What is the difference between a summons and a complaint?

A summons and a complaint are two different documents that are used in the court process in Virginia. Even though their names are similar, they are used for different purposes and there is a key difference between them. A summons is the document that a defendant receives from the court, informing them of a lawsuit that has been filed against them. This document will usually include the name of the court that the defendant must appear at, the date and time of the appearance, as well as any other relevant information. It will also include a brief description of the charges against the defendant. A complaint is the document that is filed by the plaintiff, which contains their allegations against the defendant. The complaint will set out the facts of the case and the legal claims that the plaintiff is making. This document will be used by the court to determine if the case can proceed to trial. In conclusion, a summons is the document that is served to the defendant informing them of the lawsuit, while the complaint is the document that is filed by the plaintiff to initiate the lawsuit. It is important to note that the plaintiff does not need to serve the defendant with a copy of the complaint, only a summons.

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What is the difference between a summons and a complaint?

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