Who Should Use This Packet? You may use this package if you have received a summons, complaint, civil case information.A pleading is a formal written statement of the respective parties of their claim or response to a claim. If you believe you are eligible for a Public Defender, you must fill out the required forms. Original pleadings should be delivered to the Surrogate's Court. No copies are necessary unless you need filed copies returned to you. You must fill out your summons and complaint and any other documents that you will have the marshal serve on the defendants. If you need to respond to a summons and complaint that has been served on you, our Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries have materials that can help. Pleadings are certain formal documents filed with the court that state the parties' basic positions. Common pre-trial pleadings include:.