You Just Got Served

Step 1: Don’t Panic—Understand the Papers You’ve Been Served 

The first thing to do when you’ve been served is to take a deep breath. The paperwork typically includes:

1. A Summons: This notifies you that you’re being sued and outlines how much time you have to respond—usually 30 days or 60 days if you’re incarcerated.
2. The Complaint or Petition: This document explains the details of the lawsuit, including what the opposing party is asking for or alleging.

Why It Matters:
Your next steps depend on the type of lawsuit and whether any upcoming deadlines or court dates are included in the papers. 

At Teague Law Firm, we approach every case by identifying the situation's urgency. In family law cases, for example, there are three primary categories:

1. No Emergency or Hearing Date

You’ve been served with a summons and a complaint, but no immediate action is required beyond responding within 30 days.

• Action Plan: Contact an attorney to help draft and file your response.

2. Temporary Hearing Scheduled

You’ve been served, and a hearing date has already been set—usually within a few weeks.

• Action Plan: You’ll need legal representation quickly to prepare for this temporary hearing.

3. Ex Parte Order Issued

This is the most urgent category. A judge has already granted some relief to the opposing party, and you’ll have a hearing within 14 days to address the emergency.

• Action Plan: Immediate legal intervention is critical to address the emergency order and advocate for your rights. 

The bad news? You’re in a legal battle. The good news? You don’t have to face it alone. Teague Law Firm has helped countless clients navigate lawsuits, ensuring they understand their rights and next steps. 

Why Choose Teague Law Firm?

• Free Consultation: Bring your paperwork, and we’ll review it with you, line by line.
• Experience: We handle family law and civil cases daily, including divorces, custody

disputes, and more.

• Local Expertise: Serving clients across Northwest Arkansas, we understand the specific

rules and procedures in Rogers, Bentonville, Fayetteville, and beyond. 

1. What happens if I ignore the papers?
Ignoring legal papers can lead to a default judgment, where the opposing party gets what they’re asking for without your input.

2. How much time do I have to respond?
You typically have 30 days to file an answer, but if there’s an emergency or court date, you may have much less time.

3. How does Teague Law Firm help?

From the moment you walk into our office, we’ll help you understand the lawsuit and develop a tailored strategy to move forward. 

For more tips, legal insights, and advice, subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on social media. Legal challenges are tough, but with the right team by your side, you can handle anything.



Don’t wait—get the help you need today.