In over my head and need help bad with a 1983 suit.

I have a §1983 suit pending in U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division, and I desperately need some help. I have tried to get help through several different agencies as well as private practices but to no avail. I had this case filed before as a habeas corpus but it was dismissed in part and denied in part. Both the Magistrate Judge and the District Judge advised me to file this as a §1983 suit, so I know I have a strong case.
The judge recently issued a scheduling order and a granted my motion for extension of time for two motions to dismiss. These motions have me confused. For one thing, don’t the defendants have to file an answer before they file any other motions such as a motion to dismiss? I would greatly appreciate any help I can get. Thank you for your time.

PS, If you have a Pacer account, the case number is 1:11-CV-111-LY.