What document initiates a civil lawsuit in Georgia?

The document that initiates a civil lawsuit in Georgia is a complaint. This is a formal legal document filed by the plaintiff that sets forth the claims against the defendant, detailing the basis for the court's jurisdiction, the relevant facts of the case, and the specific relief the plaintiff seeks. In essence, the complaint outlines the plaintiff's case and begins the legal proceedings.

While a summons is also a key document in the process, it serves the purpose of notifying the defendant of the lawsuit and the requirement to respond to the complaint. However, it does not initiate the case on its own; rather, it accompanies the complaint. Other options, such as a legal memorandum and a motion for summary judgment, play different roles in the legal process. A legal memorandum is typically used to outline legal arguments and analysis for court or for internal use, while a motion for summary judgment is a request for the court to rule in favor of one party based on the evidence presented, without going to trial. Thus, the role of the complaint as the initiating document is critical in civil litigation in Georgia.