Which of the following is required for a defendant to file a response to a claim?

For a defendant to file a response to a claim, they must submit a notice of intention to defend. This is a procedural requirement that serves to formally acknowledge the receipt of the claim and indicates the defendant's intention to contest the matter in court. Filing a notice of intention to defend is crucial because it establishes the defendant's participation in the proceedings and typically sets the stage for further action, including the defense submission and subsequent procedures.

In contrast, merely filing a counterclaim does not fulfill the requirement to respond to an initial claim; it is a separate action that can be taken once the defendant has established their intention to defend. Presenting evidence at this stage is also not required for the initial response; rather, evidence is typically submitted later during the trial process or in support of specific motions. Similarly, a formal appeal occurs after a judgement has been made, and is not relevant to the initial response stage in the litigation process. This highlights the significance of the notice of intention to defend as the foundational step for the defendant in a legal proceeding.