A motion is a written request asking a judge to do something. It also explains why you want that thing. For example, you might file a motion to change your court date. The court responds to your motion by issuing an order.
Except for motions made during a hearing or during trial, motions are required to be in writing. They must also be filed in court and served on the opposing party's attorney (or the party if not represented by counsel). If the motion is contested, the opposing attorneys will also file papers opposing the motion.
Take the Complaint with you to the Clerk's office and show it to the Clerk to confirm that you are in the right office. Then give the Clerk both your original Answer and your photocopy. Ask the Clerk to file-stamp the original and the copy and to give you your copy back.
If you want to file a motion, the process is generally something like this: You write your motion. You file your motion with the court clerk. The court clerk inserts the date and time your motion will be heard by the judge. You “serve” (mail) your motion to the other side.
The deadline to file a Motion for Reconsideration will be a certain period of time after the judge has issued the order that you would like to have reconsidered or after you are served with the order, often between 14 and 30 days. You may want to speak with a lawyer in your state about the time line to file a motion.