Rule 7.Pleadings Allowed — Form of Motions.

Subdivision (a) closes the list of pleadings. In everything but adoption there is a complaint and an answer, a reply to a counterclaim noted as such, and an answer to a cross-claim if the answer contains a cross-claim. Nothing else counts as a pleading. In an adoption there is a petition and an answer by any person who wishes to object.

A request for an order goes to the court by motion. Unless it is made during a hearing or trial, the motion must be written, must state the grounds with particularity, and must say what relief is sought. The writing requirement is met if the motion is stated in a written notice of the hearing. The rules on captions, signing and form of pleadings apply to motions and other papers too.

Subdivision (b)(3) is the part that decides cases. Seven kinds of motion — to consolidate for trial, to enlarge time after the period has run under Rule 6(b)(2), to amend under Rule 15, for a physical or mental examination under Rule 35, to compel answers to interrogatories under Rule 37(a), to compel more responsive answers under Rule 37(a), and to compel production and inspection or to permit entry and inspection under Rule 34(b) — must be served and filed with the notice of hearing no later than six days before the time set for the hearing. If no one serves and files an objection stating the particular ground at least three days before that time, the motion is granted as a matter of course and never reaches the motion calendar. A motion to compel answers or more responsive answers must also specify the number of days for compliance.

The subdivision ends by stating that Rule 6(d) does not apply to it, so the six-day and three-day counts stand on their own terms. Subdivision (c) closes the rule: filers using the Electronic Filing System file pleadings, motions and other papers in accordance with Rule 1(b)(3).