Rule 203.Pleadings Allowed

Part II. Pleadings · Last amended July 1, 2021 · Last verified September 4, 2026

In one sentenceRule 203 closes the list of pleadings — seven in a family law action and two in a civil protection order action, and nothing else.

Full Text of Rule 203

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b) (c)

(a) Family Law Pleadings. Only these pleadings are allowed in family law actions:

(1) a petition;

(2) an answer to a petition, which may include a counterclaim;

(3) an answer to a counterclaim designated as a counterclaim;

(4) an answer to cross claim;

(5) a third-party petition;

(6) an answer to third-party petition; and

(7) if the court orders one, a reply to an answer.

(b) Civil Protection Order Pleadings. Only these pleadings are allowed in civil protection order actions:

(1) a petition; and

(2) an application for modification, termination or renewal of civil protection order.

End

Rule History

(Adopted March 29, 2021, effective July 1, 2021.)

Plain-English Summary

Rule 203 is a short rule with a strong word in it: only.

Family law actions: seven

a petition;
an answer to a petition, which may include a counterclaim;
an answer to a counterclaim designated as a counterclaim;
an answer to a cross-claim;
a third-party petition;
an answer to a third-party petition; and
if the court orders one, a reply to an answer.

Note the last: a reply exists only on the court's order. A party has no right to the last word by filing one.

Civil protection order actions: two

A petition, and an application for modification, termination or renewal. There is no answer among them — these proceedings run on a hearing set by the statute rather than on an exchange of pleadings.

Designation and form

Each pleading must have one of the above designations and must comply with Rule 208's form requirements. Rule 103(b)(9) reinforces the point for the opening document: all initial documents must be denominated a petition followed by brief descriptive wording.

Everything else a party files is a motion under Rule 501 or a response, not a pleading — and the distinction carries through the rules, since Rule 206's deadlines, Rule 215's amendment rights and Rule 209's pleading standards all attach to pleadings specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pleadings can I file in an Idaho family law case?

Rule 203(a) allows only seven: a petition, an answer to a petition which may include a counterclaim, an answer to a counterclaim, an answer to a cross-claim, a third-party petition, an answer to a third-party petition, and a reply to an answer if the court orders one.

Can I file a reply to the other side's answer?

Only if the court orders it. Rule 203(a)(7) allows a reply to an answer if the court orders one.

What pleadings are allowed in a protection order case?

Rule 203(b) allows only a petition and an application for modification, termination or renewal of a civil protection order.

Does my filing have to be labeled a particular way?

Yes. Rule 203(c) requires each pleading to carry one of the listed designations and to comply with Rule 208.

Source & verification. Rule text and Rule History reproduced verbatim from the Idaho Rules of Family Law Procedure as published by the Idaho Supreme Court, current through amendments effective July 1, 2026. Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Idaho (Idaho Const. art. V, sec. 25). Last verified September 4, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: pleadings allowedanswercounterclaimthird-party petitionreplydesignation of pleadings