A civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court. A complaint must contain a statement of the facts constituting the cause of action and also a demand for judgment. A cross-complaint may be filed by a party against whom a cause of action has been asserted in a complaint. In actions for nullity, dissolution, legal separation, exclusive custody or support of minors without dissolution, a Petition (Family Law) is used instead of a complaint.
(CCP 411.10) (425.10) (422.30) (GOV 70613) (428.10) (CCP Title 7)