Rule 1.050 When Action Commenced

Filing your complaint or petition with the court is what officially starts your lawsuit. The date you file those papers is the date your case begins, not when you mail something or talk to a lawyer.

For special proceedings attached to an existing case, like when a court issues a writ, the start date is when that writ is issued or when the related paperwork is filed. A writ is a formal written order from a court directing someone to do something.

The start date of a case matters for things like deadlines and time limits. Knowing exactly when your case officially began can affect your rights throughout the lawsuit.