United States Code/Title 28/Appendix/Federal Rules of Civil Procedure/Rule 7

Rule 7. Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions and Other Papers

(a) Pleadings. Only these pleadings are allowed:
 * (1) a complaint;
 * (2) an answer to a complaint;
 * (3) an answer to a counterclaim designated as a counterclaim;
 * (4) an answer to a crossclaim;
 * (5) a third-party complaint;
 * (6) an answer to a third-party complaint; and
 * (7) if the court orders one, a reply to an answer.

(b) Motions and Other Papers.
 * (1) In General. A request for a court order must be made by motion. The motion must:
 * (A) be in writing unless made during a hearing or trial;
 * (B) state with particularity the grounds for seeking the order; and
 * (C) state the relief sought.
 * (2) Form. The rules governing captions and other matters of form in pleadings apply to motions and other papers.