Pleadings

Pleadings are the formal written documents in which each side sets out the facts it relies on and what it is asking the court to decide.

They include the statement of claim, the defence and sometimes a reply. Together they set out what is in dispute before any evidence is heard. Once pleadings close, the case generally cannot be argued on a completely different basis, so accuracy matters.

Pleadings are prepared and exchanged in the pre-trial stage, alongside disclosure of documents and often a court-encouraged attempt to settle. Pre-trial steps and mediation explains what happens around this stage.

Drafting pleadings is a point where an independent lawyer can act for you, so that your claim is stated correctly from the start.