Is an answer the same as a motion to dismiss?
Asked by: Hardy Kunze | Last update: September 21, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (10 votes)
Although most defenses to a complaint must be stated in the answer, a defendant can move to dismiss the complaint before filing an answer. Motions to dismiss typically make one or more of these arguments: The court lacks the authority or jurisdiction to decide the case or to compel a defendant to appear.
Is a motion to dismiss considered an 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.
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.
How long does a plaintiff have to respond to an answer?
You must fill out an Answer, serve the plaintiff, and file your Answer form with the court. Generally, this is due within 30 days after you were served.
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.
The Easiest Way to Defeat a Motion to Dismiss
How to defeat a motion to dismiss?
- The plaintiff's allegations don't fit the facts of the case.
- There is a missing element of the claim.
- There are no factual allegations in the complaint, only conclusions.
What happens if you don't respond to a motion to dismiss?
If the Court is presented with a colorable argument in a motion to dismiss, and the plaintiff fails to respond to that motion, the Court will assume that the plaintiff concedes the insufficiency of its complaint.
What happens after a motion to dismiss is granted?
Ruling on a Motion To Dismiss
If the court grants the motion, it can dismiss the case either with or without prejudice. If the court grants the motion and dismisses the case “without prejudice," the plaintiff can fix the deficiencies in the complaint and file it again.
What happens if a claimant does not respond?
If your response is late, your claim may be stopped (known as 'stayed'). The only way to continue your claim after this period is to apply to the court for an order to lift the stay – and there may be a fee for this. Your claim will then be referred to a judge.
How to prove you were not served properly?
Surveillance: You can provide surveillance footage showing you were not served at the alleged date or that the service was improper. Mail Records: If there's no mail delivered to you or if you haven't signed the receipt. It can indicate improper service.
Is a motion to dismiss good?
If a motion to dismiss is granted, the court may dismiss the case without prejudice. This gives the other party the opportunity to correct the errors or mistakes and refile the case. In rare cases, if there has been egregious conduct, or the Court can see no viable claim, the court can dismiss with prejudice.
What is the outcome of motion to dismiss?
If a motion to dismiss is granted, it may be with or without prejudice. A dismissal with prejudice means the case is permanently closed, and the plaintiff cannot file the same claim again. A dismissal without prejudice, however, allows the plaintiff to correct the issues in their complaint and refile the case.
How long does it take a judge 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.
Does a motion to dismiss require a hearing?
A party may file a motion to dismiss or withdraw a pleading. When the movant is the filer of the original pleading, there is no hearing. However, the court will set a hearing when another party files the motion and the original movant does not agree to the request.
Is an answer a responsive pleading?
What is Responsive Pleading? A pleading that directly responds to the merits of the opponent's pleading, as opposed to filing a motion to dismiss or other attempt to reject a direct response. An answer to the complaint is an example of a responsive pleading.
How long does a civil lawsuit take to settle?
Once the legal process begins, there is no clear-cut timeline for these types of proceedings. If both parties are amicable, you may get a settlement in as little as a few weeks. Complex cases that go to trial may take several years to resolve.
What happens if respondent does not reply?
In the event a respondent, after service of process, fails to file an appearance, responsive pleading or answer within 30 days of being served with the summons and petition, the petitioner may request the allegations in the petition be admitted as true and request the court enter a judgment in favor of the petitioner ...
What happens if a settlement Cannot be reached?
If a settlement with the insurance company cannot be reached, then our firm's attorneys will file a lawsuit. The initial stages of litigation are called discovery.
What happens if someone doesn't respond to a claim?
When a claim is left unaddressed, it may lead to the insurance company assuming that you're at fault. This could result in you paying higher amounts than if you had addressed the claim promptly. Not responding to a claim can be seen as a breach of your insurance contract. This can lead to legal actions against you.
Can you file a motion to dismiss instead of an answer?
Although most defenses to a complaint must be stated in the answer, a defendant can move to dismiss the complaint before filing an answer. Motions to dismiss typically make one or more of these arguments: The court lacks the authority or jurisdiction to decide the case or to compel a defendant to appear.
How do you beat a motion to dismiss?
To defend against a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, you should be prepared to show the judge that the other party has had “contact” with the state where you have filed the case, s/he was served in the state, or there is some other reason why the court has jurisdiction.
What happens when a judge denies a motion to dismiss?
The denial of a motion to dismiss necessarily makes it more likely that the case will settle go to trial, as the granting of a motion to dismiss makes a trial impossible absent decision to reconsider the dismissal or a reversal of the dismissal on appeal.
Why would a plaintiff file a motion to dismiss?
Most often, a Plaintiff receives a Motion to Dismiss based on their “failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.” (Fed. R. Civ.
How long do you have to file an answer after a motion to dismiss is denied?
Currently, the time to answer a complaint after a district court has denied a motionto dismiss is 14 days. See Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(a)(4)(A).
Can you withdraw a motion to dismiss?
The plaintiff, not the court, has the choice of accepting court-imposed conditions and obtaining dismissal. If those conditions are too burdensome, the plaintiff may withdraw the motion for dismissal and proceed with the case on its merits.