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PLD-050Mandatory

General Denial

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2024

This form is used to tell the court that you disagree with every claim made in a complaint in a civil case. It also gives you a place to list specific defenses you have against the complaint.

The court describes it as: Tells the court and other side that you challenge the Complaint in a civil case, and demand that each allegation be proven. Also provides space to describe your defenses.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Respond

Stage: Respond

This form is used when a defendant needs to respond to a complaint in a civil case, especially if the amount of money or value involved is $1,000 or less.

Usually filed by the person responding.

Common questions

Who must file this form?
The form is for the defendant to file. It requires the signature of the defendant or their attorney.
When must I use this form?
You must use this form if the amount asked for in the complaint or the value of the property involved is $1,000 or less.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2024.

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