---
title: "Advise on a motion for a more definite statement"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-litigation-and-dispute-resolution/advise-on-an-application-for-particulars-of-a-pleading/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A5-LA20261022-14-US"
practice_area: "Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution"
tier: "red"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Advise on a motion for a more definite statement

> From the pleading, list the allegations the instructions say are too vague to answer, and whether a responsive pleading has been filed. Do not decide that the pleading is inadequate and do not draft the motion.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-litigation-and-dispute-resolution/advise-on-an-application-for-particulars-of-a-pleading/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution](https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-litigation-and-dispute-resolution.md) |
| Human involvement | Red: Lawyer writes; AI may check, clarify or collect data |
| How AI is used | From the pleading, list the allegations the instructions say are too vague to answer, and whether a responsive pleading has been filed. Do not decide that the pleading is inadequate and do not draft the motion. |
| What the lawyer must review | You decide whether Rule 12(e) is met and what details to seek, and you write the motion. A party may move for a more definite statement of a pleading to which a responsive pleading is allowed but which is so vague or ambiguous that the party cannot reasonably prepare a response. The motion must be made before filing a responsive pleading and must point out the defects and the details desired. If the court orders a more definite statement and the order is not obeyed within 14 days after notice, or within the time the court sets, the court may strike the pleading or issue another order. If the court grants the motion, the responsive pleading is due within 14 days after the more definite statement is served, unless the court sets a different time. Presenting the motion is a Rule 11 certification. Formal Opinion 512 requires you to review generated text before it is filed. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Advise on an application for particulars of a pleading](https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-litigation-and-dispute-resolution/advise-on-an-application-for-particulars-of-a-pleading.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the pleading, list the allegations the instructions say are too vague to answer, and whether a responsive pleading has been filed. Do not decide that the pleading is inadequate and do not draft the motion.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Rule 12(e) is a motion before the responsive pleading. It is not a free-standing request for particulars after the answer is filed.
- The test is whether the pleading is so vague or ambiguous that a response cannot reasonably be prepared.
- State rules on bills of particulars differ. A district's local rule may also limit this motion.

## Sources

- [Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12, Defenses and Objections: When and How Presented](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp/rule_12) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11, Signing Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers; Representations to the Court; Sanctions](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp/rule_11) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Formal Opinion 512, Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools (29 July 2024)](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/professional_responsibility/ethics-opinions/aba-formal-opinion-512.pdf) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*