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- Child Support Collections and Enforcement, The New Jersey Child Support Program monitors cases ordered to pay support, provides parent location services, paternity establishment, child/medical support establishment, enforces support and medical orders, and collects support payments. Probation Services also Adult Probation Supervision supervises adults and Juvenile Probation Supervision juveniles who have been found delinquent . On This Page Body, Overview, Probation Child Support Enforcement helps ensure the welfare and safety of children, families and communities in New Jersey by working with both parents to collect timely, consistent court-ordered child support, alimony and medical support. Probation is responsible for monitoring and taking enforcement action when court-ordered current or past-due support is not being paid, or court-ordered health care coverage for a dependent child is not being provided. What the program can do for you: Monitor court-ordered support obligations. Collect support payments on behalf of parents to whom support is owed, known as obligees. Locate parents who have been ordered to pay child support, known as obligors. Enforce support and medical orders. Refer parents to the Judiciary’s Opportunities for Building Success Program (JOBS) to assist in finding stable employment. Download the Quick Guide to Probation Child Support to learn more. Call the New Jersey Family Support Services Center (NJFSSC) at 1-877-655-4371 for case related questions., Payments, By law, all court-ordered child support is subject to income withholding. Obligors must report changes in their source of income to the probation division. Unpaid child support will result in a past due balance. Obligors may be required to pay an additional amount towards the past due balance (arrears). , Making Payments, If no income withholding is in place, payments may be submitted by: Check or money order payable to the New Jersey Family Support Payment Center (NJFSPC) and mailed to: NJFSPC, PO Box 4880, Trenton, NJ 08650-4880. Cash payments at finance windows in each courthouse. No checks or money orders will be accepted. Additional payment options are available at njchildsupport.gov ., Receiving Payments, There are two ways to receive child support payments: either by direct deposit or debit card. Both options provide a safe, easy, and convenient way to receive payments. Obligees can sign up for direct deposit by logging into the Case Information Portal or have the form sent by mail by calling the New Jersey Family Support Services Center. Once approved, the direct deposit may take up to ten (10) business days to become active. Obligees who do not sign up for direct deposit will automatically be issued a debit card., Enforcement, Probation enforces court-ordered support obligations when an obligor fails to make payments, provide health coverage, or meet any other court-ordered provision. Enforcement could include adding an arrears payback amount, bringing the parties back to court for a hearing, recommending that a bench warrant issue or, in limited circumstances, suspending a recreational or driver’s license. Additional actions could include recording a judgment, bank levy, tax refund offset, passport denial and credit reporting. For more information on enforcement, visit njchildsupport.gov ., Alimony-Only Services, Alimony is court-ordered financial support awarded to a spouse or former spouse. Alimony-only cases do not include a child support provision. Alimony-only cases payable through probation will be monitored for the collection and disbursement of support payments. Download the Quick Guide to Alimony-Only Services to learn more. , Customer Service, The Child Support Program has a centralized call center, the New Jersey Family Support Services Center (NJFSSC). Call 1-877-NJKiDS1 (877-655-4371) for all case related inquiries. Case information and updates are also available on the Case Information Portal of the New Jersey Child Support website . Probation Child Support Client Services ensures that child support customers receive timely responses to written inquiries. The following information should be included in your correspondence: Name, address and daytime phone number Child support case number Summary of the issue The name or names of the individuals who are the subject of the complaint (if applicable) Relevant information such as dates of prior communication or documentation that may assist probation staff. Be sure to send copies, not originals, as documents will not be returned. Keep a copy of any correspondence sent to us. If preferred, fax written inquiries and supporting documentation to 609-984-3630. For cases in which both parents reside in New Jersey, use this address:, Probation Child Support Enforcement, P.O. Box 976 Trenton, New Jersey 08625 For cases in which one or both parents reside outside of New Jersey, use this address:, Probation Child Support Enforcement, P.O. Box 960 Trenton, New Jersey 08625 Please note that due to State and Federal regulations governing the confidentiality of child support information, case related information may not be disclosed to third parties without the proper authorization. Clients may also contact their local Probation Child Support Office with any concerns about their case in person, by phone, by mail, or by fax. Local Customer Service Offices