To commence a lawsuit, what must you file?

• A. an answer
• B. a complaint
• C. a motion
• D. a crossclaim

Answer: (B)

The thing that starts a civil action is filing a complaint. The complaint lays out the basis for the court’s jurisdiction, the facts giving rise to the claim, the legal theories the plaintiff relies on, and the relief sought. Filing it formally initiates the case and prompts service of process on the defendant, who then responds.

An answer is what the defendant files in response to the complaint, not something that starts the suit. A motion is a request for a ruling on a specific issue and doesn’t by itself commence litigation. A crossclaim is a claim by one party against another party in the same suit and arises after the action has begun.