Just thought I would put this link in here:
United States Rules of Civil Procedure, Process Serving Laws ? ServeNow.com
First things you need to do if you've been served:
1. Look in that link at your state laws and see if you were served properly.
2. Check the courthouse to see if the summons and complaint has actually been filed. Some CAs will send you papers as a warning or scare tactic. You need to see if they've actually filed the papers.
3. Check into your state's RCP (rules of civil procedure) so that you know can get familiar with the laws and also know what your next step to take is.
4. File your formal Answer and Counterclaims. You will usually have a time frame in which to do this. It will tell you in your summons.
Call your courthouse or look at your local courts online....... a lot of time they will have the forms for you to download.