Upon motion of a party the court may, upon reasonable notice and upon such terms as are just, permit him to serve a supplemental pleading setting forth transactions or occurrences or events which have happened since the date of the pleading sought to be supplemented. Permission may be granted, even though the original pleading is defective in its statement of a claim for relief or defense. If the court deems it advisable that the adverse party plead to the supplemental pleading, it shall so order, specifying the time therefor.
Rule 15.04.Supplemental pleadings.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule lets a party file a supplemental pleading, with the court's permission, to add facts about events that happened after the original pleading was filed, even if that original pleading had defects.
Full Text of Rule 15.04
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
A supplemental pleading is different from an amended one. An amendment fixes or adds to what was already alleged; a supplemental pleading tells the court about something new that happened after the original pleading was filed. Rule 15.04 lets a party ask the court for permission to file one, on reasonable notice to the other side and on terms the court sets.
The court can grant that permission even if the original pleading had problems stating a claim or defense. If the court thinks the other party should respond to the supplemental pleading, it will order that response and set a deadline for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an amended pleading and a supplemental pleading in Kentucky?
An amended pleading changes or adds to allegations about events that already existed when the original pleading was filed. A supplemental pleading, under Rule 15.04, adds transactions, occurrences, or events that happened after that original pleading was filed.
Do I need the court's permission to file a supplemental pleading?
Yes. Rule 15.04 requires a motion, and the court grants permission on reasonable notice and on terms it considers just.
Can I file a supplemental pleading if my original complaint had a defect?
Yes. Rule 15.04 says permission to supplement may be granted even though the original pleading is defective in stating a claim for relief or defense.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 15.04). 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: supplemental pleading Kentuckyadding new events after filing complaintupdating a complaint with new factsmotion to supplement pleadingevents happened after lawsuit filed