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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 Maine, 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 done in accordance with Maine's rules of civil procedure, which may include personal delivery by a sheriff or other authorized person, or in some cases, by certified mail. The defendant then has a specific period of time, typically 20 days, to file a response or answer to the complaint, contesting the claims or raising defenses. Failure to respond in a timely manner may 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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Maine State Code

Maine State Code

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Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint