A motion for more definite statement in many jurisdictions in the United States, and under United States federal law, is a means of obtaining a more detailed motion from the opposing party in a civil case before interposing a responsive pleading.
FRCP 12(b). Such motions are often made at the earliest stage of the case to defeat or limit a claim or to stall the case before proceeding to costly and time-consuming discovery. For this reason, courts claim that FRCP 12(b)(6) motions are generally viewed with disfavor and rarely granted. See Point of Law (POL).
A motion for a more definite statement must be filed before filing a responsive pleading. FRCP 12(e). Therefore, unless ordered otherwise by the court, the motion must be filed within 21 days after being served with a summons and complaint, or within 60 days if service of the complaint was timely waived.
A motion for a more definite statement is a request made by one party to the court asking the other party to clarify their vague or unclear statement in a legal document. This is done when the first party cannot respond properly to the unclear statement.
(e) Motion for More Definite Statement. If a pleading to which a responsive pleading is permitted is so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonably be required to frame a responsive pleading, the party may move for a more definite statement before interposing the party's responsive pleadings.
A motion for a more definite statement must be filed before filing a responsive pleading. FRCP 12(e). Therefore, unless ordered otherwise by the court, the motion must be filed within 21 days after being served with a summons and complaint, or within 60 days if service of the complaint was timely waived.
A party may move for a more definite statement if either: The pleading is so vague or ambiguous that the party cannot reasonably prepare a response. More particularity in the pleading can help dispose of the action efficiently and economically. (Wash.
Your request via email and/or letter will need to include the original filing dates, new proposed filing dates, the number of previous requests (if any), and whether the other party consents to the extension. Email a copy of the letter you file to the other party (usually it's an attorney).
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure states that "The court may strike from a pleading an insufficient defense or any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter." Similarly, for example, the California Code of Civil Procedure provides that a motion to strike may be made to strike out any "irrelevant, ...