Pleading Paper Templates
Pleading paper is the numbered-line page format some courts require, and every state sets its own rules for margins, font, caption, and spacing on filed documents. Select your state for its court document formatting rules and a ready-to-use template.
Introduction
Pleading paper is the formatted page that courts require for documents filed in a lawsuit, and the exact rules depend on your state. In a few states, mainly California, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon, true pleading paper carries consecutive line numbers down the left margin. In most other states, filings use plain paper with a typed caption, and each state's rules of court set the margins, font, line spacing, and first-page format instead. Getting the format wrong matters: a clerk can reject a paper that does not meet the state's form requirements, which delays your filing and can cost you a deadline. This page explains what pleading paper is and how court formatting differs by state. Select your state below for its controlling rule, the specific margin, font, caption, and spacing requirements, and a court-ready template. DocDraft drafts your document in your state's required format from your facts, with attorney review available before you file.
0/5000
Key Things to Know
- 1
Only a few states use true numbered-line pleading paper. California, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon require consecutive line numbers down the left margin. Most states use plain paper with a typed caption instead.
- 2
Every state sets its own court document format rules. The margins, font size, line spacing, caption, page numbering, and paper size are governed by each state's rules of court, so the requirements change from state to state.
- 3
The wrong format can get your filing rejected. Many states direct the clerk to refuse a paper that does not meet the form requirements, which can make you miss a deadline. Match your state's rules before you file.
- 4
The caption is the most consistent element. Almost every state requires a first-page caption with the court name, the parties, the case number, and the title of the document, even when the rest of the format varies.
- 5
Many statewide rules only cover the caption. In several states the margins, font, and spacing are set by local court rules rather than a statewide rule, so you also check the rules of the specific court.
- 6
Electronic filing follows the same format rules. Many courts require e-filing under their local rules and state law, and the formatting requirements still apply to the PDF you submit.
- 7
Pleading paper is used for most filed documents. Complaints, answers, motions, declarations, and briefs are filed in the required format. Approved Judicial Council or court forms are the usual exception.
Key Decisions
Document and State
Most court filings use the required pleading-paper format. The document type sets the title that goes in the caption and the footer.
Complaint or answer
The pleadings that start or respond to a lawsuit.
Most Common OptionMotion or brief
A request to the court with a supporting memorandum.
Declaration or affidavit
A sworn statement of facts filed in support.
Other filed document
Another paper filed in the court that uses the required format.
Court formatting rules are set state by state, so the margins, font, caption, and whether numbered lines are required all depend on the state.
A numbered-line pleading-paper state
California, Arizona, Nevada, or Oregon require numbered lines down the left margin.
Another state
Most states use a typed caption and their own margin, font, and spacing rules.
Most Common Option
Format and Filing
The formatting rules apply either way. Many courts require e-filing under their local rules and state law.
Electronically (e-filing)
Required by many courts; submit a properly formatted PDF.
Most Common OptionOn paper at the clerk's office
Use the paper size and quality your state's rules require.
Pleading Paper Requirements
First-Page Caption
A first-page caption with the court name, the parties, the case number, and the title of the document. Required in nearly every state.
Court and Case Information
The court and county or district, the party names, and the case number exactly as they appear on the filed papers.