Summons Complaint Template

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What is a Lawsuit Summons?

Filing a Lawsuit|Defending a Lawsuit

STEPS OF A LAWSUIT
Step 1

Plaintiff files COMPLAINT and SUMMONS
Step 2

Defendant files ANSWER
Step 3

Fact finding occurs through DISCOVERY
Step 4

Any and All MOTIONS

Common Motions
Step 5

Possible JUDGMENT, MEDIATION or SETTLEMENT is entered.

A TRIAL may occur when settlement is not reached.
STEPS OF A LAWSUIT
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
Plaintiff files COMPLAINT and SUMMONS Defendant files ANSWER Fact finding occurs through DISCOVERY Any and All MOTIONS Possible JUDGMENT, MEDIATION or SETTLEMENT is entered.
Common Motions
 A TRIAL may occur when settlement is not reached.

A summons must accompany a complaint when a lawsuit is filed by the plaintiff. A summons is a formal notice given to the defendant that a lawsuit has been filed against them. In plain terms, the summons acts as an instruction guide for the party to le them know exactly what to do next. It will state what day they need to appear in court (if appropriate) and the proper address and time frame to respond to the complaint with an answer.

EXAMPLE

Attorney
123 Main Street
Anytown, US 12345

DISTRICT COURT OF ___________________

Joe Smith,
   Plaintiff,
vs.
ABC Plumbing, Inc,
   Defendant
Case No.: 123456-123

Summons

TO:  ABC Plumbing, Inc.

If there is a long list of Defendants, they will all be listed here. The Summons will state party the Complaint has been served upon. The next part will have instructions with time frames for filing an Answer.

A lawsuit has been commenced against you in the above-entitled Court by the Plaintiff. Plaintiff's claim is stated in the Complaint served with this Summons. In order to defend against his lawsuit, you must respond to the Complaint by filing an Answer stating your defense in writing and serviving a copy to the Plaintiff's undersigned attorney within 20 days after the service of this Summons, excluding the day of service. If you served outside the state, you will have 60 days after service of this Summons. A default judgment may be entered agent you without notice.

Dated this 1st day of January, 2010

Attorney
Address
Address



Here is the sample Summons document for you to use: Word Format pdf Format

At Northwest, we serve as registered agents for service of process in any State for our clients to help you keep your complaint summons more private. As your agent, your complaint summons will come to us instead of you, and we then upload the full scan of the complaint summons into your online account immediately. No more nasty visits to your workplace or home. You can view more about our services for whatever state you’re in below.



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