Rule 11.Signing of Pleadings, Motions, and other papers; Sanctions.
Current through February 2024 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 11
Amendment History
Rhode Island does not publish a per-rule amendment history inside the compiled rules text reproduced here. The text above is verified current through the source’s own February 2024 printing; for the underlying adopting orders and any later amendments, see the Rhode Island Judiciary’s compiled rules page.
Plain-English Summary
A paper filed by a represented party must be personally signed by at least one attorney of record in that attorney's individual name, with the attorney's address, email address, bar number and telephone number. The rule carves out answers to interrogatories and objections to requests for admission that a party has already signed — those need no attorney signature. A self-represented litigant signs personally and gives an address, a telephone number, and an email address if electing to use the Electronic Filing System.
The verification requirement is specific to this court. A pleading that seeks a divorce, a divorce from bed and board or separate maintenance must be verified by the party seeking that relief. In every other action, pleadings need no verification or affidavit unless a rule or statute requires one.
The signature is a certificate. By signing, the attorney, self-represented litigant or party certifies having read the paper; that after reasonable inquiry it is well grounded in fact and warranted by existing law or by a good faith argument to extend, modify or reverse existing law; and that it is not filed for an improper purpose such as harassment, delay or a needless increase in the cost of the litigation.
Two consequences follow. An unsigned paper is stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the pleader's attention, and a paper signed with intent to defeat the rule is stricken as well. Where a paper is signed in violation of the rule, the court may act on motion or on its own initiative and impose an appropriate sanction on the signer, on a represented party, or on both, which may include paying the other side's reasonable expenses caused by the filing, including a reasonable attorney's fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Rhode Island divorce complaint have to be verified?
Rule 11 requires a pleading seeking a divorce, a divorce from bed and board or separate maintenance to be verified by the party seeking that relief. Pleadings in other actions need no verification or affidavit unless a rule or statute specifically calls for one.
What information goes under my signature if I represent myself?
A self-represented litigant must personally sign the pleading, motion or other paper and state an address and telephone number, plus an email address if that litigant is electing to use the Electronic Filing System. An attorney signing instead must give an address, email address, bar number and telephone number.
What happens if I forget to sign a motion?
Rule 11 has the paper stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the pleader or movant. The same result follows for a paper signed with intent to defeat the purpose of the rule.
Can the court order someone to pay my attorney fees for a bad filing?
Where a paper is signed in violation of Rule 11, the court may impose an appropriate sanction on the signer, a represented party, or both, on motion or on its own initiative. The sanction may include an order to pay the other party the reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing, including a reasonable attorney's fee.
Does my lawyer have to sign my answers to interrogatories?
No. Rule 11 states that an attorney need not sign answers to interrogatories or objections to requests for admission that have been signed by a party.