Statements in a pleading may be adopted by reference in a different part of the same pleading or in another pleading or in any motion. An exhibit to a pleading is a part thereof for all purposes.
Rule 55.12.Adoption of Statements By Reference--Exhibits.
Part I · Rule 55: Pleadings, Motions and Hearing · Last amended September 1, 1973 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceRule 55.12 lets a party adopt statements made in one part of a pleading by reference in another part of the same pleading, in a different pleading, or in a motion, and treats any exhibit attached to a pleading as part of that pleading for every purpose.
Full Text of Rule 55.12
Amendment History
Adopted Jan. 19, 1973, eff. Sept. 1, 1973.
Official Comment
This is the same as prior Rule 55.14. Compare: Rule 10(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Plain-English Summary
Instead of repeating the same factual statements over and over, a party can adopt statements from elsewhere by reference — from another spot in the same pleading, from a different pleading, or from a motion. That incorporation-by-reference approach saves paper and keeps a pleading from becoming repetitive when the same facts support more than one count or defense.
The rule also settles the status of exhibits: an exhibit attached to a pleading is part of that pleading for all purposes. That means the content of the exhibit can be read together with the pleading’s own averments — supporting them, or, if the exhibit contradicts what the pleading alleges, potentially undercutting them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I incorporate statements by reference in a Missouri pleading?
Yes. Rule 55.12 allows adopting statements from elsewhere in the same pleading, from another pleading, or from a motion.
Are exhibits considered part of the pleading itself?
Yes. Rule 55.12 treats an exhibit attached to a pleading as part of that pleading for all purposes.
Can I adopt statements from a different pleading in the case?
Yes, the rule allows adoption by reference in another pleading, not just the same one.
Does an exhibit need to be restated in the body of the pleading?
No, since the exhibit is already treated as part of the pleading once attached.
What happens if an exhibit contradicts the pleading’s allegations?
Because the exhibit is part of the pleading, a court can consider the conflict when evaluating the pleading’s sufficiency.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Missouri State & Federal Court Rules, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Missouri. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: incorporation by reference pleadingexhibits part of pleadingadoption of statements by referenceattaching exhibits to a pleading