Write a letter to the plaintiff or his attorney indicating you require more time to answer the court summons. Request a change in date to allow you more time to prepare for the reply to the summons. Send the letter through certified mail.
Obtain documentation from the plaintiff or his attorney agreeing to your request to extend the time for filing a reply. Keep a copy of this for reference during the court procedure.
Contact or visit the court where the case will be heard. Look up this information on the summons that was issued to you. Obtain forms of Motion to Extend Time from the court clerk and fill them in, indicating the reasons why you are seeking an extension.
File the Motion To Extend Time with the court clerk, and attach a copy of the agreement you had with the plaintiff or his attorney. The court clerk will then notify you of the new date by which you'll need to respond to the court summons.