Lame_Wolf - 3:30 am on Aug 13, 2012 (gmt 0)

What emails / notifications will Google send to let you know if there has been a DMCA complaint ?

They will send you a DMCA take down notice.
(assuming the DMCA was raised with them.)

My main concern is that a malicious complaint gets made and you receive no notification from Google and are not able to file a counter.

Well, if it is your writings/images, then you'll have nothing to worry about. If, however, you are using other people's images or writing...

And if they write to you, you'll have every option to counter-claim.

Never had one or expect one but would like to know Google has some procedures to give notice.

Worry about it when you receive one. Until then, carry on life as usual.