This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
Draft your pleading on legal paper and include your identifying information and a caption that states the involved parties and case number. Draft the body with numbered paragraphs, double spacing, clear headings, and page numbers. Include a certificate of service in your submission.
1. Pleading paper is the paper used for documents submitted to the court and is numbered down the left hand side. It contains information about your case as well as the text of the filing you are turning in to the court.
In situations where there is no pre-printed court form, court paperwork must be submitted on pleading paper. For many common situations, there are pre-printed forms created by the Judicial Council or the county superior court that you can use instead.
The key to drafting a successful pleading is to make sure that you have a clear idea of what the claims are that your client is making and relevant proof for each of those claims. Then you should state the events in a chronological and logical order.
For example, a legal pleading might involve a complaint from a homeowner that a roofer did not adequately perform a repair, resulting in a leak in the roof and damage to the home. The roofer could then file an answer to the claim, denying culpability.
To start aligning your text, use exact line spacing instead of single or double spacing. The pleading line number spacing is set to exactly 24 pt, so you have to ensure that the side numbering matches the spacing of the text, which should also be set to 24-point spacing.
You can also ask your court's Self-Help Center or public law library for a sample or blank pleading paper.
Comply With the Relevant Federal, State, and Local Rules. Research Before Writing. Allege Subject Matter Jurisdiction, Personal Jurisdiction, and Venue. Jurisdiction. Draft Concise and Plain Statement of the Facts. Factual Allegations. Draft Separate Counts for Each Legal Claim. Plead Facts With Particularity Where Necessary.
Pleading Paper Your name must start on line 1. The Court name and location must start on line 8. The caption of the case must start on line 11. You must have a footer with the title of the document. After the caption (the box with the name of the Plaintiff/Respondent) you can use the space as needed, using double spacing.