Rule 62.Amendment Defined

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 62 defines an amendment — as opposed to a supplemental pleading — as adding to, withdrawing from, perfecting, or correcting what was pleaded, or pleading new matter that adds a claim or defense.

Full Text of Rule 62

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The object of an amendment, as contra-distinguished from a supplemental petition or answer, is to add something to, or withdraw something from, that which has been previously pleaded so as to perfect that which is or may be deficient, or to correct that which has been incorrectly stated by the party making the amendment, or to plead new matter, additional to that formerly pleaded by the amending party, which constitutes an additional claim or defense permissible to the suit.

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Plain-English Summary

Rule 62 explains what an amendment is, and how it differs from a supplemental pleading. An amendment adds to or withdraws from what was previously pleaded, perfects something deficient, corrects something stated incorrectly, or pleads new matter that adds a claim or defense the suit allows. A supplemental pleading, by contrast, responds to the opposing party rather than reworking one's own earlier pleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an amended and a supplemental pleading in Texas?

Under Rule 62, an amendment reworks the amending party's own earlier pleading — adding, withdrawing, perfecting, correcting, or adding new matter. A supplemental pleading instead responds to the opposing party's pleading.

Can an amendment add a brand-new claim to a Texas lawsuit?

Yes. Rule 62 defines an amendment to include pleading new matter, additional to what the amending party pleaded before, that constitutes an additional claim or defense the suit permits.

Can you use an amendment to fix a mistake in your own pleading?

Yes. Rule 62 defines an amendment to include correcting something the amending party stated incorrectly, or perfecting something that was deficient.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 62), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov). Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: amendment definedamended pleadingsupplemental pleadingTRCP 62