Local Rule L.R. 5-4: Format of Papers

N.D. Ind. L.R. 5-4 Format of Papers

(a) Generally. Any pleading, motion, brief, affidavit, notice, or proposed order, whether filed electronically or by delivering it to the clerk, must:

(1) be plainly typewritten, printed, or prepared by a clearly legible copying process;

(2) use 8.5" x 11" pages;

(3) have at least 1-inch margins;

(4) use at least 12-point type in the body and at least 10-point type in footnotes;

(5) be double spaced (except for headings, footnotes, and quoted material);

(6) have consecutively numbered pages;

(7) include a title on the first page;

(8) include a separate index identifying and briefly describing each exhibit if there are more than four exhibits; and

(9) except in proposed orders and affidavits, include the filer's name, address, telephone number, fax number (where available), and e-mail address (where available).

(b) Manual Filings.

(1) Form, Style, and Size of Papers. Papers delivered to the clerk for filing must:

(A) be flat, unfolded, and on good-quality, white paper;

(B) not have a cover or a back; and

(C) include the filer's original signature.

(2) Rubber-Stamped and Faxed Signatures. An original paper with a rubber-stamped or faxed signature is unsigned for purposes of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11 and 26(g).

(3) Affidavits. Only the affiant need sign an affidavit.

(4) Filing with Clerk Required. Papers not filed electronically must be filed with the clerk, not a judge.

(5) Where to File. Papers not filed electronically must be filed in the division where the case is pending, unless:

(A) a person will be prejudiced if the paper is not filed the same day it is tendered; and

(B) it includes an adequately sized envelope addressed to the clerk's office in the division where the case is pending and with adequate postage.

(6) Return of File-Stamped Copies. A party who wants a file-stamped copy of a paper must include with the filing an additional copy of the paper and a self-addressed envelope with adequate postage.

(7) Recycled Paper. The court encourages using recycled paper.

(8) Form of Notices. Parties manually filing a paper that requires the clerk to give others notice, must give the clerk:

(A) sufficient copies of the notice; and

(B) the name and address of each person entitled to receive the notice.

(c) Forms of Order. Parties filing a paper that requires the judge or clerk to enter a routine or uncontested order must include a suitable form of order.

(d) Notice by Publication. When published notice is required:

(1) the clerk must send the notice to the party originating the notice; and

(2) the party must deliver the notice to the appropriate newspapers for publication.