Local Customer Service Offices, Intergovernmental Central Registry, Each state child support agency has a unit responsible for receiving, distributing, and responding to inquiries on child support cases involving other states, countries and tribes. In New Jersey, those cases are managed by the Intergovernmental Central Registry within the Office of Probation Services., Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) 2008, Under federal law, all states must have uniform procedures for processing child support cases from other states, countries and tribes., Hague Convention, The United States is one of many countries that have agreed to uniform procedures for processing child support cases internationally under the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance. Office of Child Support Enforcement Read more about UIFSA and International Case Processing, Contact the Intergovernmental Central Registry:, Phone: 609-815-3820 609-815-3820 Fax: 609-984-3630 609-984-3630, By mail:, Probation Child Support Enforcement, P.O. Box 960 Trenton, New Jersey 08625, Termination of Child Support, Under New Jersey law, current child support orders end without the need for a hearing when: The child reaches 19 years of age; The child dies; The child marries; or The child enters military service. When any of these termination events occur, documentation must be provided to Probation. If back child support is owed when the child support obligation terminates, the non-custodial parent still is responsible for paying off the arrears. Probation will continue to enforce the amount past due as an arrears only case. Both parties will be sent an updated order reflecting this change. If no back child support is owed when the child support obligation terminates, both parties will be sent an updated order reflecting that the support obligation has ended as of the date of the termination event., Continuation is possible if:, The child is under 23 years old and enrolled full-time in high school, college, vocational school or graduate school; The child cannot support himself or herself because of a physical or mental disability that existed before age 19; The parents reach a separate agreement; or The court grants a continuation due to another reason., Exceptions to the law:, There is a court order that states a different time that the child support should be terminated. The child is placed outside the home by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families. The custodial parent submits a written request and required proof before the child’s 19th birthday., Arrears:, The Child Support Enforcement Unit will continue to monitor and enforce the collection of child support payments that remain outstanding even after the termination. If there are remaining arrears after the support order ends, the new arrears repayment amount will be a combination of the prior order and arrears payback amount., Support for children over age 23:, The Termination of Child Support Law, N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67 was amended effective December 1, 2020, to allow for continuation of support beyond the age of 23 for certain circumstances. Continuation beyond the child’s 23rd birthday is permissible if the child has a severe mental or physical incapacity that causes the child to be financially dependent on a parent. Either party may file a motion/application with the court for the continuation of child support and IV-D services beyond the child’s 23rd birthday. Upon review of the testimony, the court will make a determination and if granted, Probation will continue to monitor the case until the termination date set by the court. When a case is approved for support beyond 23, the case can either be Title IV-D or monitoring-only services based on the IV-D Application., Requesting continuation of child support under the termination law:, Both parents will receive a notice that child support and/or medical support are scheduled to end. A second notice is sent 90 days later. Only the obligee—the parent receiving child support—may submit a child support or medical support continuation request if the child meets one of the legal exceptions. Follow the instructions on the notice to submit a written continuation request. To be considered, the request must meet one of the exception criteria included on the Request for Continuation of Support form. Six months before a child’s 19th birthday the parties are sent a notice that child support and/or medical support is scheduled to end. A second notice is sent 90 days later. The notice includes the date the support is scheduled to end and instructions about how to submit a written continuation request. The request must meet the guidelines on the Request for Continuation of Support form. Either the obligor or the obligee may propose a different termination date by submitting an existing order, for example a judgment of divorce. The continuation request is reviewed by Probation. If approved, an order is sent to the parties with a new termination date. Ninety days before the new termination date, a notice will be sent to the parties. If the continuation request is denied, a notice is issued with the termination date and explanation. Either party may file a motion to request a continuation for other exceptional circumstances or if the original continuation request is denied. The obligor may file a motion/application to