The District of Columbia AO-440 Summons in a Civil Action is a legal document used in the District of Columbia's court system to initiate a civil lawsuit. It serves as a notice to the defendant that they are being sued and must respond to the allegations raised by the plaintiff. This particular summons is governed by Rule 4 of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia's Rules of Civil Procedure. It outlines the necessary information required to properly notify the defendant of the lawsuit and their obligations to respond. The AO-440 Summons complies with the specific format and content required by the court. The key information contained within the AO-440 Summons includes: 1. Identification of the Court: The summons indicates the name of the court where the lawsuit has been filed, such as the "Superior Court of the District of Columbia." 2. Title of the Case: The summons includes the plaintiff's name, the defendant's name, and any other parties involved in the lawsuit. It typically starts with "Civil Action" followed by the case number assigned to the lawsuit. 3. Plaintiff's Attorney: The summons includes the contact information of the attorney representing the plaintiff. This information helps the defendant to communicate with the plaintiff's counsel regarding the case. 4. Defendant's Obligations: The summons specifies the defendant's obligations, such as the requirement to file an answer or other responsive pleadings within a specific timeframe (usually within 20 days from the date of service). It also mentions the potential consequences of failure to respond. 5. Service Information: The summons includes details about how it should be served to the defendant. It specifies the acceptable methods of service, such as personal service, certified mail, or through an authorized agent. 6. Additional Instructions: The AO-440 Summons may contain additional instructions, depending on the specific case or court requirements. These instructions may include information on how to obtain a copy of the complaint or any other relevant documents. It is important to note that there may not be different types of AO-440 Summons in a Civil Action. The AO-440 Summons generally follows a standardized format in the District of Columbia court system. However, it is always prudent to consult the specific rules and regulations of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the summons and its variations, if any.