Space After Headings With Line Numbering

Hi there-

I practice a lot in courts where pages are required to have line numbering, and my law partner and I are having a dispute we need resolved by the experts here: what is the optimal way to deal with line spacing of headings, and after headings, in documents with line numbering? Spacing headings as normal can throw off the line numbering or force extra white space with the next line, but spacing headings the same as text (and together with the line numbers) can make it hard for the reader to separate heading from text. Which is preferred? Examples are attached.

Thanks for the feedback! Helpful data.

Are the vertical border lines required or strongly expected in your jurisdiction? If not, Iā€™d consider dropping them. Maybe also consider having the line numbers appear in gray rather than black