Calculates a date
Federal civil answer deadline calculator | United States
A defendant normally serves an answer 21 days after service of the summons and complaint. A timely waiver normally changes the period to 60 days, or 90 days outside any United States judicial district.
Rule reviewed
At a glance
What the calculator applies
- Period
- 21, 60 or 90 days
- Trigger
- Service of process or the date the waiver request was sent
- Direction
- Forward from the selected trigger
- Counting method
- Exclude the trigger day and count calendar days under FRCP 6(a).
Free calculation
Calculate from the relevant date
The jurisdiction, forum and triggering event are preset for this deadline. Enter the date and any facts the calculator asks for.
Selected deadline
Federal civil answer
United States · US federal district courts
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Worked check
See what the calculator checks before it produces a date
- Example input
- September 1, 2026
- Relevant fact
- Ordinary service of the summons and complaint.
- Expected result
- 22 September 2026 before any court-specific closure.
Day one is the following day. The calculator then applies the federal final-day rule.
Calculation basis
How the date is counted
Exclude the trigger day and count calendar days under FRCP 6(a).
If the final day is a Saturday, Sunday or recognised legal holiday, FRCP 6(a) carries it to the next open day.
Check before use
Exceptions and matter facts
- A federal statute or another part of Rule 12 may set another period.
- Local rules, orders and extensions remain separate checks.
Check this result before using it
Deadline Engine is calculation software, not legal advice. Check the current rule, any order and the facts before adding a date to your diary.
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