Rules of Civil Procedure for the Metropolitan Courts – 2026
The Rules of Civil Procedure for the Metropolitan Courts, Set 3, governing the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque. Since 2023 it is a court of record for most civil actions, and those appeals go directly to the Court of Appeals.
Browse all 53 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
ARTICLE 1 General Provisions
Rule 3-101
Scope and title.
Rule 3-102
Conduct of court proceedings.
Rule 3-103
Local rules and forms.
Rule 3-104
Time.
Rule 3-105
Assignment and designation of judges.
Rule 3-106
Excusal; recusal; disability.
Rule 3-107
Pro se and attorney appearance.
Rule 3-108
Withdrawal or substitution of attorneys.
Rule 3-109
Withdrawn.
Rule 3-110
Punitive contempt.
Rule 3-111
Telephone conferences.
Rule 3-112
Public inspection and sealing of court records.
Rule 3-113
Court interpreters.
Rule 3-114
Courtroom closure.
ARTICLE 2 Commencement of Action
Rule 3-201
Commencement of action.
Rule 3-202
Summons.
Rule 3-203
Service and filing of pleadings and other papers.
Rule 3-203.1
Pleadings and papers; captions.
Rule 3-204
Service and filing of pleadings and other papers by facsimile.
Rule 3-205
Electronic service and filing of pleadings and other papers.
ARTICLE 3 Pleadings and Motions
Rule 3-301
Pleadings allowed; signing of pleadings, motions, and other papers; sanctions.
Rule 3-302
Defenses; answer.
Rule 3-303
Judgment on the pleadings.
Rule 3-304
Amended and supplemental pleadings.
Rule 3-305
Dismissal of actions.
Rule 3-306
Pretrial conference; scheduling order.
Rule 3-307
Motions.