Court Filing Sample

This sample shows how to structure a court filing with the clarity and restraint expected in formal submissions.

Document Structure

A typical filing includes:

Header

• court name and jurisdiction
• case number
• party names

Title

• filing type such as Motion, Brief, or Complaint

Body

• introduction
• statement of facts
• legal arguments
• conclusion

Footer

• date
• attorney signature
• certificate of service

Formatting Guidelines

Margins

• top: 1 inch
• bottom: 1 inch
• left: 1.5 inches for binding
• right: 1 inch

Line Spacing

• double-spaced body text
• single-spaced block quotes and footnotes

Font

• 12-point Times New Roman or a similar serif font
• black text on a white background

Page Numbers

• bottom center or top right
• may include Bates numbering

Example

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF [COUNTY]
STATE OF [STATE]

Case No.: CV-2024-001234

[PLAINTIFF NAME],
    Plaintiff,
v.
[DEFENDANT NAME],
    Defendant.

MOTION TO DISMISS

Comes now the Defendant, by and through counsel...