Paperwork Needed to File a Lawsuit

If you’re ready to file a lawsuit, there are several steps you need to take before you ever walk into a courtroom. Whether you’re filing for divorce or lodging a personal injury complaint, it’s important to understand which paperwork you need to complete to begin. 

Once you fill out your documents, a process server can help you deliver the documents to the correct recipients. It is their responsibility to read those documents and understand the content inside. 

The Complaint

Sometimes referred to as the petition, the complaint is the first document filed in a lawsuit. It briefly describes your case against the defendant, identifies the parties involved, and outlines the legal basis for the court’s jurisdiction over the problem. 

In addition, the complaint will state exactly what the plaintiff hopes to obtain from the defendant, like financial compensation, divorce, or child custody. 

The Summons

The complaint is normally served with a summons. A summons is an order from the court in which the lawsuit will be litigated. A summons is a court document that states the names of the plaintiff and defendant, the title and file number of the case, the court and its address, the involved attorneys and their addresses, and instructions regarding the process and timeframe for the defendant to file a response. 

The summons is so important because it makes you aware that you are being brought to court for a specific purpose, and it also provides exact specifications about how and in what timeframe you need to respond to the papers. You will also be able to ascertain from the summons what consequences you will incur if you fail to respond in a timely manner. 

If you have questions about the papers you need to complete and send, call Accurate Serve Ft. Myers. Our team has served clients throughout Florida with superior process service since 2012.