Practical examples of examples of example of counterclaim form

Starting with real‑world examples of counterclaim forms

Most people don’t want a lecture on civil procedure; they want examples of example of counterclaim form that look like something they can actually file. So let’s start with concrete scenarios you’re likely to see in 2024–2025.

Imagine a basic small‑claims lawsuit: a contractor sues a homeowner for $4,000, claiming unpaid work. The homeowner believes the contractor did shoddy work and actually cost them money. On the court’s standard Answer/Counterclaim form, the homeowner checks the box for “Defendant files a counterclaim” and writes a short statement:

“Defendant hired Plaintiff to install kitchen flooring for \(4,000. Plaintiff’s work was defective, causing water damage and requiring \)2,500 in repairs. Defendant seeks $2,500 in damages for negligent workmanship and breach of contract.”

That two‑paragraph block is a simple but strong example of counterclaim form language. It identifies the contract, the alleged wrong, and the amount of money requested.

Best examples of examples of example of counterclaim form by case type

To make this actually useful, let’s walk through several best examples of how a counterclaim form might look in common case categories. These are plain‑English illustrations, not word‑for‑word scripts, but they mirror what real courts expect.

Small claims money dispute

In many U.S. states, the small‑claims Answer form includes a section titled “Counterclaim” or “Defendant’s Claim.” Here’s how a realistic example of counterclaim form might read in a money dispute:

Case: Auto repair shop sues customer for $1,200 allegedly unpaid.

Counterclaim section:
“Defendant brings a counterclaim in the amount of \(900. On March 8, 2025, Plaintiff replaced Defendant’s brakes. The work was defective and caused Defendant’s vehicle to fail inspection. Defendant paid another mechanic \)900 to correct the defects. Defendant requests judgment for $900 plus court costs for negligent repair and breach of implied warranty of good workmanship.”

Notice what this does well:

• Ties the counterclaim directly to the same transaction (the brake job).
• States what happened, what it cost, and what law-ish theory applies (negligent repair, breach of warranty) without legal jargon overload.

If you browse official small‑claims forms on your state judiciary website (for example, many are listed through USA.gov’s courts page), you’ll see similar phrasing in their sample packets.

Landlord–tenant eviction counterclaim

Another strong example of example of counterclaim form shows up in eviction cases. Tenants often have legal claims of their own: unreturned deposits, unsafe housing conditions, or illegal fees.

Case: Landlord files for eviction over alleged non‑payment of rent.

Counterclaim section:
“Defendant brings a counterclaim for \(1,500. From January through March 2025, the rental unit had significant leaks and mold growth in the bedroom and bathroom. Defendant notified Plaintiff in writing multiple times, but repairs were not made. Defendant incurred \)1,200 in hotel expenses and \(300 in medical copays related to respiratory issues. Defendant seeks \)1,500 in damages for breach of the implied warranty of habitability and reimbursement of expenses.”

Here, the tenant uses the same court form but flips the script. This is one of the best examples of using a counterclaim form not just to defend, but to go on offense.

For more background on housing‑related health issues like mold and respiratory symptoms, you can find medically grounded information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While that’s not a legal site, it can support the factual side of a counterclaim.

Debt collection counterclaim for illegal practices

Debt buyers and collection agencies often sue in bulk. Defendants sometimes have valid counterclaims under consumer‑protection laws when collectors cross the line.

Here’s another of our examples of examples of example of counterclaim form in a 2025‑style debt case:

Case: Debt buyer sues for $3,200 on an old credit‑card account.

Counterclaim section:
“Defendant brings a counterclaim under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., in the amount of $1,000 in statutory damages, plus actual damages to be determined. In December 2024, Plaintiff repeatedly called Defendant’s workplace after being told not to do so, and threatened arrest if payment was not made, which is prohibited under the FDCPA. Defendant requests judgment on the counterclaim and any further relief the court deems proper.”

This example shows how a counterclaim can cite a specific federal statute. The Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau both publish up‑to‑date guidance on debt collection practices; see the CFPB’s resources at consumerfinance.gov.

Auto accident: plaintiff sues, defendant counter‑sues

In personal‑injury cases, counterclaims are common. Picture a 2025 car crash where both drivers blame each other.

Case: Driver A sues Driver B for $15,000 in property damage and medical bills.

