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1. I want to file a lawsuit against someone. Can you tell me how to do it?

Although we cannot provide legal advice, we can provide information regarding civil actions.  Usually, a civil action starts by a Plaintiff filing a complaint. There will be a filing fee due when the complaint is submitted to the court. Access our fee schedule.

There are additional steps in the rules of civil procedure that are required. Court customers may wish to contact an attorney for further information.

2. I was served with this complaint and summons. What do I do now?

The party should follow the instructions in the summons. If the party files an answer, it must be submitted to the Court in writing. After the answer is filed a conformed copy must be sent to the other party. There will be a filing fee to submit the answer to the court. Click Here to access our fee schedule. Parties unsure how to file an answer may contact an attorney.

The Clerk of the Superior Court does not carry a specific form to file an answer to a civil complaint. When parties wish to submit a pleading to the Court and the Clerk of the Court does not have the form, you may utilize the Blank Title Page (PDF) to draft your answer. 

3. How long do I have to answer a complaint?

The time to file an answer to a civil complaint is twenty (20) days from the date the party is served or accepts service, if it is in state. If it is out of state, the party has thirty (30) days to file an answer. If the last day falls on a weekend or holiday, the party has until the end of the next business day to file an answer.

4. How do I file for default?

The party can file an Application for Entry of Default and Entry of Default (20) days after the other party has been served (30 days if they were served out of state). After filing the Application for Entry of Default and Entry of Default with the Court, the party must send a copy to the other party. The entry of default does not take effect for 10 business days after filing the application.

Pinal County Superior Court currently provides an Application for Entry of Default and Entry of Default form (PDF). 

5. I received a notice stating that my case has been placed on the inactive calendar. What am I supposed to do now?

Inactive notices are sent when there has been no action/activity on the case, or there has been no service on the case. The notice explains the options available to the parties and the parties must choose the option that best fits their situation. Parties who are not sure what to do may want to consult an attorney.

6. How do I subpoena someone?

A subpoena is issued by the clerk’s office. The clerk’s office does not prepare the form. The party wanting the subpoena needs to prepare the form and have it issued by the clerk’s office and make arrangements to have it served. There is a fee at the clerk’s office for the issuance of a subpoena.

Pinal County Superior Court currently has a subpoena packet (PDF) available. 

7. Once a judgment is obtained, how long before I get my money?

A judgment gives the winning party a lien against the losing party, but the judgment and lien do not guarantee voluntary payment. The winning party may pursue collection through various legal forms of execution, but these can be complicated. The party may want to contact an attorney, as there could be more options available.

8. I recently moved, how do I update my address with the Court?

All parties involved in court cases should update their address immediately. The Superior Court currently has a Change of Address form (PDF) available. You may print and complete the form then submit to the clerk for filing.  Once the Clerk's office receives the form, we will update our records and any future correspondence will be sent to the address you provided. All parties on the case should also be made aware of your new address.