(A) Motion for More Definite Statement. If a pleading is so vague or ambiguous that it fails to comply with the requirements of these rules, an opposing party may move for a more definite statement before filing a responsive pleading. The motion must point out the defects complained of and the details desired. If the motion is granted and is not obeyed within 14 days after notice of the order, or within such other time as the court may set, the court may strike the pleading to which the motion was directed or enter an order it deems just.
Rule 2.115.Motion to Correct or to Strike Pleadings
Current through May 1, 2026 · Last verified July 6, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2.115 lets a party ask the court to force a vague pleading to be made more definite before responding to it, or to strike improper or non-conforming material from a pleading, with noncompliance risking that the pleading itself gets struck.
Full Text of Rule 2.115
(B) Motion to Strike. On motion by a party or on the court's own initiative, the court may strike from a pleading redundant, immaterial, impertinent, scandalous, or indecent matter, or may strike all or part of a pleading not drawn in conformity with these rules.
Amendment History
Michigan tracks the orders that adopt and amend its Court Rules in a separate administrative record rather than printing a history note beneath each rule in the compiled rules text reproduced here. The text above is verified current through the source’s own May 1, 2026 update; for the full order-by-order history of this rule, see the Michigan Supreme Court’s rules and orders page.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 2.115 covers two related cleanup tools for pleadings. If a pleading is so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonably frame a response, that party can move for a more definite statement before ever filing its own responsive pleading, pointing out exactly what is unclear and what additional detail is needed. If the court grants the motion and the other side does not fix the pleading within 14 days of the order (or another time the court sets), the court can strike the pleading entirely or enter whatever order it considers appropriate.
The second tool, the motion to strike, works differently. Either a party or the court on its own initiative can move to strike material from a pleading that is redundant, immaterial, impertinent, scandalous, or indecent, or that otherwise fails to conform to the rules — in whole or in part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if the other side's complaint is too vague to answer?
You can move for a more definite statement before filing your response, identifying the specific defects and the additional detail you need.
What happens if the other side ignores an order for a more definite statement?
If they do not comply within 14 days of the order (or another time the court sets), the court may strike the pleading or enter whatever other order it finds appropriate.
Can improper language be removed from a pleading without dismissing the whole case?
Yes. Either a party or the court on its own can move to strike redundant, immaterial, impertinent, scandalous, or indecent material, or any part of a pleading that does not conform to the rules.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Michigan Court Rules (MCR 2.115). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Michigan (Mich. Const. 1963, art. VI, § 5). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 6, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: motion for more definite statement Michiganmotion to strike pleadingvague or ambiguous complaint