Rules for Filing Court Pleadings

The following rules shall be followed when filing court pleadings:

Rule 10(a)(1) of the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure / Rule 12(c) of the Idaho Criminal Rules require that all
pleadings filed with the court be in proper form and:

  • Be typewritten, in black ink, on 8 1/2 x 11 inch white paper
  • Contain a caption setting forth the names of the parties
  • Contain the title of the court and case number
  • Contain a designation (name) of the document or pleading
  • Contain name, address, and telephone number of the attorney (or person without an attorney) filing the pleading

Rule 5(a) of the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure requires that all pleadings be served upon all parties or attorneys. Proof of service must be provided to the court.

Rule 11(a)(1) of the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure requires that all pleadings be signed by the attorney or party.

A sample layout of a pleading: (instructions are in parantheses and should not be typed on the pleading)

(down 2″ from top of page)
(Name)
(Address)
(City, State, Zip)

(down 4″ from top of page)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF
THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF (COUNTY)

 

)
(Plaintiff), ) Case No. (Case Number)
)
Plaintiff, ) (DOCUMENT NAME)
)
-vs- )
)
(Defendant), )
)
Defendant. )

(Body of document)
(Sign end of document)