Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions and Other Papers

U.S Code last checked for updates: Jan 30, 2025

Rule 7.

(a)

Pleadings.

Only these pleadings are allowed:

(1)

a complaint;

(2)

an answer to a complaint;

(3)

an answer to a counterclaim designated as a counterclaim;

(4)

an answer to a crossclaim;

(5)

a third-party complaint;

(6)

an answer to a third-party complaint; and

(7)

if the court orders one, a reply to an answer.

(b)

Motions and Other Papers.

(1)

In General. A request for a court order must be made by motion. The motion must:

(A)

be in writing unless made during a hearing or trial;

(B)

state with particularity the grounds for seeking the order; and

(C)

state the relief sought.

(2)

Form. The rules governing captions and other matters of form in pleadings apply to motions and other papers.

(As amended Dec. 27, 1946, eff. Mar. 19, 1948; Jan. 21, 1963, eff. July 1, 1963; Apr. 28, 1983, eff. Aug. 1, 1983; Apr. 30, 2007, eff. Dec. 1, 2007.)