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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 Delaware, 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 allegations and the legal basis for the claims against the defendant, as well as 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 conducted in accordance with Delaware's rules, which typically involve delivering a copy of the complaint and a summons to the defendant. The summons informs the defendant of the need to respond to the complaint within a certain time frame, usually 20 days, to avoid a default judgment. The rules governing these procedures are detailed in the Delaware Rules of Civil Procedure.

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Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Delaware State Code

Delaware State Code

Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Articles