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If you are served with a summons and complaint, it means an individual or company is suing you in civil court. The summons notifies you that you are being sued, while the complaint provides details regarding who is suing you and why. [1] X Trustworthy Source National Paralegal College Law Shelf Online education resource from the National Paralegal College Go to source Once you are served with these documents – typically by a sheriff's deputy who shows up at your house and delivers them – you must provide a written response within a certain period of time. If this response is not filed with the court by the deadline on the summons, the person who sued you could win their case by default. [2] X Trustworthy Source Civil Law Help Center Nonprofit law firm dedicated to civil legal services to all people Go to source