What is typically the first step in formal litigation processes?

The first step in formal litigation processes is the filing of a complaint. This is a crucial procedure where the plaintiff officially submits a document to the court that outlines their case against the defendant. The complaint sets forth the facts of the case, the legal grounds for the lawsuit, and the specific relief or damages that the plaintiff seeks.

This initiates the litigation process and formally begins the court's involvement in resolving the dispute. Once the complaint is filed, the defendant is served with the document and must respond, leading to the subsequent stages of the litigation such as discovery and potential settlement discussions.

In the context of the other options, appeal takes place after a trial has concluded when one party is dissatisfied with the judgment and seeks a review by a higher court. Negotiation is often an informal step that can occur before or during litigation but is not a formal court process. Discovery is a subsequent phase where both parties exchange information pertinent to the case, which occurs after the complaint has been filed and responses have been made. Thus, the correct sequence starts with filing the complaint.