What is the penalty for not responding to a civil action notice, just a piece of paper left on my door. I call the number and they said they could not deliver it to me the next day so it had to go back to the lawyer. It is one month later and a second notice was in my mail box. Just a piece of paper with a telephone number on it. Will I be penalized for not responding. Do they already have a court date? I live in PA. The notice I think has to do with a contractor.

What does the notice say? Summons? Subpoena?

It says Official Notice of a civil action complaint that has been filed againt me with a docket number and a phone number to call. They want me to call the number so that they can continue to effect the service of the complaint.

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Originally Posted by snowlit

It says Official Notice of a civil action complaint that has been filed againt me with a docket number and a phone number to call. They want me to call the number so that they can continue to effect the service of the complaint.

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It says Official Notice of a civil action complaint.

At some point, they will set a court date and have a trial even if you don't show up. So you will merely lose and they will win any and everything they are asking for.

Don't they have to serve me papers first.

Does it mention a court?

No. Just that a civil action complaint has been filed with the sheriff's department. No court date.

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Originally Posted by snowlit

No. Just that a civil action complaint has been filed with the sheriff's department. No court date.

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Just a phone number to call. Monday through Friday and if I am not the person the department is looking for please let them know.

Then I would call the number.

Did you answer my question about what State? The procedure varies.

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Originally Posted by snowlit

No. Just that a civil action complaint has been filed with the sheriff's department. No court date.

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Call the Sheriff''s Dept. This sounds like a ploy to get you to call. A real summons would include a court.

Similar question was posted not too long ago. I remember because I insisted it was invalid without additional info.

Turns out that PA sends out notifications in this form (they are personally served) concerning arbitration, particularly arbitration by contract.

Need the wording of the notice - when OP gets it.

What is arbitration by contract. Am I legally bound to respond.

You are legally bound to respond to an official court summons.