What is the name given to charging documents used in family court?

In family court, the correct term used for charging documents is "petitions." This term is specifically used to initiate legal proceedings in family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, or child support. A petition outlines the request being made to the court and sets the legal framework for the case. In family law, this process often involves personal issues where parties seek remedies or rights relating to familial relationships, making the use of "petitions" more appropriate.

The other terms, while related to legal procedures, are not suitable in this context. "Complaints" are typically used in civil cases to outline the plaintiff’s claims, whereas "summons" refers to the official notification to a defendant of legal action against them. "Indictments" are formal charges issued in criminal cases, thus not applicable to family court proceedings.