Civil Procedure
Third-Party Complaint
A pleading that brings a nonparty into the case because that nonparty may owe all or part of the defendant’s liability.
Governing rule: Fed. R. Civ. P. 14
Plain-English definition
A third-party complaint is how a defendant says, in effect, if I am liable, someone else must reimburse me or share responsibility. It is commonly used for indemnity, contribution, insurance, and subcontractor disputes.
How it works
A defending party may serve a third-party complaint within a limited early window without leave; later filings usually require court permission.
Why it matters
Third-party practice can widen a simple case into a multi-party dispute with new defenses, insurance issues, and settlement tracks.
Related terms
More in Civil Procedure
Amended Complaint
A revised complaint that changes, adds, or clarifies allegations, parties, or claims after the original complaint was filed.
Answer
The defendant's formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint, admitting or denying each allegation.
Class Certification
The judicial decision to allow a lawsuit to proceed as a class action on behalf of similarly-situated plaintiffs.
Collateral Estoppel
Also called issue preclusion. The doctrine that prevents re-litigating a specific issue that was actually decided in a prior case.
Complaint
The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff that starts a civil lawsuit.
Consolidation
Combining related cases for coordinated management, discovery, hearings, or trial.
Counterclaim
A claim brought by a defendant against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit.
Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a co-party, such as one defendant suing another defendant in the same case.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.