Arizona Civil Cover Sheet

The plaintiff files a document (complaint) with the clerk of the court stating the reasons why the plaintiff is suing the defendant, and what action the plaintiff wants the court to take. A copy of the complaint and a summons are delivered to (served on) the defendant.

Search for forms. A complaint or petition is the first document you must file to initiate a lawsuit in any court. For example, if you're filing in small claims court, the clerk has forms available for a complaint both online and at the clerk's office in the courthouse.

Small claims are civil suits that do not seek an award of more than $3,500. They are designed for people to be able to represent themselves in court. Small claims court cases are held in justice court locations. There are NO juries, NO appeals , and NO attorneys allowed in small claim cases .

Pre-filing stage. During this stage, the dispute arises and the parties gather information, try to negotiate a resolution, and prepare for the possibility of a court case. Pleading stage. Discovery stage. Pre-trial stage. Trial Stage. Post-trial stage.

File an answer. The most common way to respond to a complaint is by filing an answer. Negotiate. Being served with a lawsuit does not automatically mean you need to appear in court. Request more information from the plaintiff. Cross-complain. File a motion to dismiss.

Small Claims Court, Limited Jurisdiction Superior Court, or. Unlimited Jurisdiction Superior Court.

Comply With the Relevant Federal, State, and Local Rules. Research Before Writing. Allege Subject Matter Jurisdiction, Personal Jurisdiction, and Venue. Draft Concise and Plain Statement of the Facts. Draft Separate Counts for Each Legal Claim. Plead Facts With Particularity Where Necessary.

Step 1: Calculate your deadline to respond. Step 2: Evaluate your options. Step 3: Prepare a response. Step 4: File your response with the court. Step 5: Give plaintiff a copy of your response. Step 6: Know what to expect next.