Summons

A summons is a legal document issued by the court that notifies the defendant of a lawsuit and requires them to appear in court or respond to the complaint within a specified time frame. The summons is typically served on the defendant along with a copy of the complaint, either in person or by mail. It informs the defendant of the legal consequences of failing to respond, which may include a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff. The summons also provides information about the court where the case is filed, the case number, and the names of the parties involved. The purpose of the summons is to ensure that the defendant is aware of the lawsuit and has an opportunity to defend against the claims.