If the defendant counterclaims, what may the plaintiff do?

• A. Ignore the counterclaim
• B. Reply to the counterclaim
• C. Move to strike the counterclaim
• D. Seek a separate action

Answer: (B)

When the defendant raises a counterclaim, the plaintiff must respond to it in the same action. That response is typically an answer to the counterclaim, where the plaintiff admits or denies each allegation and asserts defenses. This keeps the issues in play and gives both sides a complete set of pleadings for trial.

Ignoring the counterclaim would leave those issues unchallenged and can open the door to default or an adverse ruling on the counterclaim. Moving to strike is a procedural tool used only if the counterclaim is legally defective or improper, not the normal way to address it. Seeking a separate action isn’t appropriate because the counterclaim arises from the same controversy and is properly handled within the current case.