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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 Washington State, initiating a lawsuit involves the plaintiff filing a legal document known as a complaint or petition with the appropriate court. This can often be done electronically through the court's e-filing system. The complaint must adhere to the Washington State Court Rules of Civil Procedure, which dictate the required format and content. The plaintiff is also required to pay a filing fee, which varies depending on the court and the type of case. The complaint must provide the defendant with reasonable notice of the claims and the factual basis for those claims, allowing the defendant to understand the nature of the lawsuit and to prepare a defense. After filing, the plaintiff must serve the complaint on the defendant according to the rules for service of process, which typically involves delivering a copy of the complaint and a summons to the defendant personally, by mail, or through a registered agent if the defendant is a business entity.

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Civil litigation

filing a lawsuit

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Washington State Code

Washington State Code

Articles

Civil litigation

filing a lawsuit