Rule 11. Appearances and Pleadings

(a) Signing.

(1) In General. Every pleading of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney who is admitted to practice in this Commonwealth in the attorney's name. The address of each attorney, telephone number, and business e-mail address shall be stated. Parties who are not represented by an attorney shall sign their pleadings and state their address, telephone number, and e-mail address if any. Except when otherwise specifically provided by rule or statute, pleadings need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature of any attorney to a pleading constitutes a certificate that the attorney has read the pleading; that to the best of the attorney's knowledge, information, and belief there is a good ground to support it; and that it is not interposed for delay. If a pleading is not signed, 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 had not been filed. For a willful violation of this rule an attorney may be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action. Similar action may be taken if scandalous or indecent matter is inserted.

(2) Electronic Signatures. A pleading that is filed electronically may be signed electronically in accordance with the provisions of the Massachusetts Rules of Electronic Filing.

(b) Appearances.

(1) The filing of any pleading, motion, or other paper shall constitute an appearance by the attorney who signs it, unless the paper states otherwise.

(2) An appearance in a case may be made by filing a notice of appearance, containing the name, address and telephone number of the attorney or person filing the notice.

(3) No appearance shall, of itself, constitute a general appearance.

(c) Withdrawals. An attorney may, without leave of court, withdraw from a case by filing written notice of withdrawal, together with proof of service on his client and all other parties, provided that

(1) such notice is accompanied by the appearance of successor counsel;

(2) no motions are then pending before the court; and

(3) no trial date has been set. Under all other circumstances, leave of court, on motion and notice, must be obtained.

(d) Change of Appearance. In the event an attorney who has heretofore appeared, ceases to act, or a substitute attorney or additional attorney appears, or a party heretofore represented by attorney appears without attorney, or an attorney appears representing a heretofore unrepresented party, or a heretofore stated address or telephone number is changed, the party or attorney concerned shall notify the court and every other party (or his attorney, if the party is represented) in writing, and the clerk shall enter such cessation, appearance, or change on the docket forthwith. Until such notification the court, parties, and attorneys may rely on action by, and notice to, any attorney previously appearing (or party heretofore unrepresented), and on notice, at an address previously entered.

(e) Verification Generally. When a pleading is required to be verified, or when an affidavit is required or permitted to be filed, the pleading may be verified or the affidavit made by the party, or by a person having knowledge of the facts for and on behalf of such party. Rule History