A reply is a pleading. It is a responsive pleading filed by a party to deny or allege facts in denial or avoidance of new matters presented as defenses in the answer. The purpose of a reply is to join or make issue as to these new matters alleged in the answer. It is responsive to the answer, not to a counterclaim or cross-claim, for which an answer to counterclaim or answer to cross-claim is the proper response. There is no answer to a reply.

Filing a reply is generally optional. If a reply is not filed, all new matters alleged in the answer are deemed controverted or denied. Consequently, failure to file a reply does not result in implied admission of new matters in the answer or lead to a declaration of default. However, a reply is necessary or advisable when the defense in the answer is based on an actionable document. In such a case, a verified reply must be filed; otherwise, the genuineness and due execution of the actionable document are generally deemed admitted. A reply may only be filed when an actionable document is attached to the answer.

The period for filing a reply is generally fifteen calendar days from service of the pleading responded to. However, some sources state the period is ten days from service of the pleading responded to. In summary procedure, a reply to a counterclaim, when allowed, must be filed within ten calendar days from receipt of the answer.

If an actionable document is attached to the reply, the defendant may file a rejoinder, but only if it is based solely on that actionable document.