A notice of appearance identifies the attorney, the party represented, and contact information for service. Filing it registers counsel for electronic service and case notifications.
It may constitute a general appearance submitting to the court's jurisdiction.
Alternative Names:
Appearance, Entry of Appearance
Why it Matters?
A general appearance can waive personal jurisdiction and venue defenses, which makes the form of the initial filing consequential where those defenses exist. Jurisdictions differ on whether a special or limited appearance is available to contest jurisdiction without submitting to it, and in federal practice the defenses are preserved by raising them in the first responsive filing rather than by the appearance form. Confirming local practice before appearing is the necessary step.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Can appearing waive jurisdictional defenses?
What does the notice accomplish?
