{"id":359553,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dictionary\/definition\/complaint.html"},"modified":"2021-05-05T08:39:12","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T13:39:12","slug":"complaint","status":"publish","type":"dictionary","link":"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/complaint.html","title":{"rendered":"Complaint"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n

term:<\/p>\n

Complaint, n<\/h1>\n\n
\n
<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n By Bridget Molitor, JD<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Kellie Pantekoek, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

What Is a Complaint?
\r\n<\/h2>\r\n

A legal complaint, also called a petition<\/a>, is typically the first document filed in a lawsuit. It is the pleading<\/a> that starts a lawsuit<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

A complaint:<\/p>\r\n