In civil cases, you must file a summons and complaint upon the defendant. The summons does what its name suggests; it summons or calls the defendant before the court. The complaint is perhaps the more important document. In the complaint, the plaintiff makes allegations or accusations against the defendant. The plaintiff’s complaint will charge the defendant either with causing bodily injury or property damage or with depriving the plaintiff of something of value to which the plaintiff believes he/she is entitled. The complaint will also request the court to award damages, that is money to the plaintiff to compensate them for their bodily injury or property damages or the thing of which they have been deprived. The defendant responds to the complaint by filing a document called an answer.

The most you can collect through a judgment in the General Civil Division is $25,000 plus costs. To file a civil case in the 56B District Court the business or person you are suing must do business or live in Barry County or the action must have occurred in Barry County. In a civil case, legal counsel may represent you.

Please contact the Civil Division at 269-945-1404 ext. 5 with any questions you may have regarding General Civil Cases.

Page Last Modified: January 4, 2008 at 9:35 am