Which document informs a defendant of the legal actions against them?

The complaint is the foundational document that initiates a lawsuit and formally informs the defendant of the legal actions being taken against them. It outlines the plaintiff’s allegations, the basis for the court's jurisdiction, and the specific claims being made. By serving the complaint to the defendant, the plaintiff ensures that the defendant is aware of the charges or claims and has an opportunity to respond.

In contrast, the answer is a response filed by the defendant to the complaint, in which the defendant admits or denies the allegations. The judgment is a final decision made by the court regarding the claims of the parties, typically issued after the legal proceedings have concluded. A motion to dismiss is a request made to the court to dismiss the case based on specific grounds, but it does not serve the purpose of informing the defendant of the claims against them. Thus, the correct document that officially notifies the defendant of the legal actions is the complaint.