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 Utah, 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 legal claims against the defendant and specifies the type of relief sought, which can include monetary damages or injunctive relief. Once the complaint is filed, it must be properly served on the defendant, which provides official notice of the lawsuit and the claims contained within. Service of process must comply with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure, which detail how and when documents must be served to ensure the defendant has a fair opportunity to respond. After being served, the defendant has a specific time frame, typically 21 days if served within the state of Utah, to file an answer or other responsive pleading to the plaintiff's complaint.