Did You Just Get a Court Summons? Here’s What to Do First (Even If It’s the Weekend)

Few things can spike your anxiety faster than finding a court summons in your mailbox — or worse, being handed one in person. Whether you’re being sued, subpoenaed as a witness, or facing criminal charges, receiving a court summons is a serious matter. And if it happens to be the weekend, when law offices are closed and you can’t get immediate legal advice, the situation can feel even more overwhelming.

But don’t panic.

There are clear, practical steps you can take immediately — even on a Saturday night — to protect yourself and prepare wisely. In this post, we’ll break down what a court summons actually means, what you should do right away (even before calling a lawyer), and how to handle your next steps in a calm, informed way.

What Are Court Summons?

Before taking action, it’s important to understand what exactly a court summons is. In simple terms, a court summons is a legal document notifying you that a legal proceeding has been initiated involving you, and you are required to appear in court or respond within a certain time frame.

There are a few common types of summonses:

• Civil Summons: Often part of a lawsuit. You might be getting sued by a creditor, landlord, business, or individual.
• Criminal Summons: You’re being formally charged with a crime but are not being arrested — you are instead required to appear in court.
• Subpoena: Not exactly a summons, but similar in urgency — this legally requires you to testify or provide documents as part of a case.
• Jury Summons: A request to serve as a juror. This one’s not about a case against you, but ignoring it can still result in penalties.

No matter the type, the key thing to remember is this: a summons is not optional. Ignoring it can result in a default judgment, fines, or even arrest warrants, depending on the nature of the case.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Read the Document Carefully

Take a deep breath.

Panicking will only cloud your judgment. Yes, a court summons can be stressful, but reacting emotionally (like ripping it up, tossing it aside, or calling your ex in a rage) is the worst thing you can do.

Instead, sit down and carefully read the entire document. Here’s what to look for:

• Who is suing you or bringing charges?
• Why are you being summoned? (Debt, landlord dispute, custody case, etc.)
• What court issued the summons?
• What are you being asked to do? (Appear in court, provide documents, file a response, etc.)
• What is the deadline? (There is always a specific date by which you must respond.)

Take notes. Highlight dates. If anything is unclear, flag it for later review.

Tip: Don’t assume you know what the document means just because of how it “sounds.” Legal terminology is precise. Terms like “plaintiff,” “respondent,” “motion,” and “discovery” carry specific meanings. Write them down and look them up if necessary.

Step 2: Verify That the Summons Is Legitimate

While rare, fraudulent summonses do exist. Scammers often prey on fear and urgency. Some red flags include:

• Demands for immediate payment via phone, text, or email.
• Threats of arrest unless you pay a “fine” now.
• No case number or a generic-looking document.
• Poor spelling, incorrect court names, or missing logos/seals.

Check the details:

• Is there a docket or case number?
  
• Is the name of the court listed?
  
• Does it include official seals or signatures?
  
• Was it delivered in person or by certified mail?
  

If it seems fishy and it’s the weekend, take a photo or scan it. You can search the court’s website (if listed) to see if the case exists, or wait until Monday to call the clerk’s office. Until then, don’t engage with anyone demanding money or personal info.

Step 3: Don’t Ignore It — Mark Your Calendar

One of the worst mistakes you can make is procrastination. Legal deadlines are strict, and missing one can have serious consequences, including:

• Losing a case automatically (default judgment)
• Wages garnished or bank accounts frozen
• Criminal charges escalated to bench warrants

Take out your calendar — paper or digital — and immediately mark the deadline for response or court appearance. Set multiple reminders leading up to the date.

If you’re required to respond in writing, this is especially urgent. Some courts only give 20 or 30 days from the date of service.

Step 4: Gather Any Related Documents

Now is a great time to start assembling your records. If you were sued for unpaid rent, grab your lease and any proof of payment. If it’s a debt collection issue, locate:

• Original contracts
• Payment receipts
• Emails or letters from the company

Organize everything chronologically. Even if you don’t understand the legal strategy yet, having a folder of relevant documents ready to go will help your attorney (and you) hit the ground running.

Step 5: Google the Court and Learn the Basics

Even before speaking to an attorney, you can do some basic research. Type the name of the court listed on the summons into Google — such as “Los Angeles County Superior Court” — and find the official website.

From there, you can often:

• Look up your case using the case number.
• Read about court procedures or FAQs.
• Learn about self-help legal resources in your county.

This is helpful for gauging the scope of your issue. For example, if it’s a small claims court case under $10,000, the procedures are usually simplified, and self-representation is more common.

Step 6: Write Down Your Questions for a Lawyer

You don’t need to understand everything immediately. But what you can do — even on a weekend — is jot down questions for when you do talk to a lawyer. Some useful ones:

• What does this summons mean?
• What are my options?
• What happens if I ignore it?
• Do I need to go to court in person?
• Can you help me file a response?
• How much time do I have?

Lawyers love when potential clients come prepared — it saves them time and makes the initial consultation more effective.

Step 7: Avoid Social Media and Email Outbursts

This is not the time to vent online. Posting about your case — or worse, sending angry messages to the other party — can seriously backfire.

Anything you say online can potentially be used against you. That angry Facebook post about your ex could end up in court as evidence.

Until you’ve spoken with a lawyer, don’t:

• Contact the opposing party
• Discuss the case on social media
• Share details with coworkers or acquaintances

Keep it quiet and professional.

Step 8: Make a Plan to Contact a Lawyer First Thing Monday

The moment business hours resume, your next priority is legal advice.

You don’t necessarily need to hire a high-priced private attorney. You can explore:

• Legal aid organizations (for those who qualify)
• Pro bono services
• Law school legal clinics
• Sliding-scale attorneys

Start by calling the clerk of court and asking if they provide a list of local resources. Some courts even have lawyers available on-site or by phone.

When you call a lawyer, be ready with:

• A clear summary of your situation
• The summons itself (scan or photo)
• Your deadline for response
• Your key questions

Step 9: Stay Organized and Proactive

Once the panic subsides, realize this: most legal issues can be managed with the right steps and timely action. Don’t bury the papers in a drawer and hope it goes away.

Instead:

• Create a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for all documents.
• Keep track of all deadlines and correspondence.
• Show up early for any required court appearances.
• Follow legal advice and ask questions when unsure.
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Bonus: What If You’re Out of State or Traveling?

If you received a summons while away from home, don’t wait to act.

• Scan or take photos of all pages.
• Email them to yourself for easy access.
• Notify your attorney as soon as possible.
• If you have to appear in person, you must make arrangements to travel.

Many courts now offer remote appearances via Zoom or telephone, but you can’t assume this — you’ll need permission from the court, often via a motion or request form.

Conclusion: A Summons Isn’t the End — It’s the Beginning

It’s scary. It’s unexpected. It might even feel like your life is being turned upside down. But receiving a court summons isn’t the end of the world. It’s the start of a legal process — and you have rights, options, and time (even if limited) to respond wisely.

What matters most is how you respond.

Even if it’s the weekend, you can:

• Read and understand the document.
• Verify its legitimacy.
• Prepare your documents and questions.
• Use online legal resources.
• Get ready to contact a lawyer first thing Monday.

Taking calm, organized steps will help you navigate the situation — and possibly lead to a much better outcome than you fear right now.

Need Help Navigating a Court Summons?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Thousands of people receive legal notices every day and successfully resolve them. Thomas & Ahnell, LLC is here to help. Our experienced legal team can guide you through the process, explain your options, and advocate for your best interests. Don’t navigate this alone—reach out today and get the support you need