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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 Virginia, the plaintiff's petition or complaint is the initial legal document filed in a civil court to commence a lawsuit. This document outlines the plaintiff's allegations and the legal basis for the claim against the defendant, as well as the specific relief or damages the plaintiff is seeking. Once the complaint is filed with the appropriate Virginia court, 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 Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure, which dictate how and when the defendant must be notified. The defendant then has a specified period of time to respond to the complaint, typically by filing an answer or a motion to dismiss. The complaint is a critical document as it sets the stage for the legal proceedings that follow and informs the defendant of the need to respond and defend against the plaintiff's claims.

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Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Virginia State Code

Virginia State Code

Civil procedure

plaintiff's petition or complaint

Articles