Rule 1017 - Pleadings Allowed (a) Except as provided by Rule 1041.1, the pleadings in an action are limited to (1) a complaint and an answer thereto, (2) a reply if the answer contains new matter a counterclaim or a cross-claim, (3) a counter-reply if the reply to a counterclaim or cross-claim contains new matter, (4) ...
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.
There are several different types of pleadings in civil procedures, but all of them include the basic demand and response structure: Complaints. Answers to a complaint. Counterclaims. Answers to a counterclaim. Crossclaims. Answers to a crossclaim. Third-party complaints. Third-party complaint answers.
Pennsylvania Requires Facts to be Specifically Plead. In Pennsylvania, the material facts of every claim or defense must be “stated in a concise and summary form.” Pa. R.C.P.
Every pleading must have a caption with the court's name, a title, a file number, and a Rule 7(a) designation. The title of the complaint must name all the parties; the title of other pleadings, after naming the first party on each side, may refer generally to other parties. (b) Paragraphs; Separate Statements.
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.
(a) Pleading More Than One Cause of Action. The plaintiff may state in the complaint more than one cause of action cognizable in a civil action against the same defendant.
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.