Arizona Process Server Practice Exam

Which document initiates litigation?

1. Summons

2. Subpoena

3. Complaint/Petition

4. Affidavit

The correct answer is: Complaint/Petition

The document that initiates litigation is the Complaint or Petition. This is the formal legal document that a plaintiff files with the court to start a lawsuit, laying out the facts of the case, the legal reasons for the claim, and the relief sought from the court. By filing a Complaint or Petition, the plaintiff is essentially making a claim against the defendant and asking the court to intervene. The process officially begins when this document is filed, prompting the court to issue a Summons to the defendant, notifying them of the action taken against them. Other documents mentioned serve different roles within the legal process. A Summons is issued to formally notify the defendant of the lawsuit and to compel their appearance in court. A Subpoena is used to command an individual to appear in court or produce documents, but it does not initiate a lawsuit. An Affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath, used as evidence in court, but it also does not start litigation on its own.