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Summons in a Civil Action (AO 440)
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Official federal court summons notifying the defendant of a lawsuit and requiring a response within the prescribed time.
PDF TemplateUse the instructions below to complete this form
Instructions
Complete the plaintiff and defendant names, the court information, and the name and address of the plaintiff's attorney. The clerk will sign and seal the summons. Serve it along with the complaint per FRCP Rule 4. The defendant typically has 21 days to respond after service.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.