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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 Pennsylvania, 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 comply with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, which dictate how and when documents must be served to ensure the defendant has adequate notice and an opportunity to respond. The defendant is then required to respond to the complaint within a specified time frame, typically 20 days, by filing an answer or a preliminary objection, to avoid a default judgment.

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Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Pennsylvania State Code

Pennsylvania State Code

Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Articles