Complaint
Complaint
A complaint is a legal document that initiates a lawsuit by outlining the plaintiff’s claims against the defendant. It includes a detailed description of the facts and circumstances giving rise to the dispute, the legal theories and causes of action being asserted, and the relief or damages being sought. The complaint is typically filed with the court and served on the defendant, who then has an opportunity to respond. The purpose of the complaint is to provide notice to the defendant of the claims being made and to frame the issues for the litigation. The court will use the complaint to determine whether the plaintiff has stated a valid legal claim and whether it has jurisdiction over the case. The complaint is a crucial document in the litigation process, as it sets the stage for the entire case and can have a significant impact on the outcome.