In California, you have 30 days after the date you are served to file a response with the court. The 30 days include weekend days and court holidays. If the last day falls on a day that the court is closed, you have until the next day that the court is open. There is one exception below.
California Answer Deadline Calculator (Generally)
If you were served by substituted service, which means the summons and complaint were given to someone else in your household or place of business, and another copy was mailed to you, you have 40 days from the date of the mailing to file your response. BUT before you count on these extra 10 days, make sure the plaintiff’s proof of service says you were substitute served and not personally served.
