This paper provides an overview of pleadings in a civil action. It includes a discussion of the technical requirements and contents of pleadings. It also provides a basic overview of common and complex pleadings. As well, commonly encountered issues with pleadings, such as amendments, joinder, and severance, are also discussed.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Effective Legal Support: Civil Litigation seminar in Calgary on September 12, 2017 and in Edmonton on September 19, 2017.