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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 California, 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 specific relief or damages the plaintiff seeks. Once the complaint is filed, it must be properly served on the defendant, which provides official notice of the lawsuit and the claims being made. Service of process must be done in accordance with California law, which typically requires that the documents be delivered to the defendant personally, or in some cases, to someone of suitable age and discretion at the defendant's residence or place of business. The defendant then has a specified period of time, usually 30 days, to respond to the complaint, either by answering the allegations or by filing a motion to dismiss or other procedural response. Failure to respond in a timely manner can result in a default judgment against the defendant.

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Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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California State Code

California State Code

Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Articles