What is the format for an answer to a civil suit?

Answer 1

Rules of Civil ProcedureThe format is up to you, as long as you follow the Rules of Civil Procedure for your state. They will tell you, for example, that your answer to each complaint (claim) against you must state either that you Affirm, Deny or don't know about the claim. Usually you have to state in "simple and plain statements" and show evidence to back up what you say. You cannot merely say you DENY. In most if not all states, anything that is not specifically denied is thought to be admitted/affirmed.

There are Federal Rulels of Civil Procedure, which most states seem to mirror. They tell how to make pleadings and how to answer, etc.

Normally the paragraphs in the complaint will be numbered, and your answer will correspond to the numbers in the complaint. You admit what you need to admit (like undisputed or immaterial facts) and deny what is critical to deny (any paragraphs that would accuse you of liability). If you aren't sure what to do about one paragraph or another, you normally would say that you "lack information and belief" with concern to that particular claim, which essentially means you don't know enough about the facts of the case to affirm or deny the claim.