Rule 10.Form of pleadings and other papers
Group 3: Pleadings and Motions · Last amended April 28, 2015 · Last verified July 13, 2026
Full Text of Rule 10
Amendment History
Prior: 10(a) through 10(c), RPPP Rule 10; 10(e), RPPP Rule 8.04(1) 1st and 2nd sentences. Adopted May 5, 1967, amended June 28, 1967, effective July 1, 1967; amended, adopted June 12, 1989; effective Sept. 1, 1990; amended, effective Sept. 1, 2000; amended, effective September 1, 2007; amended, effective April 28, 2015.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 10 covers the mechanics of putting a pleading together. Every pleading needs a caption naming the court, the title of the action, the file number if known, and an identification of what kind of pleading it is. The complaint must list every party's name in its title; later pleadings can shorten that to the first party on each side plus an indication that others are involved. When a plaintiff doesn't know a defendant's real name, the rule allows suing that defendant under any name and amending later once the real name is discovered — the familiar "unknown heirs" device works the same way for real property cases where the heirs of a deceased person can't be identified by name.
Substance gets organized too. Averments belong in numbered paragraphs, each limited as far as practical to a single set of circumstances, and later pleadings can refer back to a paragraph by number. Claims or defenses arising from separate transactions should be split into separate counts when doing so makes the case clearer. A pleading can also adopt earlier statements by reference, and any written instrument attached as an exhibit becomes part of the pleading for all purposes.
The rule then recommends — rather than requires — a set of formatting conventions: room at the top of the first page for the clerk's filing stamp, a plain-language title describing the paper's purpose (a "Motion for Support," not just "Motion"), a footer with the pleading's short name, page number, and preparer's contact information, typed names under signatures, numbered headings, and numbered paper. Some subjects that once lived in Rule 10 — mandatory format requirements, redaction of personal identifiers, and citation to unpublished opinions — are now handled by the General Rules referenced in the text rather than by this rule directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a caption include?
The name of the court, the title of the action, the file number if known, and an identification of the nature of the pleading or paper. The complaint must name every party; later pleadings can name just the first party on each side.
How do I sue a defendant whose name I don't know?
State in the pleading that the defendant's name is unknown, designate that defendant by any name, and amend the pleading once the true name is discovered.
What is the "unknown heirs" designation?
It lets a plaintiff proceed against the heirs of a deceased person in a real property case when their names and residences can't be determined, naming them as the "unknown heirs" or, in quiet title actions, as unknown claimants to the property.
Do pleading paragraphs need to be numbered?
Yes. All averments should be in numbered paragraphs, each limited as far as practical to one set of circumstances, so later pleadings can refer back to a specific numbered paragraph.
Are the formatting recommendations in Rule 10(e) mandatory?
No, the rule frames them as recommendations — a filing stamp margin, a descriptive title, a footer with page numbers and preparer contact information, typed names, numbered headings, and numbered paper — rather than strict requirements.
Where do I find the actual format and redaction requirements?
Rule 10 reserves those subjects to the General Rules — format requirements to GR 14, personal identifier redaction to GR 31(e), and unpublished opinion citation to GR 14.1 — rather than spelling them out itself.