How to file pleadings

Remember that if you do nothing, the person suing you can ask the court for a money judgment against you! This website is intended to provide general information, forms, and resources for people who are representing themselves in a Clark County court without a lawyer. The information on this website is NOT a substitute for legal advice. Talk with a lawyer licensed in Nevada to get legal advice on your situation. Pleading Stage: Filing A Complaint or Responding To A Complaint Learn about the pleading stage, when the parties file documents with the court that tell the other side about their legal claims and defenses.

Otherwise, the court will refuse your document. If pleading paper is not required, the paper should be standard 8. Include identifying information. Type your name, address, and phone number in the top left corner of the pleading paper.

Use single-spaced lines. The format should look like this. On the first line, place your full name. The second line must state your street address. On the third line, list your city, state, and zip code information.

The fourth and final line is for your complete phone number. The complete phone number includes all numbers needed to contact you for those calling you from outside of your local calling area. Insert a caption. Leave a double space after the court's information.

On the left side of the pleading paper, state the full name of the plaintiff in the case. On the next line, type the word "Plaintiff. On the next line type the word "Defendant. You can locate this number on your copy of the complaint. Draft the body of the pleading. After you've listed the parties, double-space down to begin drafting the pleading. The body of your pleading will include whatever information you want the judge to be made aware of, presented in the proper format.

Number each paragraph if you are drafting an answer to the original complaint. Each numbered paragraph will correspond to each allegation in the complaint.

Make your answers concise, only addressing one issue per numbered paragraph. Use double spacing for the entire body of the pleading. If you use single spacing, your pleading may be rejected by the court. Capitalize, underline, and place in bold the headings for your pleading. Unless you are drafting an answer to the original complaint, you will use headings to distinguish issues from one another.

The judge will want to identify your headings quickly. By making them stand out in the document, the judge can more readily find them. Place page numbers at the bottom and in the center of each page. A page number must be used even if your pleading is only one page in length. Sign and date the pleading. After the body of your pleading, double space and sign your pleading.

Under your signature, type your full name. Across from your signature, date the document. Include a certificate of service. You can insert the certificate of service at the bottom of the page. Then, state that you served a copy of the pleading on the other party. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You Might Also Like How to. How to. About This Article.

Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: August 21, Categories: Court Practice and Procedure. Article Summary X A legal pleading is a document that you file with the court.

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