At any time within three months after the first publication of the summons, or such further time not exceeding 30 days as the court for good cause may grant, any person having or claiming any estate, right, title, or interest in or to, or lien upon, all or any part of the property may appear and make himself a party to the action by pleading to the complaint. All answers must be verified and must specifically set forth the estate, right, title, interest, or lien so claimed.
§ 751.12.Answer to Complaint
Title 10. Actions In Particular Cases · Chapter 3.5. Actions to Re-establish Destroyed Land Records · Enacted 1953 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 751.12 gives anyone claiming an estate, interest, or lien in the property up to three months after the summons is first published, or up to thirty additional days for good cause, to appear and file a verified answer specifically stating that claim.
Full Text of § 751.12
Plain-English Summary
This is the window for a claimant to join the case. Anyone with or claiming any estate, right, title, or interest in, or lien upon, all or part of the property may appear and become a party by answering the complaint, at any time within three months after the summons is first published. The court can extend that window by up to thirty additional days for good cause.
The answer isn't a bare denial — it has to be verified, and it has to specifically set out the estate, right, title, interest, or lien the claimant is asserting. That specificity matters because the judgment under § 751.15 resolves claims based on what's before the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a claimant have to appear in the action?
Three months after the summons is first published, or up to thirty additional days if the court grants an extension for good cause.
What must a claimant's answer contain?
It must be verified, and it must specifically set out the estate, right, title, interest, or lien the claimant asserts.
Can the three-month period be extended?
Yes, by up to thirty days, if the court finds good cause for the extension.
Amendment History
Added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 52.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: answering summons destroyed land records action deadline