Definition
A summons is a formal notification of a lawsuit filed with a court in which the debtor is listed as the defendant.
Analysis
A summons represents a declaration that the debtor is facing a court order to repay a defaulted debt. The defendant must either respond to the summons or arrive to court on the day specified in order to contest the lawsuit.
If the defendant is expected to appear on a certain day, that information will be supplied on the summons. Often the clerk of court can provide additional information on the process.
A defendant that ignores a summons faces a default judgment. Responding to a summons is crucial in order for a debtor to defend their position.
