Arizona Laws 12-1175. Complaint and answer; service and return; notice and pleading requirements
A. When a party aggrieved files a complaint of forcible entry or forcible detainer, in writing and under oath, with the clerk of the superior court or a justice of the peace, summons shall issue no later than the next judicial day.
Terms Used In Arizona Laws 12-1175
- Action: includes any matter or proceeding in a court, civil or criminal. See Arizona Laws 1-215
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
- Pleadings: Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.
- Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
- Writing: includes printing. See Arizona Laws 1-215
B. The complaint shall contain a description of the premises of which possession is claimed in sufficient detail to identify them and shall also state the facts that entitle the plaintiff to possession and authorize the action.
C. The summons shall be served at least two days before the return day, and return made thereof on the day assigned for trial.
D. Notwithstanding any other law, an agency of this state and an individual court may not adopt or enforce a rule or policy that requires a mandatory or technical form for providing notice or for pleadings in an action for forcible entry or forcible or special detainer. The form of any notice or pleading that meets statutory requirements for content and formatting of a notice or pleading is sufficient to provide notice and to pursue an action for forcible entry or forcible or special detainer.