challenge an approved continuation request. The termination or continuation process may proceed while the court action is being decided. When there is no continuation request, no action by the parents is required. The termination automatically will take effect on the date in the notice., How will I know the obligation to pay child support and/or medical support has stopped?, By phone: Call 1-877-NJKiDS 1 ( 1-877-655-4371 ) automated line. This can only be done on a touch-tone phone. Have your child support case number ready. Online: Go to Case Information Case Information . You will need your child support Member ID and your PIN. Contact your local Probation Child Support Offices Child Support Office ; or Both parties will receive a copy of the court order terminating support. Check your paperwork to see if the termination date was included in a court order. Here are some examples: A judgment of divorce may include a specific date or event when support will end. A Termination of Child/Medical Support Obligation order includes a termination date. When a case is closed, a Uniform Summary Support Order may be sent to both parties. The order includes a notation that the obligation to pay support has ended., Resources, The Child Support Program provides several online resources: NJChildSupport.gov . Learn about the process to apply for Child Support and access the Case Information Portal . Quick Guide to Probation Child Support . Key information at a glance about Probation Child Support Enforcement Child Support Payment Options . Learn about additional payment options by credit card and in person at certain store locations. Direct Deposit Form . Obligees may use the form to receive payments by direct deposit. Judgments and the Child Support Enforcement Program . Brochure that answers frequently asked questions about the judgment process. Warrant to Satisfy Judgment - Child Support . Form required to remove child support judgment liens after all child support obligations have been paid. A Lawyer's Guide to Probation Child Support Services in New Jersey . A guide offering detailed information about the laws and the child support procedures needed by lawyers to represent their clients., Additional Resources, The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development can assist with unemployment, disability, job training and employer regulations. New Jersey Career Connections New Jersey Career Services can help parents find a job to meet their child support obligations. The New Jersey Department of Human Services New Jersey Department of Human Services provides services such as support for individuals with disabilities, child care needs, healthcare, and medical expenses for children. The Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement Office of Child Support Enforcement partners with federal, state, tribal and local governments and others to promote parental responsibility so that children receive support from both parents even when they live in separate households. They are the federal government agency responsible for monitoring all of the state child support programs., Glossary, Arrears : The word arrears means unpaid or overdue child support, alimony or spousal support payments. Assignment of Support Rights : People who receive public assistance agree to turn over their right to child support to the state in exchange for cash assistance and other benefits. In order to receive public assistance, you must agree to the assignment of your support. Bench Warrant : An order from the court giving legal authority to law enforcement to arrest a person for failure to appear for a court hearing or failure to comply with a court order. Child Support Number (also referred to as “CS Number” or Member ID) : A child support number is the number assigned to your child, spousal, or alimony support case. Any time you call the court about your child support case, you will be asked for your child support number. Complaint : A formal document filed in court that starts a case. It typically includes the names of the parties, the issues and what you are asking the court to do. Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) : Child support orders are automatically adjusted every two years. The adjustment is based on the consumer price index. Court Order : The written decision issued by a court of law. A collection or community service court order says how much is owed or the number of community service hours that must be completed. Docket Number : The identifying number assigned to every case filed in the court. Emancipation : The age when a child reaches financial independence. Genetic Testing (DNA Testing) : A test used to determine the genetic makeup of the mother, father and child to establish legal paternity. Income Withholding/Wage Withholding/Garnishment : A process in which automatic deductions are made from wages or other income to pay a child support obligation. Income withholding has been mandatory since the enactment of the Family Support Act of 1988. Jurisdiction : The legal authority which a court or administrative agency has over particular persons and types of cases, usually in a defined geographical area. Modification of a court order : Any change or adjustment to a previous court order. New Jersey Child Support Guidelines : A standard method for calculating child support based on the income of the parents and other factors. The full