The Answer is your response to the Summons and Complaint and tells the court your defenses or reasons why the mortgage Lender must not win the case. The complaint, which can also be called a "petition," will set out all of a lender's claims for seeking a foreclosure.It is then filed with the County Clerk's Office. Vacant and abandoned properties must be reported to the Department within 21 days of the date the mortgagee or mortgage loan servicer learns. Learn effective strategies for defending foreclosure action in Nassau or Suffolk County, New York. - File a Consumer Complaint with CARD. Resources for Distressed Homeowners. Once the homeowner receives the documents mentioned above, they must file an answer with the court and serve it to the lender or their attorney. The lender or their agent serves the complaint and summons to the borrower. This might be where you currently are in the process.