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Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

The plaintiff’s petition or complaint is the document filed with the court and delivered to the defendant (served) that initiates a lawsuit and puts the defendant on notice of the plaintiff’s claims against the defendant and the relief the plaintiff is asking the court to award (usually money or injunctive relief).

In Arizona, the plaintiff's petition or complaint is the initial legal document filed with a court to start a civil lawsuit. This document outlines the plaintiff's legal claims against the defendant, the facts supporting those claims, and the type of relief or damages the plaintiff is seeking, which could be monetary compensation, injunctive relief, or other remedies. Once the complaint is filed, it must be properly served on the defendant, which provides official notice of the lawsuit and the claims contained within. Service of process must be carried out in accordance with Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure, which dictate how and when documents must be delivered to the defendant to ensure their constitutional right to due process is upheld. The defendant then has a specific period of time, typically 20 days if served within Arizona, to respond to the complaint, either by answering the allegations or by filing a motion to dismiss or other procedural response.

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Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Arizona State Code

Arizona State Code

Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Articles