Generate properly formatted numbered-line pleading paper for California state courts, federal courts, or custom jurisdictions. Download as PDF for printing or importing into Word. No file upload needed.
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About Pleading Paper
What is Pleading Paper?
Pleading paper is specially formatted stationery used for court filings in the United States. It consists of consecutively numbered horizontal lines running the full width of the page, with vertical margin lines on the left side. Each document filed with the court must be printed on pleading paper, with text aligned to the numbered lines so judges and clerks can quickly reference specific lines during proceedings.
Pleading paper is mandatory in California state courts and many other jurisdictions. Federal courts have their own formatting rules, and some courts accept standard paper formatted to match their local rules. Attorneys, paralegals, and self-represented litigants all need access to properly formatted pleading paper.
California vs. Federal Pleading Paper
The two most common formats are California state court paper (28 lines per page) and federal court paper (25 lines per page). The differences reflect each court system's preferences for spacing and margin requirements:
California (28 Lines)
Required for Superior Court filings throughout California. Features 28 numbered lines per page, two vertical lines at the left margin (at 1.0" and 1.25" from the left edge), and tighter bottom margins. The double vertical line is the hallmark of California pleading paper.
Federal (25 Lines)
Used in U.S. District Courts and other federal tribunals. Features 25 numbered lines per page and a single left margin line. Federal courts tend to require slightly wider margins and fewer lines to accommodate their formatting preferences for briefs and motions.
Custom Format
Some state courts, administrative agencies, and specialized tribunals have their own pleading paper requirements. Use the Custom option to set your own line count and margins to match any local rule or court requirement.
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Which Courts Require Pleading Paper?
- California Superior Courts: All 58 California counties require pleading paper for motions, complaints, answers, and other filed documents. California Rules of Court, Rule 2.100 et seq., govern the format.
- Federal District Courts: Many federal districts require or strongly prefer numbered pleading paper. Check your district's local rules — the Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California all use 25-line paper.
- California Courts of Appeal: Appellate briefs have separate formatting rules, but pleading paper may be required for supporting documents and declarations.
- State Administrative Agencies: WCAB (Workers' Compensation Appeals Board), PERB, and many other California agencies require numbered-line paper for all filed documents.
- Other States: Nevada, Arizona, and several other western states use pleading paper formats similar to California's.
How to Use This Generator
- Select your format: California (28-line), Federal (25-line), or Custom
- Choose how many pages to generate (1–50)
- Optionally expand the Caption section to include court name, parties, case number, and document title on the first page
- Click Generate — the PDF downloads immediately to your device
- Print directly, or import into Word or Google Docs as a template