Rule 1-008.1.Pleadings and papers; captions
Last verified June 26, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1-008.1 requires every pleading and paper filed in district court to carry a caption naming the court, the parties, and a title describing the cause of action or relief requested.
Full Text of Rule 1-008.1
Pleadings and papers filed in the district courts shall have a caption or heading which shall briefly include:
A. the name of the court as follows: "State of New Mexico County of __________________ __________________ Judicial District";
B. the names of the parties; and
C. a title which describes the cause of action or relief requested. The title of a pleading or paper shall have no legal effect in the action.
End
Rule History
[Approved, effective March 1, 2000.]
Plain-English Summary
This rule standardizes the heading on court papers. Every pleading or paper filed in district court must carry a caption that briefly names the court—State of New Mexico, the county, and the judicial district—identifies the parties, and gives a title describing the cause of action or the relief sought. The title is descriptive only; it has no legal effect in the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a caption include?
The name of the court (state, county, and judicial district), the names of the parties, and a title describing the cause of action or relief requested.
Does the title of a pleading carry legal weight?
No. The rule states that the title of a pleading or paper has no legal effect in the action.
Source & verification. Rule text and Committee commentary reproduced verbatim from the
New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure for the District Courts (Rule 1-008.1 NMRA), published by the New Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource).
Promulgated by the Supreme Court of New Mexico. The plain-English summary is original and draws on the official annotations. Last verified June 26, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: captionheadingcase captiontitle of pleading