Rule 2 Complaint

To start a civil case in magistrate court, you need to file a complaint. You give this complaint to a magistrate assistant, magistrate clerk, or deputy clerk. This filing is what officially begins your lawsuit.

Your complaint needs two basic things. First, you have to explain what happened in simple, clear terms. You need to show why you believe you deserve some kind of relief or outcome from the court. Second, you have to state clearly what you want the court to do for you, whether that means asking for money, asking the other person to do something, or some other type of judgment.

You don't need fancy legal language to write a complaint. The rule only asks for a short, plain statement of your claim. As long as you explain what happened and what you want the court to order, you have met the basic requirement for filing your case.