What is a cross-complaint?

A cross-complaint is a legal document used in California civil procedure when a defendant in a civil lawsuit wants to file a claim against the original plaintiff. It is usually filed after the original complaint is served, and it is the defendant’s way of bringing a counterclaim against the plaintiff. In a cross-complaint, the defendant identifies the original plaintiff’s claims and responds with details about how they should be held liable for the plaintiff’s allegations. The cross-complaint may also include additional claims that the defendant has against the original plaintiff. It is important for the defendant to respond to the plaintiff’s allegations in a cross-complaint so that the defendant is not held liable for any damages the plaintiff claims. The defendant must also name any additional parties that may be involved in the lawsuit. For example, if the defendant was involved in a car accident, they may want to name the other driver’s insurance company in the cross-complaint. Cross-complaints can often be complicated, so it is important that they are properly filed and that they include accurate information. Once the cross-complaint is filed, the court will decide whether it should be accepted and a trial can proceed.

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What is a cross-complaint?

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