New York Pleading Paper Template
New York Supreme and County Court papers follow 22 NYCRR 202.5(a): 8.5x11 inch paper with margins no smaller than one inch, print no smaller than 12-point (footnotes 10-point), at least double spacing, and writing on one side only.
Introduction
New York does not use numbered-line pleading paper. Papers filed in Supreme Court and County Court follow 22 NYCRR 202.5(a), which fixes the physical form: every paper filed, other than an exhibit or printed form, must be on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper bearing margins no smaller than one inch. The print must be no smaller than 12-point, footnotes no smaller than 10-point, and there must be at least double space between each line, except for quotations and the names and addresses of attorneys. Each paper carries writing on one side only, except that papers fastened on the side may carry writing on both sides. These are precise, rule-set numbers, not local guesses, so a document with half-inch margins or a 10-point body font does not conform and can be rejected or sent back for correction, which in a deadline-driven matter can cost you the filing date. This page covers the caption block, the paper and margin rule, the 12-point print floor, the double-spacing requirement, and the one-sided rule so your document matches what a New York court accepts. Note that 22 NYCRR 202.5(a) governs the Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and County Court; other courts, such as the Civil Court of the City of New York, run on their own uniform rules. DocDraft drafts your document on properly formatted New York court format from your facts, with attorney review available before you file.
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Key Things to Know
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Papers must be on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper bearing margins no smaller than one inch under 22 NYCRR 202.5(a).
- 2
The print must be no smaller than 12-point under 22 NYCRR 202.5(a).
- 3
Footnote print must be no smaller than 10-point under 22 NYCRR 202.5(a).
- 4
There must be at least double space between each line, except for quotations and the names and addresses of attorneys, under 22 NYCRR 202.5(a).
- 5
Each paper must contain writing on one side only, except that papers fastened on the side may contain writing on both sides, under 22 NYCRR 202.5(a).
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22 NYCRR 202.5(a) governs the Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and County Court; other New York courts have their own uniform rules.
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These specifications come from a Tier-2 secondary source citing the rule; confirm against the official 22 NYCRR 202.5(a) text before filing.
Key decisions before you file
Before you file a Pleading Paper in New York, a few decisions shape the document: which option to choose and what each one means. The Pleading Paper guide walks through them.
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New York Requirements for Pleading Paper
Letter-size paper
File on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper, other than exhibits or printed forms, under 22 NYCRR 202.5(a).
One-inch minimum margins
Use margins no smaller than one inch under 22 NYCRR 202.5(a).
12-point minimum print
Use print no smaller than 12-point, with footnote print no smaller than 10-point, under 22 NYCRR 202.5(a).
At least double spacing
Leave at least double space between each line, except for quotations and the names and addresses of attorneys, under 22 NYCRR 202.5(a).
One-sided writing
Write on one side only, except that papers fastened on the side may contain writing on both sides, under 22 NYCRR 202.5(a).
Caption block
Head the document with the court, county, parties, index number, and document title for Supreme and County Court filings.
Court-specific rules
Confirm whether 22 NYCRR 202.5(a) applies or another New York court's uniform rules govern, since 202.5(a) covers the Supreme Court and County Court.