(a) The complaint shall contain the title of the action, naming the parties as petitioner and respondent. A simple and concise statement of the facts with dates, places, acts, and other relevant information constituting a cause of action shall be made together with a demand for relief. The complaint shall be filed with the Clerk and served on the respondent.

(b) Within twenty (20) days after the respondent receives a copy of the complaint and summons, the respondent may consent to entry of judgment if the respondent does not dispute the facts or allegations in the complaint. As a part of the consent to entry of judgment, the respondent may request participation in An’gim Tunuu in accordance with Chapter 2.30 ATC, may request an appearance before the Panel of Elders in accordance with Chapter 2.35 ATC, or may request the Court determine the judgment. The consent to judgment shall be signed in the presence of the Clerk or a notary public.

(c) Within thirty (30) days after service of the complaint, if the respondent disputes the facts or allegations of the complaint, the respondent may answer the complaint in writing, sign the answer, and file it with the Clerk. A written answer by the respondent shall not be required to secure the respondent’s right to a trial, and the respondent may present any defense at the trial.

(d) The respondent may make a counterclaim in his answer to the charge in the complaint and shall serve the petitioner in the same manner as required in ATC 2.20.60. The petitioner shall have ten (10) days after service of the counterclaim in which to answer the counterclaim and file a copy of the answer with the Clerk. [Res. 2012-24; 2008 Code § 2.5.5]