# Md. Rule 1-311: Rule 1-311. Signing of Pleadings and Other Papers

> Maryland · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_311

## Section

- **Citation:** Md. Rule 1-311
- **Heading:** Rule 1-311. Signing of Pleadings and Other Papers
- **Jurisdiction:** Maryland
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Maryland Rules / Title 1 General Provisions / Chapter 300 General Provisions / Md. Rule 1-311

## Text

(a) Requirement. Every pleading and paper of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney who has been admitted to practice law in this State and who complies with Rule 1-312. Every pleading and paper of a party who is not represented by an attorney shall be signed by the party. Every pleading or paper filed shall contain (1) the signer's address, telephone number, facsimile number, if any, and e-mail address, if any, and (2) if the pleading or paper is signed by an attorney pursuant to Rule 20-107, the attorney's identifying Attorney Number registered with the Attorney Information System.
Committee note: The requirement that a pleading contain a facsimile number, if any, and e-mail address, if any, does not alter the filing or service rules or time periods triggered by the entry of a judgment. See Blundon v. Taylor , 364 Md. 1 (2001).
(b) Effect of Signature. The signature of an attorney on a pleading or paper constitutes a certification that the attorney has read the pleading or paper; that to the best of the attorney's knowledge, information, and belief there is good ground to support it; and that it is not interposed for improper purpose or delay.
(c) Sanctions. If a pleading or paper is not signed as required (except inadvertent omission to sign, if promptly corrected) or is signed with intent to defeat the purpose of this Rule, it may be stricken and the action may proceed as though the pleading or paper had not been filed. For a wilful violation of this Rule, an attorney is subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Section (a) is derived from former Rules 302 a, 301 f, and the 1937 version of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11.
Section (b) is derived from former Rule 302 b and the 1937 version of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11.
Section (c) is derived from the 1937 version of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11.

## Nearby sections

- [Md. Rule 1-301 Rule 1-301. Form of Court Papers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_301.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-302 Rule 1-302. Forms](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_302.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-303 Rule 1-303. Form of Oath](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_303.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-304 Rule 1-304. Form of Affidavit](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_304.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-311 Rule 1-311. Signing of Pleadings and Other Papers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_311.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-312 Rule 1-312. Requirements of Signing Attorney](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_312.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-313 Rule 1-313. Certification by Signing Attorney with Out–of–State Office](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_313.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-314 Rule 1-314. Disclosure Statement by Nongovernmental Corporate Party](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_314.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-321 Rule 1-321. Service of Pleadings and Papers Other than Original Pleadings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_321.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-322 Rule 1-322. Filing of Pleadings, Papers, and Other Items](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_322.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-322.1 Rule 1-322.1. Exclusion of Personal Identifier Information in Court Filings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_322_1.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-323 Rule 1-323. Proof of Service](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_323.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-324 Rule 1-324. Notification of Orders, Rulings, and Court Proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_324.md)
- [Md. Rule 1-325 Rule 1-325. Waiver of Costs Due to Indigence—Generally](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_325.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T1_R1_311. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.