A legal pleading is a document filed with the court.It can be either the answer to a complaint that has been filed against you or the document that triggered the complaint.It can be used as a formal notification to the judge in your case that something needs judicial intervention.If you don't know how to format a legal pleading, it can be hard to draft these forms.If your case is complicated or has many issues that need to be addressed by a court, you should seek the advice of an attorney prior to drafting your own legal pleading.
Step 1: You can find a form.
It's easy to fill in the blank pleading forms if you check the box.See if your court has form pleadings.These should be listed on the website for the court.Call the clerk of court if you can't find something.
Step 2: You should get a copy of the local rules.
There are local rules that address how pleadings should be formatted.Some courts require that pleadings be on special paper.There are sometimes local rules posted on the court website.The clerk of court has local rules.The person should be able to point you in the right direction.The local rules should always be followed.Follow the local rules if something in these directions is against them.
Step 3: To copy, find an example.
You can follow the formatting if you can find an example of a pleading that has already been filed.Look at the complaint filed by the person who is suing you.This will give you an idea of how the pleading should be formatted.Search on the internet.Copies of pleadings from lawsuits can be found on the court website, but you can also use a search engine.If you can't find an example from the court you are appearing in, look for one from another court in your state.Go to a search engine and type in your state.
Step 4: The paper should be used the correct way.
If the court requires special pleading paper, you can get it on the internet or from an office supply store.Pleading paper has numbers 1 through 28 in the left hand margin.You must draft legal pleadings on pleading paper if the court requires it.If you don't, the court will refuse your document.The standard white paper should be printed on only one side if pleading paper is not required.
Step 5: You should include identifying information.
The top left corner of the paper has your name, address, and phone number written on it.You can use single-spaced lines.The format should look like this.Place your full name on the first line.The street address must be stated in the second line.List your city, state, and zip code on the third line.Your complete phone number is the fourth and final line.The complete phone number has all the numbers you need to get in touch with people from outside of your area.
Step 6: The caption should be inserted.
The case number and the type of case are listed in the caption.After the court's information, leave a double space.The full name of the person in the case can be found on the left side.The word "Plaintiff" should be typed on the next line.A "v" is an abbreviation for the word "versus."One more time, state the full name of the person.You can type the word "Defendant" on the next line.The case number will be assigned by the court clerk.You can find this number on the complaint.Leave a blank line if you are filing the complaint.
Step 7: The body of the pleading should be drafted.
To begin drafting the pleading, double-space down after you've listed the parties.Whatever information you want the judge to be made aware of will be included in the body of your pleading.If you are writing an answer to the original complaint, number each paragraph.The numbered paragraphs correspond to the allegations in the complaint.Only addressing one issue per paragraph is how to make your answers concise.Double spacing is used for the entire body of the pleading.The court may reject your pleading if you use single spacing.Place bold headings for your pleading.Unless you are drafting an answer to the original complaint, headings will be used to distinguish issues from one another.The judge wants you to identify your headings quickly.The judge can find them more easily if they stand out in the document.Page numbers are placed in the center of each page.Even if your pleading is only one page, you must use a page number.
Step 8: You must sign and date the pleading.
Double space and sign your pleading after the body of your pleas.You can type your full name under your signature.You should date the document across from your signature.
Step 9: A certificate of service is needed.
The certificate of service can be put at the bottom of the page.There is aCertificate of Service on the page.You should state that you served a copy of the pleading to the other party.The sample language should say, "I hereby certify that I have served a copy of this document on the other party either by person or by mailing it."