Answer and Affirmative Defenses

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Answer must be filed within 30 days of service of the complaint (Rule 12(a))
Each paragraph of the complaint must be admitted, denied, or disclaimed for lack of knowledge
Affirmative defenses not raised in the answer may be waived
Rule 12(b)(2)–(5) defenses must be raised in the first responsive pleading or are waived
A general denial is not sufficient — each averment must be specifically addressed
Jury demand must be served no later than 10 days after the last pleading directed to the issue (Rule 38(b))

Rule 8General rules of pleading

Rule 8(b)Defenses; form of denials

Rule 8(c)Affirmative defenses

Rule 12(a)30-day answer deadline

Rule 12(b)Defenses by motion

Rule 38(b)Jury demand

G.S. 1-523-year statute of limitations

G.S. 1-5610-year catch-all limitations