The statement of claim, also called the lawsuit statement (لائحة الدعوى), is the first thing the judge reads about your case. A clear, well-organised statement shortens the hearings, while a vague one may be returned or delay the case. Below is a general statement of claim template you can copy and fill in, followed by how to write each part and the most common mistakes that weaken it.
Statement of claim template (general form)
Lawsuits in Saudi courts are filed in Arabic, so the Arabic template below is the one to use. An English translation follows it to help you understand and prepare your content.
Most lawsuits are now filed online, and Najiz (the Ministry of Justice e-services platform) asks you to enter the facts and requests in separate fields. Use this template to organise your thoughts before filling them in. Read Filing a lawsuit on Najiz step by step.
How to write each part
| Part | What it must include |
|---|---|
| Parties' details | Complete, accurate details, and the defendant's national address if available, because notification is based on it |
| Facts | In date order, one fact per line, each with the number of the document that proves it |
| Grounds | The contract clause or legal provision your right rests on, without going on at length |
| Requests | Specific and limited, with amounts itemised, because the court does not award more than was requested |
| Attachments | Numbered in the same order they are mentioned in the facts |
What changes by type of case
The structure is the same in every court, but the facts, requests and attachments differ:
| Type of claim | What its statement needs |
|---|---|
| Labour claim | Filed after amicable settlement. Itemised requests (unpaid wages, end-of-service award, compensation for dismissal) with an amount for each. Attach the contract, payslips and proof of the termination date. Read filing a labour case. |
| Family claim | A specific request: khula, annulment, maintenance in a stated amount, custody, or a proposed visitation schedule. Attach the marriage contract, any divorce deeds and birth certificates. Read khula. |
| Commercial claim | Between traders or companies. Attach the contract, invoices, statements of account, correspondence and any prior notice. Read the Commercial Courts Law. |
| Claim on an enforceable instrument | With a promissory note, cheque or judgment you may not need a lawsuit at all, only a direct enforcement request. Read the Enforcement Court and promissory notes. |
Mistakes that weaken a statement of claim
- General requests such as "order him to give me my rights" without saying what they are and how much.
- A long emotional account instead of facts backed by documents.
- Filing before a court that lacks subject-matter or territorial jurisdiction.
- Combining several unrelated claims in one statement.
- Not completing a mandatory step before filing, such as amicable settlement in labour cases. Read Filing a labour case.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to write a statement of claim?
It isn't required, but drafting the requests and grounds precisely affects the outcome, especially in large claims or cases with more than one party.
Can I change my requests after filing?
The law allows requests to be amended, or related requests added, within certain limits, but it is better to have them complete from the start. See our guide to the Law of Procedure before Sharia Courts.
Want a statement of claim drafted for your case?
The Usus Law Firm team writes statements of claim and memoranda and handles litigation before the courts in Riyadh and Tabuk, drafting in Arabic and advising in English.
Read also: Which court handles my case?
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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