Pleading Format In Harris
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FAQ
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.
All pleadings have the same basic structure,5 starting with the caption at the top of the first page. The caption states the name of the court at the top and, on the right side of the pleading, the type of pleading,6 the case number (or docket number), and the name of the judge.
In Harris County, you can file your pro se petition and waiver in-person at the Harris County Civil Intake Office located on the first floor of the Civil Courthouse located at 201 Caroline Street. Civil intake office hours are 8 AM - PM Monday to Friday.
Summary and Explanation Caption Requirement. Names of Parties. Paragraphs; Separate Statements. Adoption by Reference; Exhibits. Format Requirements.
“Pleading paper” is the format required for filing documents in court when there is no pre-printed form available. This pleading paper is blank and can be used anywhere 28-line paper is accepted. Check your court's local rules for other format requirements such as fonts, font size, and line spacing.
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.
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.
The Defendant's Answer For most defendants, the answer is due by the end of the 14th day after the day the defendant was served with the citation and the petition. For defendants that were served by publication, the answer is due by the end of the 42nd day after the day the citation was issued.
Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 99(b) instructs, “The citation shall direct the defendant to file a written answer to the plaintiff's petition on or before a.m. on the Monday next after the expiration of twenty days after the date of service thereof.”
