North Carolina Rules Of Civil Procedure (NCGS Section 1A-1) Practice Test

In North Carolina, every pleading, motion, or other paper filed in a civil action must be signed by an attorney of record, or, if the party is not represented by an attorney, by the party themselves. So a pro se party—the party not represented by an attorney—must sign the document. The signature serves as the signer’s certification that they have read the filing and that, to the best of their knowledge after reasonable inquiry, it is not for an improper purpose; the factual allegations have evidentiary support or will likely have after discovery; and the legal contentions are warranted by existing law or a nonfrivolous argument for changing the law. This rule ensures accountability and proper handling of the case. If there is counsel, the attorney signs instead; the other options don’t reflect the standard rule.