Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a coparty — for example, one defendant against another defendant.
-
-
Third-Party Complaint (Impleader)
A defending party brings in a nonparty who is or may be liable to it for all or part of the claim against it.
-
Complaint
The pleading that starts a civil action. Under Rule 3, a civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.
-
Summons and Service of Process
The formal way a defendant is notified of a lawsuit. The plaintiff must serve the summons together with a copy of the complaint (Rule 4(c)(1)).
-
Waiver of Service
A request asking the defendant to waive formal service of the summons, which saves the cost of service.