the court. A dismissal of a federal indictment can occur when there have been procedural errors on the part of the prosecution, or if the judge feels there is a lack of evidence.
How long do you have to file an answer in federal court?
Under federal rules, defendants generally have 21 days to file an answer after they are served with a complaint; the U.S. government has 60 or 90 days, depending on whether it has waived service.
Why do defendants prefer federal court?
Defendants often seek to move their cases to federal court after being sued in state court for reasons such as procedural consistency, efficient docket management, and reduced liability.
Can you file a motion to strike after filing an answer?
A motion to strike material from a complaint must be filed before filing an answer.
What is a Rule 42 motion to dismiss?
Rule 42. Voluntary Dismissal. (a) Dismissal in the District Court. Before an appeal has been docketed by the circuit clerk, the district court may dismiss the appeal on the filing of a stipulation signed by all parties or on the appellant's motion with notice to all parties.
What is a Rule 12 motion to dismiss?
FRCP Rule 12(b) pertains to pretrial motions, and 12(b)(6) specifically deals with motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. As a practical matter, Rule 12(b)(6) motions are rarely successful, and when they are, their success usually has more to do with the judge than the law.
Why would a motion to dismiss be denied?
In a civil litigation, when a judge denies a defendant's motion to dismiss, the case continues instead of ending early. The plaintiff did not win the case, however, the defendant failed to convince the judge that the case (or at least one of the claims in the case) must end.
What facts can be included in a motion to dismiss?
For example, the necessary supporting facts might be the client's state of incorporation or the amount in controversy if the federal court's subject matter jurisdiction is being challenged, the client's state of residency if lack of personal jurisdiction is the basis for the motion, or the “non-fact” that the client ...
How to win a motion to dismiss?
If the motion to dismiss is convincing, you might have to present your own affidavits and documents to prove that the allegations did occur as you have described, or at least there is a question about the facts of the case as to whether or not what you have alleged actually happened.
Can a judge ignore a motion to dismiss?
A motion to dismiss might be delayed if there is a question as to whether or not the party with the burden of proof can make a prima facie showing of their case. If it is a close call from the pleadings a judge may allow the plaintiff the opportunity to make that case (or not) before ruling.
What is the order to motion to dismiss?
A motion to dismiss is a written request by a defendant asking the Court to dispose of some or all the claims raised in the Complaint before the case can move forward in the litigation process. The Defendant has 21 days to file an Answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint.
How long does a federal judge take to rule on a motion to dismiss?
It is difficult to provide an exact answer to this question, as the amount of time it takes for a judge to rule on a motion to dismiss can vary depending on a number of factors. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for a judge to reach a decision on a motion to dismiss.
How to file a motion to dismiss without a lawyer?
- Review the Complaint Thoroughly. Carefully read the plaintiff's complaint to identify any legal deficiencies. ...
- Research Relevant Laws and Precedents. ...
- Draft the Motion. ...
- Include a Conclusion. ...
- File the Motion with the Court.
What is the Rule 41 B motion to dismiss?
R. CIV. P. 41(b) (“If the plaintiff fails to prosecute or to comply with these rules or a court order, a defendant may move to dismiss the action or any claim against it.”).
Does the plaintiff have to respond to an answer?
If a counterclaim is filed, the plaintiff must be given the opportunity to respond by filing a reply.