I have a complaint filed against me. Do I have to respond in the same point by point format

Unless your response properly refutes the allegations against you, you run the risk of making admissions. Exactly how to respond properly is a state-specific issue. Attorneys are trained for years to know how to do this. Odds are that if you try it on your own, you will not be able to do it in the best way. Unless the amount at issue is very small, you will be doing yourself a favor if you consult a local attorney before doing anything on your own. However, there are very strict time limits for when responses must be filed, so make sure not to let the time run. Please note that I do not practice in your state and that the above is not intended as legal advice.

The rules for answering depend on the state court where the action was filed. For your state of Washington http://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/index.cfm contains links to the various courts and their respective rules. In most states you do respond to each item individually, but you should consult a local attorney to help with this. Often individuals use their answer to give their side of the story and in doing so give information in the wrong manner that hurts their case. Unless you have done this many times, which it appears by your question, you have not, you should hire a professional to avoid problems.