When a complaint is filed with the court, what does it signify?

A complaint filed with the court signifies that a legal dispute has officially commenced. When the plaintiff submits a complaint, it initiates the litigation process, meaning that the plaintiff is formally seeking a legal remedy through the court system. This document outlines the allegations against the defendant and details what resolution the plaintiff is seeking.

In contrast, a situation where the plaintiff is satisfied with the outcome of negotiations would not lead them to file a complaint, as they would have resolved their concerns outside the court. Similarly, if the defendant had already settled the matter, there would be no reason for the plaintiff to file a complaint since the dispute would have been resolved amicably. Lastly, a preliminary decision from a judge occurs at a later stage in the litigation process and is not a prerequisite for filing a complaint. Thus, the act of filing a complaint clearly indicates the start of a legal dispute.