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Complaint
A complaint is the formal legal document that starts a lawsuit by telling the court and the defendant what the plaintiff is suing about.
What it actually is
It is a written pleading filed by the plaintiff (the person bringing the case) that states the facts, the legal claims, and what relief is being sought. The complaint is the first document filed in a civil case and sets the boundaries for what the lawsuit is about.
Why it matters in your case
If you are being sued, the complaint tells you exactly what you are accused of and what the other side wants, so you know how to respond. If you are suing someone, you must file a complaint to begin the case and give the defendant formal notice of your claims.
The common misunderstanding
Many people think a complaint is just a grievance or a report to the police, but legally it is a specific court document that must meet certain rules of form and content. It is not the same as a criminal charge or a simple letter of complaint.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.