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 Missouri, the plaintiff's petition or complaint is the foundational document that commences a civil lawsuit. This document outlines the plaintiff's legal claims, the facts supporting those claims, and the specific relief or damages the plaintiff seeks. Once the petition is filed with the appropriate Missouri court, it must be formally served on the defendant, which provides the defendant with official notice of the lawsuit and the allegations they face. Service of process must comply with Missouri's rules, which may include personal delivery by a sheriff or process server, or in some cases, by certified mail. The defendant is then required to respond to the petition within a specified time frame, typically 30 days, by filing an answer or other responsive pleading. Failure to respond can result in a default judgment against the defendant. The Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure govern the filing and service of the petition, as well as subsequent proceedings in the lawsuit.