A "pleading" is a document a party files with the court that states a claim or a defense or that responds to a claim or defense in a lawsuit. A document drafted to file with the Court following specific outlines and procedures.Motions, Notices, Stipulations, etc. A pleading that states a claim for relief must contain: (1) a short and plain statement of the grounds for the court's jurisdiction. You must file an answer to respond to the lawsuit, which either admits or denies the creditor's claims and the reasons why. A summons must be served with a copy of the pleading. This rule governs service on other parties after service of the summons and complaint, counterclaim, or third-party complaint. The Motion is your chance to explain what you want the Judge to do and why. Reference in a different part of the same pleading or in another pleading or in a motion. "proposed order" is an optional step in the motion process.