Which statement is true regarding who may sign a pleading?

Which statement is true regarding who may sign a pleading?

• A. A pleading may be signed by any party, even if represented.
• B. A pleading must be signed by at least one attorney of record or by an unrepresented party; the paper must include signer's address, email, and telephone; unsigned papers may be struck.
• C. Pleadings require verification by affidavit in all cases.
• D. The signer is not required to provide contact information.

Answer: (B)

Signing a pleading centers on who is responsible for the filing and what information must accompany that filing. A pleading, motion, or other paper must be signed by an attorney of record if the party is represented, or by the party personally if they are not represented. The signer must provide contact information—typically the address, and in most jurisdictions also a telephone number and an email address where available. The signature serves as a certification that, to the best of the signer’s knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the filing is made for a proper purpose, the claims are warranted by law, and the factual contentions have evidentiary support. If a pleading is unsigned, the court may strike it. Verification by affidavit is not required in all cases, and it is false that the signer is exempt from providing contact information.

Signing a pleading centers on who is responsible for the filing and what information must accompany that filing. A pleading, motion, or other paper must be signed by an attorney of record if the party is represented, or by the party personally if they are not represented. The signer must provide contact information—typically the address, and in most jurisdictions also a telephone number and an email address where available. The signature serves as a certification that, to the best of the signer’s knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the filing is made for a proper purpose, the claims are warranted by law, and the factual contentions have evidentiary support. If a pleading is unsigned, the court may strike it. Verification by affidavit is not required in all cases, and it is false that the signer is exempt from providing contact information.