Counterclaim section on the civil Answer/Counterclaim form:
“Defendant brings a counterclaim for negligence against Plaintiff in the amount of \(25,000. On October 3, 2024, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Plaintiff ran a red light at the intersection of 5th Street and Oak Avenue in Springfield, causing a collision with Defendant’s vehicle. Defendant suffered a fractured wrist and incurred \)18,400 in medical expenses, plus lost wages. Defendant seeks $25,000 in damages, plus costs and interest.”

This is one of the best examples of how a counterclaim mirrors a complaint: same basic parts, just filed by the defendant. Many state court systems publish civil forms for self‑represented people; for instance, some state courts provide model complaints and answers through their judiciary websites linked from USA.gov.

Family law: divorce counterclaim

Family courts often use specialized forms, but the structure is familiar. A spouse served with a divorce petition may file an “Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce.” Here’s a simplified example of counterclaim form language:

Case: Spouse A files for divorce, asking for sole legal custody and most marital assets.

Counterclaim section:
“Respondent admits the marriage is irretrievably broken and brings a counterclaim for divorce. Respondent requests joint legal custody of the minor children, an equitable division of marital property, and child support consistent with state guidelines. Respondent also requests spousal support of $800 per month for 36 months due to lower earning capacity and time spent as primary caregiver.”

The counterclaim here isn’t about money damages; it’s about asking the court for different orders. This kind of example of example of counterclaim form shows that a counterclaim can be used to propose your own version of the outcome, not just to say “I deny everything.”

For up‑to‑date information on how courts consider children’s interests and health in family cases, resources from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics can be helpful when you’re gathering supporting facts, even though they’re not legal authorities.

Employment dispute counterclaim

Another modern scenario: an employer sues a former employee for alleged theft of trade secrets. The employee responds with a counterclaim for unpaid overtime.

Case: Company sues ex‑employee for misappropriation of confidential data.

Counterclaim section:
“Defendant brings a counterclaim for unpaid overtime wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq. From June 2022 through August 2024, Defendant regularly worked 50–55 hours per week and was not paid overtime at one and one‑half times the regular rate. Defendant seeks unpaid overtime wages, an equal amount in liquidated damages, attorney’s fees, and costs.”

This is one of the more advanced examples of examples of example of counterclaim form, but the structure is still the same: who did what, when, what law applies, and what relief is requested.

How courts expect you to structure a counterclaim form

After looking at these real examples, patterns emerge. Most courts want the same building blocks, even if the layout of the form changes from state to state.

Common elements you’ll see in almost every example of counterclaim form:

• Caption at the top: court name, case number, names of parties. The parties usually stay in their original roles (Plaintiff and Defendant), even though the Defendant is now also the “Counter‑Plaintiff” for the counterclaim.
• Title of the document: often “Answer and Counterclaim,” “Counterclaim,” or “Defendant’s Claim.”
• Introductory paragraph identifying who is bringing the counterclaim and against whom.
• Numbered paragraphs or clear sentences stating facts in chronological order: dates, places, what happened.
• Legal basis (even if in plain language): breach of contract, negligence, violation of specific statutes like FDCPA or FLSA.
• Damages or relief requested: a dollar amount, or specific orders (custody, repairs, injunctions).
• Signature block and verification: your signature, contact information, and sometimes a notarized verification or declaration under penalty of perjury.

When you review official samples from your local court, you’ll see these same pieces repeated. That’s why looking at multiple examples of examples of example of counterclaim form is helpful: you start to recognize the template underneath the legal language.

2024–2025 trends that show up in counterclaim forms

The legal system moves slowly, but you can still see new patterns in current examples of counterclaim form filings:

• More self‑represented litigants (SRLs): Post‑pandemic, many courts report a higher share of people filing without lawyers, especially in debt, housing, and family cases. That means counterclaim forms are becoming more user‑friendly, with checkboxes and plain‑English prompts.
• Online and hybrid filing: In 2024–2025, a growing number of state courts encourage or require e‑filing. Some let you fill out a counterclaim form through an online interview that generates a PDF.
• Consumer protection counterclaims on the rise: With inflation and aggressive collection practices, courts are seeing more FDCPA, state unfair‑practice, and credit‑reporting counterclaims bundled into ordinary debt cases.
• More health‑related factual allegations: In housing, employment, and personal‑injury cases, counterclaims often reference medical conditions or treatment. For accurate health descriptions, mainstream sources like Mayo Clinic and MedlinePlus (a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine) are helpful when you’re describing symptoms or treatment in a factual way.