set of guidelines is contained in Rule 5:6A - Child Support Guidelines Rule 5:6A of the New Jersey Court Rules. NJKiDS (New Jersey Kids Deserve Support) : The New Jersey Child Support Program automated computer system that tracks child support accounts. Obligation : The amount of money to be paid as support and the frequency it is to be paid. Obligee/Payee/CP : An individual or agency to whom support is owed. Also known as the custodial parent (CP) or payee. Obligor/Payor/NCP : An individual who owes a financial and/or medical obligation. Also known as the non-custodial parent (NCP) or payor. Offset : The amount of money taken from an obligor’s State or Federal income tax refund to satisfy a child support debt. Ombudsman : A representative from Probation who can answer questions and provide information about probation and court procedures. The ombudsman cannot give legal advice or tell you what you should do about any court matter. Public Assistance : See Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) : Time-limited public assistance, also known as welfare payments, made to low income families that provide parents with job preparation, work, and support services to help them become self-sufficient. It was formerly known as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Termination of Support : New Jersey law establishes 19 as the age when a child support and/or medical support obligation will end. Support may continue beyond 19 due to certain circumstances, it however cannot exceed the child’s 23rd birthday. Triennial Review : Support orders are eligible for review and possible modification every three years by the board of social services. Venue : The court in which the original case was brought., Frequently Asked Questions, My child is not yet 19 but no longer requires parental support. Do I still have to pay child support? The obligor can file a motion/application to have the child emancipated, which means the court declares the child financially independent of the parent. What happens if the obligor does not show up for a child support enforcement hearing? If the court is satisfied that the obligor received the notice for the hearing, a bench warrant might be issued for the obligor's arrest. In addition, a default order granting a request for enforcement can be entered by the court. How is child support paid? State law requires that child support be paid through income withholding. The obligor (person ordered to pay child support or to contribute to health insurance coverage) is always responsible for making sure the money gets paid even when payments are not withheld. If the income withholding payments don't cover the full amount of the order the obligor is responsible for sending the difference to Probation. Make sure the case number, which starts with “CS” on your court paperwork, is on the check. Send to: New Jersey Family Support Payment Center PO Box 4880 Trenton, NJ 08650-4880 What if I need an ADA accommodation for my probation hearing? Contact Probation before your court hearing so that arrangements can be made. My child joined the military. Do I have to continue paying child support? Child support ends automatically when the child enters the military. Probation must be notified of the child joining the military. Once the information has been confirmed, an order will be prepared to terminate the support obligation. What happens if child support is collected through another state? The other state is responsible for enforcement and forwards collections to New Jersey Probation Services for payment. If the obligor falls behind on their payments, Probation Services will request that the other state enforce the order. How do I apply for child support? You can apply for child support at your county’s Family Court, Board of Social Services (also known as county welfare agency), or online through the state’s Child Support Services Child Support Services website. A lien was put on my property because of unpaid child support obligations. How can I have the lien removed? Contact the local Probation office and ask about your judgment. In addition to any outstanding arrears, post-judgment interest may be owed. First, you must pay off any child support amounts that are in any arrears, and address any interest that may be outstanding. Then you can file a Warrant to Satisfy Judgment Warrant to Satisfy Judgment with the court. This set contains the forms and instructions. If I receive welfare benefits for my child(ren), why is a hearing needed? Even if you receive welfare benefits for your child(ren), the obligor still must pay child support. The money collected by Probation is sent to the county welfare agency to reimburse your monthly welfare payment. What if the obligor changes jobs? The obligor is required to report any employment changes to Probation within 10 days of the change. Is there a way I can check what payments Probation has received? Call 1-877-655-4371 1-877-NJKiDS1 (1-877-655-4371) or go to www.njchildsupport.gov www.njchildsupport.gov for case and payment information. My child passed away. Do I have to continue paying child support? Child support ends automatically when the child passes away. Probation must be notified of the passing. Once the information has been confirmed, an order will be prepared to terminate the support obligation. I received an enforcement hearing notice about my child support case from Probation. Must