Once formal charges are filed, a petition will be filed (a formal document stating what the child will actually be charged with). The petition is also referred to as a summons, because in addition to listing formal charges it names a court date for the child to stand before the court to face the pending allegation. A copy of the petition, or summons, will be served to the child and the parent or guardian notifying them of the exact charges pending against the child and providing a court date at which the family must appear.