I'll Do It Later

It's amazing how people wait to do something until they get down to the absolutely last possible second and then they're all frantic about getting it done.

For instance, you get a new puppy.  When do you license your pet?  When it bites someone?  When it runs away (after you become emotionally attached to it)?

Now, say you've been sued after your dog bit someone (you know, the one you haven't licensed yet).  Let's say you think to yourself, "I've got lots of time to answer this complaint.  Lots of time."  30 days later, with the clock ticking down to the 11th hour and beads of sweat racing down your spine, you realize the day of reckoning is upon you and you need to file that answer TODAY (as in right now)!!!  Thing is, there is nothing that will save you and no sane attorney who will take your case.  Had you, at least, gone to your local county law library the day before, you might have had time to take a look at:

• California Forms of Pleading and Practice (Lexis)
• California Practice Guide (Rutter): Civil Procedure Before Trial (West) 
• American Jurisprudence Pleading and Practice Forms Annotated (West)

Yep, had you just given yourself some time to read (and digest) the information on how to answer a complaint, you might have stood a chance.  Next time, if next time there be, might I suggest running over to your local county law Library and seeking the assistance of one of your local county law Librarian and let them help point you in the right direction.