I attend? The obligor must be present at the hearing. The obligee—the parent who is receiving child support—might not have to be present unless the court documents indicate that attendance is required. Is there a fee to apply for child support services? There is a one-time, $6 fee to apply for full child support services. If you receive public assistance, there is no fee. The child support services include location of the non-custodial parent (also known as payor/obligor), paternity establishment, medical support/health insurance establishment and enforcement of the child support order. There may be an additional fee for Family Court processing of motions/applications for support. Do I need an attorney to represent me in my child support case? You might choose to be represented by an attorney, but it is not required. If you wish to have an attorney, you may consult an attorney of your own choosing. If you need help in locating an attorney, try asking your local county bar association for a legal referral service phone number or check the NJ State Bar Association NJ State Bar Association website for information on lawyer referral services. If you feel you cannot afford a lawyer, you can contact Legal Services of New Jersey Legal Services of New Jersey at 888-576-5529 . My child is over 18 years old. Am I still entitled to child support? Under New Jersey law, you might be entitled to receive child and/or medical support up to your child’s 23rd birthday, if your child is in high school, enrolled full-time in college, vocational or graduate school, is disabled, or if you reach a separate agreement with the other parent. If you do not wish to have your court order monitored or enforced by Probation, you may file a motion/application in family court for a direct pay child support order at any time. Can I still get child support even if the obligor is unemployed, disabled or has other changes of circumstances? Child support payments must be made in accordance with the existing court order. The obligor is responsible for payments even during periods of unemployment and disability. In New Jersey, unemployment and some disability benefits are considered available income for supporting children. If the obligor is receiving unemployment benefits, an order to withhold child support will be sent to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, also known as Unemployment. What happens if child support payments are not made or health insurance coverage is not provided? If the obligor fails to make required payments or to maintain health insurance for the child, an enforcement hearing could be scheduled. If health insurance coverage is not part of your current order, you can file a motion/application with the Family Division to request that it be added. How to Ask the Court to Change or Enforce an Order in Your Case (Family Multipurpose Post-Judgment Motions) Request a change to an existing child support order after a divorce. How to file a request to modify a Non-Dissolution "FD" Court Order previously issued by the court Request a change to an existing order for couples that were never married. This motion will be decided at a hearing. Both parents must attend the hearing. My child is disabled. Do I have to continue paying child support? Child support obligations may be continued for children who are mentally or physically disabled and cannot support themselves. The obligee must file a motion/application to request this type of support. What should the obligee bring to the hearing? Obligees should bring: the hearing notice; the obligor's Social Security number, if the obligee has it; the obligor's current address, if the obligee has it; information about the obligor's employer, if the obligee has it; information about the obligor's assets and other sources of income; information about payments from lawsuits or other events; and any court orders issued in the case, such as an order reducing or increasing child support payments. After I file for child support, what will happen next? The Family Court will schedule a hearing and notify both parents of the date, time and place. I don’t speak English. Do I need to bring an interpreter for my court hearing? Only a certified court interpreter can interpret for you at a court hearing. Contact Probation before your hearing. This will allow them to make arrangements in advance, instead of rescheduling the hearing. My child is over 18 years old. Do I have to continue paying child support? Under New Jersey law, child support obligations are terminated when the child turns 19 unless the court orders otherwise. Support payments must continue until an order is received stopping the support. Termination of Child Support Learn more about Termination of Child Support I received child support directly from the obligor, but Probation still says that money is owed. The order requires child support payments be made to the New Jersey Family Support Payment Center and monitored by Probation. Probation has no way of knowing about payments made directly, and not recorded on the automated system. Credit cannot be given to the payor/obligor without a court order. If the money is not owed to a welfare agency, you and the payor/obligor may agree that the payments were for child support, but Probation will still need a court order that sets the amount to be credited on your case. Purchase of goods such as clothing or diapers