JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet - Federal District Court Official Form
Definition and meaning
The JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet is an official form used in the federal district courts to provide essential information about a civil case. This form is required during the initiation of civil litigation and is submitted to the Clerk of Court. It serves as a simple summary of the case and helps in organizing the court's docket.
How to complete a form
To accurately fill out the JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet, follow these steps:
- Fill in the plaintiff and defendant details: Write the full names of the parties involved, including middle initials if applicable.
- Provide county of residence: List the county where the first plaintiff and first defendant reside.
- Indicate the attorneys: Include the names, addresses, and contact information for any lawyers representing the parties.
- Specify the basis of jurisdiction: Mark the appropriate box indicating the type of jurisdiction under which the case falls.
- Detail the citizenship of principal parties: Complete this section if applicable, especially in diversity cases.
Who should use this form
The JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet should be used by individuals or entities initiating a civil lawsuit in federal district court. This includes:
- Individuals filing civil claims against other parties.
- Companies and organizations involved in legal disputes.
- Legal representatives, such as attorneys filing on behalf of clients.
Key components of the form
The JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet consists of several important sections:
- Plaintiff and Defendant Information: The basic identifying details of the parties involved.
- County of Residence: Information about the location of the parties.
- Jurisdiction Basis: A selection of the type of jurisdiction relevant to the case.
- Nature of Suit: A description of the legal issue or claim being filed.
- Cause of Action: The specific civil statute being invoked.
Common mistakes to avoid when using this form
When completing the JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet, avoid these common errors:
- Missing information: Ensure all required fields are filled out completely.
- Incorrect jurisdiction: Double-check to ensure the correct basis of jurisdiction is marked.
- Omitting attorney details: Always include the representation information if an attorney is involved.
- Filing with incorrect counties: Verify the county details for both plaintiff and defendant to ensure accuracy.
What to expect during notarization or witnessing
While the JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet itself does not typically require notarization, if your case includes affidavits or other documents that do, here’s what to anticipate:
- Presenting Identifications: You will need to provide valid forms of ID.
- Signing in front of the Notary: The notary is required to witness your signature on the document.
- Notary Acknowledgment: The notary will stamp the document, indicating it has been notarized.
