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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 Colorado, 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 is seeking. Once the complaint is filed, it must be properly served on the defendant, which provides official notice that a lawsuit has been initiated against them. Service of process must be done in accordance with Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, which may include personal delivery by a process server, service by mail, or other methods permitted by the court. The defendant then has a specific period of time, typically 21 days, to file a response or answer to the complaint, addressing the claims made by the plaintiff. Failure to respond in a timely manner may result in a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff.

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Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Colorado State Code

Colorado State Code

Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Articles