Claim for Relief

The section of a modern complaint that states the redress sought from a court by a person who initiates a lawsuit.

A civil action is commenced with the filing of a complaint with the court. The person who is seeking money damages or a court order, called the plaintiff, files a complaint, which notifies or warns the defendant that legal action has begun. Within a complaint, the claim for relief portion sets forth a short, concise statement justifying the relief requested by the plaintiff.