Complaint — in plain language
the legal document that starts a lawsuit — it explains who you're suing, why you're suing them, and what you want the court to do about it
From a fixed, curated glossary of 7,257 legal terms. Not legal advice. How it's made: plainlanguage.us/trust
Plain language
the legal document that starts a lawsuit — it explains who you're suing, why you're suing them, and what you want the court to do about it
- lawsuit starter document
- court filing that begins a case
- legal document starting a lawsuit
- plaintiff's opening court papers
What to watch for
- Non-lawyers often confuse 'complaint' with just 'being upset.' In legal documents, it specifically means the formal court filing that starts a lawsuit.
- In some states and for certain cases (like divorce), the same document is called a 'petition' instead of a 'complaint.' The translation should note this regional variation.
- The complaint is just the opening document — it doesn't prove anything yet. A plain-language translation must not imply that filing a complaint means the claims are valid.
- In contracts, 'complaint' often refers to being sued, not the act of complaining. Phrases like 'no complaint pending' mean 'no lawsuit has been filed against us.'
Civil vs. Criminal Complaints. In civil cases, a complaint starts a lawsuit between private parties. In criminal cases, a criminal complaint is the prosecutor's formal accusation. The plain-language translation should clarify which type is being discussed, especially in contexts where both might appear.
Complaint vs. Petition. Some states and jurisdictions use "petition" instead of "complaint" for certain types of cases, particularly family law matters like divorce. The translation should note this variation when it appears in the document.
What to Watch For.
- Contract references: When contracts mention "complaint" or "claim," they usually mean being sued, not expressing dissatisfaction.
- Notice requirements: Many contracts require notice if a complaint is filed. The plain-language version should make this obligation clear.
- Defensive language: Phrases like "no complaint pending" in contracts mean no lawsuit has been filed, not that no one has complained.
Legal definition
The legal document that starts a lawsuit. It tells the court who you're suing, why you believe they did something wrong, what laws they broke, and what you want the court to do about it (like pay money or stop doing something). After the complaint is filed, the defendant gets a copy and has to respond.
Meanings by context
everyday English: Telling someone you're dissatisfied with their product, service, or behavior.
criminal law: The legal papers that officially accuse someone of committing a crime.
Examples
Legal: To the Honorable Court: Now comes Plaintiff, by and through counsel, and files this Complaint against Defendant for breach of contract and demands relief as set forth herein.
Plain: Your Honor, I am bringing this lawsuit against the defendant because they broke our contract, and I am asking the court to make them pay for what they owe.
Legal: The Company has not been served, but a copy of the Complaint is posted on our website for shareholder review.
Plain: The company hasn't officially received the lawsuit papers yet, but they've put a copy of the legal complaint online so shareholders can read what the case is about.
Where you'll see it
- civil lawsuits
- court filings
- contract dispute clauses
- insurance coverage disputes
Related terms
- answer
- petition
- indictment
- summons
- cause of action
- plaintiff
- defendant
Word details
- Pronunciation
- kum-PLAYNT
- Part of speech
- noun
- Origin
- Old French — from 'complaigner' — to lament, express grief or dissatisfaction
- Domains
- pleadings, trial court practice documents
- Frequency
- very common
- Formality
- high
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