When you study recent dockets (many are searchable online through state court portals), you’ll see these trends reflected in modern examples of example of counterclaim form.

Where to find official examples and templates

You should never copy a random template from a forum when your local court already provides official forms. The best examples of examples of example of counterclaim form almost always come from these sources:

• State judiciary websites: Many have a “Forms” or “Self‑Help” section with Answer/Counterclaim forms for civil, small claims, and family cases.
• Federal courts (if your case is federal): District courts publish local forms and sometimes sample pleadings.
• Legal aid organizations (.org domains): They often publish guided packets with filled‑in samples.
• Law school clinics (.edu domains): Some clinics post sample pleadings for educational purposes.

A good starting hub is the federal judiciary’s information at uscourts.gov, which explains civil case basics and links to some forms. From there, you can navigate to your specific district or state.

When you look at these official packets, pay attention to:

• How they phrase the facts.
• How they tie the facts to specific laws or rights.
• How they clearly state what they want the court to do.

Those patterns are the real “secret sauce” behind all the examples of example of counterclaim form you see online.

How to adapt these examples without copying blindly

Studying examples of examples of example of counterclaim form is smart; copying them word‑for‑word without thinking is not.

Here’s how to use these examples effectively:

• Match the form to your court. A small‑claims counterclaim in California will not look identical to one in a New York housing court. Use your court’s own form whenever one exists.
• Keep facts specific and honest. The examples above use dates, amounts, and concrete events. Your form should do the same, based on your actual situation.
• Avoid legal buzzwords you don’t understand. If you don’t know what “estoppel” means, don’t throw it in. Simple phrases like “breach of contract,” “negligence,” or “unfair collection practices” are usually enough to signal the legal basis.
• Attach exhibits thoughtfully. In many examples of counterclaim form, you’ll see references like “See Exhibit A (contract)” or “See Exhibit B (photos).” Label your attachments clearly and mention them in the text.
• Check deadlines and service rules. A perfectly written counterclaim filed late or not served correctly can be ignored. Your court’s website or clerk’s office can confirm deadlines.

If your case involves health, medical treatment, or long‑term conditions, using plain factual summaries supported by mainstream medical sources (Mayo Clinic, MedlinePlus, WebMD) can make your counterclaim more credible, even though you’re not attaching those websites as evidence.

FAQ about counterclaim forms and examples

Q: Where can I see real examples of counterclaim forms that judges actually accept?
Courts rarely publish full case files as “model” documents, but your state judiciary website is the best place to start. Look for “Answer and Counterclaim” or “Defendant’s Claim” forms in the self‑help or forms section. Legal aid sites and law school clinics also post sample pleadings that function as real examples of how to structure your counterclaim.

Q: Can I use one example of counterclaim form for any type of case?
Not safely. A small‑claims money dispute, a divorce, and a federal employment case all use different procedures and sometimes different forms. You can borrow structure and phrasing from examples of example of counterclaim form, but you must adapt them to your court’s rules and your facts.

Q: Do I have to cite laws in my counterclaim, or can I just tell my story?
In many small‑claims and family courts, especially for self‑represented litigants, judges will accept a counterclaim that clearly explains what happened and what you want, even if you don’t cite statutes. In higher courts, citing at least the general legal theory (breach of contract, negligence, FDCPA, FLSA) is smart. Official instructions on your court’s form or self‑help site often include an example of how to do this.

Q: Are there examples of counterclaim forms I can use if I’m outside the United States?
Yes, but they will be jurisdiction‑specific. The structure—facts, legal basis, relief requested—is similar in many common‑law countries, but the terminology and filing rules differ. Always search for your country’s or province’s official court forms first, then use the best examples from that system as your starting point.

Q: What if my counterclaim is more complicated than the space on the form?
Most courts allow you to write “See attached Counterclaim” in the form’s box and then attach a typed document with the full details. Many examples of example of counterclaim form from legal aid organizations use this method. Just make sure your attachment includes the case caption, is clearly labeled as “Counterclaim,” and is filed and served with the main form.

Bottom line: studying examples of examples of example of counterclaim form is one of the fastest ways to understand what courts actually want to see. Use official forms, borrow structure and clarity from good examples, and then tell your story with specific facts, realistic requests, and honest details. That’s what turns a scary blank form into a persuasive counterclaim.