A legal complaint is a formal document filed in a court that outlines a person's grievances against another party. It serves as the starting point for a lawsuit, detailing the facts of the case, the legal basis for the claim, and the relief sought by the complainant. The party filing the complaint is known as the plaintiff, while the party being accused is referred to as the defendant. Once a legal complaint is filed, the defendant is typically served with a copy and given a specific time to respond. This response can include an answer to the allegations or a motion to dismiss the case. The legal complaint and subsequent responses are essential steps in the judicial process, guiding the case through the court system.