Keywords: Arizona, answer to counterclaim, types The Arizona Answer to Counterclaim is a legally binding document filed by a defendant in response to a counterclaim made by the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit. It allows the defendant to address the allegations made in the counterclaim and present their own version of events or raise any relevant defenses. There are several types of Arizona Answer to Counterclaim, namely: 1. General Denial: This type of answer denies all the allegations made in the counterclaim, forcing the plaintiff to provide evidence to support their claims. 2. Affirmative Defenses: In this type of answer, the defendant acknowledges the facts stated in the counterclaim but offers additional facts or legal arguments to counter the plaintiff's claims. Affirmative defenses may include contributory negligence, assumption of risk, or statute of limitations. 3. Specific Denial: The defendant specifically denies certain allegations made in the counterclaim, rather than a total denial. This allows the defendant to choose which specific allegations they believe are incorrect and challenge them individually. 4. Counterclaim: In some cases, the defendant may counter-sue the plaintiff by filing their own counterclaim within the answer. This allows the defendant to seek damages or other relief against the plaintiff. 5. Cross-Claim: In certain situations where multiple parties are involved in the lawsuit, a defendant may file a cross-claim within their answer. This is a separate claim against another defendant or co-defendant, addressing issues that arise between the defendants themselves. The Arizona Answer to Counterclaim must be filed within a specific timeframe after receiving the counterclaim, usually within 20 days. It must accurately respond to all the allegations made in the counterclaim and meet the specific formatting and content requirements set by the Arizona court system. It is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure the proper preparation and submission of an Arizona Answer to Counterclaim, as any omissions or errors could adversely affect the defendant's position in the lawsuit.