(a) Signature.

  (1) Every pleading, written motion, and other document must be signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney's name or by a party personally if the party is not represented by an attorney. Section 2-201(M) governs what constitutes a signature for documents filed electronically through the court-authorized service provider.

  (2) Unsigned Document. The court must strike an unsigned document that is not filed through the court-authorized service provider unless the omission of the signature is corrected promptly after being called to the filer’s attention.

  (3) Required Information. Every document filed must state the signer’s address, email address, telephone number, and, if filed by an attorney, the attorney’s bar identification number. Unless a statute specifically states otherwise, a pleading need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit.

  (b) Assistance to Parties Not Otherwise Represented by an Attorney.

  (1) Preparation of Documents. Section 3-501.2(c) governs an attorney’s preparation of pleadings, briefs or other documents for a party not otherwise represented by an attorney.

  (2) Limited Appearance. Section 3-501.2(d)-(e) governs an attorney’s entry of a limited appearance on behalf of a party not otherwise represented by an attorney.

COMMENTS TO § 6-1111

  [1] The rule is a truncated version of Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Both rules provide that pleadings, motions, and other documents must be signed. That is where the similarities end. Federal Rule 11(b)-(d) addresses sanctions for filing pleadings and other documents that lack a reasonable basis in law or fact. Section 6-1111 does not address sanctions because they are governed by statute, more specifically, by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-824.

  [2] The 2021 Amendments incorporated verbatim the definition of “signature” that appears in § 2-201(M) of Electronic Filing, Service, and Notice System Rules. The 2024 Amendments replaced the definition with a cross-reference to § 2-201.

  [3] In 2014, provisions were added to subpart (b) to address when an attorney may prepare pleadings and other documents for a self-represented party. The provisions were identical to provisions in § 3-501.2(c) of the Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct. In 2024, subpart (b) was given a new title – “Assistance to Parties not Otherwise Represented by an Attorney” – and the text was replaced by cross-references to § 3-501.2(c) and § 3-501.2(d)-(e). The latter rule addresses limited appearances.