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 Georgia, the plaintiff's petition or complaint is the initial legal document filed with a court to start a lawsuit. This document outlines the plaintiff's claims and the specific relief or damages they are seeking, which could be monetary compensation, injunctive relief, or both. Once filed, the complaint must be properly served to the defendant, which provides official notice of the lawsuit and the claims against them. Service of process must be conducted in accordance with Georgia's civil procedure rules, which typically require that the defendant is personally served with the complaint and a summons. This ensures that the defendant is aware of the legal action and has the opportunity to respond or defend themselves in court. Failure to properly serve the defendant can result in delays or dismissal of the case.