Legal FAQs

What are pleadings?

Almost every lawsuit starts with a statement of claim and is then defended with a statement of defence. These are the pleadings. The pleadings set out the main facts of the lawsuit, so that the other party knows what claim is being made, or what defence is being asserted. The pleadings set out the basic facts for the parties at trial as well. Pleadings can sometimes be amended during litigation if needed, but not always.