Within twenty (20) days after the respondent is served with a copy of the civil complaint, he must contact the Court Clerk and state whether he will appear in Court to respond to the complaint. A written answer stating the nature of the defense may be filed with the Court within twenty (20) days, and if filed, a copy shall be sent to the plaintiff. In addition to any defenses the respondent may raise, the respondent may raise any claims he may have against the petitioner.
(Res. 84 A 03, 2/14/1984)
The respondent’s answer and all further pleadings made by either party may be served by regular mail, with the original filed with the Court with an affidavit of mailing. The affidavit shall be signed by the person mailing the pleading and shall state the name and address of the party the pleading was mailed to and the date of mailing.
(Res. 84 A 03, 2/14/1984)
When a party against whom a judgment is sought fails to appear, plead, or otherwise defend within the time allowed, and that fact is demonstrated to the Court by appropriate motion and affidavit or testimony, a default judgment may be entered by the Court, and notice of the default judgment shall be sent to the defaulting party.
The moving party may obtain a default judgment upon satisfactory proof to the Court of the following:
(a) 
Proper service of the Summons and Complaint;
(b) 
A complaint alleging facts to support a cause of action;
(c) 
Evidence supporting the granting of the requested relief;
(d) 
Jurisdiction of the Court over the persons and subject matter of the action.
(Res. 84 A 03, 2/14/1984)