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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 Tennessee, 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 formally delivered to (served on) the defendant. This service of process ensures that the defendant is properly notified of the lawsuit and has an opportunity to respond. Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure provide specific guidelines on how the complaint should be structured, what it must contain, and how service should be accomplished. The defendant is then required to file an answer or other response within a specified time frame, typically 30 days from the date of service, to avoid 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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Tennessee State Code

Tennessee State Code

Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Articles