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Civil litigation

filing a lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit (often called a plaintiff’s petition or complaint) generally requires the plaintiff to file a document (often electronically) in the general form required by the rules of procedure in the applicable state or federal court system, and to pay a filing fee. The petition or complaint must give the defendant (person or entity being sued) reasonable notice of the legal claims asserted and the factual basis for those claims.

In Pennsylvania, initiating a lawsuit involves the plaintiff filing a legal document known as a complaint with the appropriate court. This complaint must adhere to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, which dictate the form and content required. The complaint must clearly state the legal claims against the defendant and the factual reasons for those claims, providing the defendant with reasonable notice. Additionally, the plaintiff is typically required to pay a filing fee at the time of submission. Electronic filing (e-filing) is available and often required in many Pennsylvania courts, which allows for the submission of legal documents through an online system. Once the complaint and filing fee are submitted, the court will process the lawsuit, and the plaintiff must then ensure that the defendant is properly served with a copy of the complaint and a summons to appear in court.

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Civil litigation

filing a lawsuit

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Pennsylvania State Code

Pennsylvania State Code

Civil litigation

filing a lawsuit

Articles