Cross-Complaint Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Cross-Complaint.

Cross-Complaint (noun): The legal document a defendant (also known as the cross-complainant) files as a counterclaim against the plaintiff, who initially filed the original complaint, or against a third party who may be liable for the alleged actions. The individual or party receiving this complaint is referred to as the cross-defendant. It's a tool used for addressing other, related disputes within the existing legal proceedings.