If a pleading to which a responsive pleading is permitted is so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonably be required to frame a responsive pleading, he may move for a more definite statement before interposing his responsive pleading. The motion shall point out the defects complained of and the details desired. If the motion is granted and the order of the court is not obeyed within 10 days after service of notice of the order or within such time as the court may fix, the court may strike the pleading to which the motion was directed or make such order as it deems just.
Rule 12.05.Motion for more definite statement.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceRule 12.05 lets a party move for a more definite statement, before answering, when a pleading is so vague or ambiguous that a responsive pleading can't reasonably be framed, and allows the court to strike the pleading if its order isn't obeyed within 10 days.
Full Text of Rule 12.05
Amendment History
The source reproduced here (current through June 18, 2026) records no amendment to this rule since its original adoption — no History line appears for it in the compiled rules. For the underlying adopting order and any later amendments, see the West’s Rules & Procedures.
Plain-English Summary
Sometimes a complaint or other pleading is so unclear that the other side can't tell what's being alleged well enough to respond. Rule 12.05 lets that party move for a more definite statement instead of trying to answer a pleading it can't make sense of. The motion has to point out specifically what's unclear and what additional detail is needed -- a general complaint that the pleading is confusing isn't enough.
If the court grants the motion, the other party has to comply with the order, typically by amending the pleading, within 10 days of being notified of the order, or within whatever different time the court sets. If that deadline passes without compliance, the court can strike the pleading or issue whatever other order it finds just.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if the other side's complaint is too vague to answer?
Rule 12.05 lets you move for a more definite statement before filing your responsive pleading. The motion must point out exactly what's vague or ambiguous and what details you need.
What happens if a party doesn't fix a pleading after a Kentucky court orders a more definite statement?
Under Rule 12.05, if the court's order isn't obeyed within 10 days after service of notice of the order, or whatever different time the court sets, the court may strike the pleading or make whatever other order it finds just.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 12.05). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Kentucky (Ky. Const. § 116). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: motion for more definite statement KentuckyCR 12.05vague complaint motionpleading too vague to answer