Subject: Oregon Sample Letter to Clerk for Filing Cross claim and Affirmative Defenses Dear [Clerk's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request assistance in filing a cross claim and affirmative defenses in the [County Name] Circuit Court, Oregon. I understand that these documents are necessary to protect my interests and assert my legal position in the ongoing [Case Name] between [Plaintiff's Name] and [Defendant's Name]. 1. Cross claim: A cross claim is a legal pleading filed by a defendant in a lawsuit against a co-defendant or third-party defendant. It asserts claims or causes of action that arise from the same incident or occurrence as the original complaint. In this case, I would like to file a cross claim against [Co-Defendant's/Third-Party Defendant's Name] to assert my rights and seek appropriate relief. 2. Affirmative Defenses: Affirmative defenses are a set of legal arguments that a defendant presents to refute the claims made by the plaintiff. These defenses, if successfully proven, can result in the dismissal or reduction of the plaintiff's claims. It is crucial to assert these defenses at the earliest opportunity. In this case, I intend to raise the following affirmative defenses: a. Statute of Limitations: I will assert that the plaintiff's claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations. [Provide relevant details and justification.] b. Contributory Negligence: I believe that the plaintiff's own negligence or actions contributed to the incident in question, thus relieving me of any liability. [Include specific facts and supporting evidence.] c. Failure to State a Claim: I assert that the plaintiff failed to state a viable cause of action, as the facts alleged in their complaint do not establish a legal basis for recovery. [Provide detailed arguments and legal citations if applicable.] d. Assumption of Risk: I contend that the plaintiff knowingly and voluntarily assumed the risk involved in the activity or situation, thereby absolving me of any liability. [Include relevant facts and supporting evidence.] It is my understanding that both the cross claim and affirmative defenses need to be filed with the court within the specified time frame. Therefore, I kindly request your guidance and assistance in preparing the appropriate forms, such as the Cross claim and Answer, and any additional paperwork required for these filings. I recognize that the court's resources may be limited, but I would greatly appreciate any information or instructions you can provide to ensure my filings are completed accurately and in accordance with the Oregon rules and procedures. If any fees or costs are associated with these filings, please inform me as well, and I will arrange for prompt payment. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I eagerly await your response, and I am grateful for your assistance in navigating this legal process effectively. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]