**If you are looking for information about when to file an answer to a counterclaim in Texas, check out my post When is the Deadline to Answer a Counterclaim in Texas (Or is There One)?
When is the answer to a federal counterclaim or federal cross-claim due?
Under the Federal Rules of Procedure, an answer to a counterclaim or cross-claim is due twenty-one (21) days after service of the pleading that asserts the counterclaim or cross-claim. Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(B).
Keep in mind that a complaint is not an answer for this purpose. Under the plain terms of the federal rule cited above, a plaintiff’s failure to serve an answer to a defendant’s counterclaim can result in a default judgment on the claims asserted. When an answer includes a counterclaim and denominates it as such, an answer to that counterclaim is required. I highly recommend looking into practice guides like this for quick answers to questions about court deadlines.
Links to Deadline Calculator Pages for Pertinent Federal Court Deadlines:
Answers to Counterclaims and Crossclaims
Reply to an Answer (If Ordered)
Effect of a Motion on the Answer Deadline
Responses to Discovery Requests
Affidavits in Opposition to Motions
