Filing Amended Complaint

I filed my original complaint pro se. If all goes well at my hearing on temporary matters, I will have funds to hire an attorney. How do I amend my complaint to include attorney’s fees?

You can file an amended complaint at any time before the defendant serves on you an answer or other response to the complaint that was served on him/her. If the defendant has already served on you an answer or other response to your complaint, then you will have to get the court’s approval to file an amended complaint unless the defendant gives his/her written consent.


Anna Ayscue

Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest

Rosen Online | Unlimited confidential access to a North Carolina attorney for $199/mo - click here

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.

Do I simply file it with the clerk of court and send the defendant a copy? And I am assuming it must be notarized.

If the defendant has not filed an answer or other responsive pleading to your complaint, then you can simply file the amended complaint with the clerk and properly serve it on the defendant. An amended complaint must have your notarized signature.


Anna Ayscue

Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest

Rosen Online | Unlimited confidential access to a North Carolina attorney for $199/mo - click here

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.

The only thing I have received is an request for the extra 30 days to answer thr original complaint. On a separate note, my first court appearance on temp matters was continued because the attorney had to be in federal court. What is my best recourse if they try to continue again? I want the matter heard immediately.

A continuance is ultimately up to the judge whether or not to allow it. If you do not want it continued again but the other side is asking that it be continued, then you must voice your opinion and concern to the judge.


Anna Ayscue

Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest

Rosen Online | Unlimited confidential access to a North Carolina attorney for $199/mo - click here

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.