Rule 78.Petition: Original and Supplemental; Indorsement

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 78 makes the plaintiff's pleading an original petition plus any needed supplemental petitions, each indorsed and successively numbered and named to show its place in the sequence.

Full Text of Rule 78

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The pleading of plaintiff shall consist of an original petition, and such supplemental petitions as may be necessary in the course of pleading by the parties to the suit. The original petition and the supplemental petitions shall be indorsed, so as to show their respective positions in the process of pleading, as "original petition," "plaintiff's first supplemental petition," "plaintiff's second supplemental petition," and so on, to be successively numbered, named, and indorsed.

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Plain-English Summary

Rule 78 structures the plaintiff's side of the pleadings. It consists of an original petition and whatever supplemental petitions the course of the case requires. Each is indorsed to show its position — “original petition,” “plaintiff's first supplemental petition,” and so on — successively numbered, named, and indorsed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes up a plaintiff's pleadings in Texas?

Under Rule 78, an original petition and any necessary supplemental petitions, each indorsed and successively numbered and named.

How is a Texas supplemental petition labeled in the pleadings?

Rule 78 has each one indorsed to show its place in order — as the plaintiff's first supplemental petition, second supplemental petition, and so on — successively numbered, named, and indorsed.

Can a Texas plaintiff file more than one supplemental petition?

Yes. Rule 78 allows as many supplemental petitions as the course of pleading between the parties requires, each one added to the original petition.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 78), 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: petition original and supplementaloriginal petitionsupplemental petitionindorsementTRCP 78