(1) Generally. Every pleading, written motion, and other document filed with the court or served must be signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney's name--or by a party personally if the party is unrepresented. The court must strike an unsigned document unless the omission is promptly corrected after being called to the filer's attention.

(2) Electronic Filings. A person may sign an electronically filed document by placing the symbol “/s/” on the signature line above the person's name. An electronic signature has the same force and effect as a signature on a document that is not filed electronically. The court may treat a document that was filed using a person's electronic filing registration information as a filing that was made or authorized by that person.

(3) Filings by Multiple Parties. A person filing a document containing more than one place for a signature--such as a stipulation--may sign on behalf of another party only if the person has actual authority to do so. The person may indicate such authority either by attaching a document confirming that authority and containing the signatures of the other persons who have authority to consent for such parties, or, after obtaining a party's consent, by inserting “/s/ [the other party's or person's name] with permission” as any non-filing party's signature.

(1) it is not being presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation;

(2) the claims, defenses, and other legal contentions are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for extending, modifying, or reversing existing law or for establishing new law.

(3) the factual contentions have evidentiary support or, if specifically so identified, will likely have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for further investigation or discovery; and

(4) the denials of factual contentions are warranted on the evidence or, if specifically so identified, are reasonably based on belief or a lack of information.

(1) Generally. If a pleading, motion, or other document is signed in violation of this rule, or if a party fails to participate in good faith in the consultation required under Rule 11(c)(2), the court--on motion or on its own--may impose on the person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate sanction. The sanction may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred, including a reasonable attorney's fee, because of the filing of the document or because of the party's failure to participate in the required Rule 11(c)(2) consultation. In considering an appropriate sanction, the court must take into account the opportunities provided to the person or party violating Rule 11 to withdraw or correct the alleged violation under Rule 11(c)(2).

(2) Consultation. Before filing a motion for sanctions under this rule, the moving party must:

(3) Motion for Sanctions. A motion for sanctions under this rule must: