Generally, your “first responsive pleading” to a SLAPP in California will be the answer to the complaint or a special motion to strike.
The answer is a formal document responding to the allegations in the complaint or a special motion to strike. A special motion to strike attacks the complaint on legal and/or factual grounds.
Your initial response, whether an answer, a special motion to strike, or other document, must be filed with the court and delivered to the other side after the date you are served with the summons and complaint – typically 30 days after you’ve been served, unless the plaintiff agrees to, or the court allows, a longer period.
The information on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The information here is meant to provide general information to the public.