Filing guides
What the federal rules require, filing by filing.
For each common federal filing: what it's for, the parts it must include, national deadlines and length limits, the governing rules, and what to check in the court's local rules. Compiled from the national rules and not yet verified by a reviewing attorney; always confirm with the current rules and the court's local rules.
District court — civil
Pleadings
Motions
- Motion to Dismiss (Rule 12(b))
- Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings (Rule 12(c))
- Motion for a More Definite Statement (Rule 12(e))
- Motion to Strike (Rule 12(f))
- Motion for Leave to Amend (Rule 15)
- Motion to Intervene (Rule 24)
- Motion for Summary Judgment (Rule 56)
- Motion for TRO / Preliminary Injunction (Rule 65)
- Motion to Compel Discovery (Rule 37)
- Motion for Protective Order (Rule 26(c))
- Motion for Sanctions (Rule 11)
- Motion for Extension of Time (Rule 6(b))
- Motion to Remand
- Motion to Transfer Venue
- Motion for Leave to File Under Seal
- Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice
- Request for Entry of Default / Motion for Default Judgment (Rule 55)
- Opposition / Response to a Motion
- Reply in Support of a Motion
- Memorandum of Law / Brief in Support
- Declaration / Affidavit
Trial
Post-judgment
Case management
Discovery
Case resolution
Appeal
District court — criminal
Pretrial motions
Defense notices
Trial and post-trial
Post-judgment
Court of appeals
Briefs
Disclosures
Petitions
U.S. Supreme Court
Bankruptcy court
Case commencement
Adversary proceedings
Plans
Appeals
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