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 Vermont, 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 specific relief or damages sought. Upon filing, the complaint must be properly served to the defendant, which provides legal notice to the defendant of the lawsuit. Service of process must be conducted in accordance with Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure, which may include personal delivery, service by a sheriff or a process server, or in some cases, by certified mail. The complaint must contain a clear statement of the claims, the facts supporting those claims, and the relief or damages the plaintiff is seeking. The defendant is then required to respond to the complaint within a specified time frame, typically 21 days, by filing an answer or a motion to dismiss. Failure to respond can result in a default judgment against the defendant.