don't count toward the court ordered child support. Can I request more child support? If you can demonstrate a valid reason to the court for an increase or decrease in support, you can file a motion/application in the Family Division of Superior Court in the county where the support order was issued. There are kits with forms and instructions to help you file the motion/application. How to Ask the Court to Change or Enforce an Order in Your Case (Family Multipurpose Post-Judgment Motions) Request a change to an existing child support order after a divorce. How to file a request to modify a Non-Dissolution "FD" Court Order previously issued by the court Request a change to an existing order for couples that were never married. My child is in college. Do I have to continue paying child support? Child support may be continued for children under the age of 23 who are attending school or vocational training full-time. The obligee must file a motion/application to request this type of support. However, if you have been ordered by the court to pay child support, you must continue to do so until further order of the court. If you are in arrears in your payments, meaning you still have funds overdue when the child turns 19, you are still required to pay the outstanding amount. Before the court date, child support was paid in full. Will a hearing still be held? Usually the hearing will be held anyway. There might still be issues that need to be addressed, such as making sure that regular payments are made in the future and that health insurance coverage is provided. After the child support hearing, an order was issued. Who handles my case? The order is sent to the Probation Division’s Child Support Enforcement Services Unit (Probation) to monitor and enforce the order. I have a hearing impairment. Do I need to bring a sign language interpreter? Only a certified court interpreter can provide sign language interpretation in court. Contact Probation Services before your hearing. This will allow them to make arrangements in advance, instead of rescheduling the hearing. My child is getting married. Do I have to continue paying child support? Child support ends automatically when the child marries. Probation must be notified of the child’s marriage. Once the information has been confirmed, an order will be prepared to terminate the support obligation. What happens if either parent moves out of the county, state or the country? Contact the Probation Division that handles your case for more information.
- Article IV. Relevancy and its Limits, N.J.R.E. 401. Definition of “Relevant Evidence” “Relevant evidence” means evidence having a tendency in reason to prove or disprove any fact of consequence to the determination of the action. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 402. Relevant Evidence Generally Admissible, All relevant evidence is admissible, except as otherwise provided in these rules or by law. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 403. Exclusion of Relevant Evidence on Grounds of Prejudice, Confusion, or Waste of Time, Except as otherwise provided by these rules or other law, relevant evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the risk of: (a) Undue prejudice, confusion of issues, or misleading the jury; or (b) Undue delay, wasting time, or needlessly presenting cumulative evidence. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; punctuation and initial capitalization in paragraphs (a) and (b) amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 404. Character Evidence Not Admissible to Prove Conduct; Exceptions; Other Crimes Evidence, (a) Character Evidence., Evidence of a person’s character or character trait, including a trait of care or skill or lack thereof, is not admissible to prove that on a particular occasion the person acted in accordance with the character or trait except: , (1) Character of Defendant in a Criminal Proceeding., Evidence of a pertinent trait of the defendant’s character offered by the defendant or by the prosecution to rebut it. Evidence of a pertinent trait of the defendant’s character offered by the defendant shall not be excluded under Rule 403;, (2) Character of Victim., Evidence of a pertinent trait of character of the victim of the crime offered by a defendant in a criminal proceeding or by the prosecution to rebut it, or evidence of a character trait of peacefulness of the victim offered by the prosecution in a homicide case to rebut evidence that the victim was the first aggressor;, (3) Character of Witness., Evidence of the character of a witness as provided in Rule 608., (b) Other Crimes, Wrongs or Acts. , (1) Prohibited Uses., Except as otherwise provided by Rule 608(b), evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove a person’s disposition in order to show that on a particular occasion the person acted in conformity with such disposition., (2) Permitted Uses., This evidence may be admitted for other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident when such matters are relevant to a material issue in dispute., (c) Character and Character Trait in Issue., Evidence of a person’s character or character trait is admissible when that character or trait is an element of a claim or defense. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (a) and (b) amended September 15, 2004 to be effective July 1, 2005; paragraph (b) amended September 12, 2006 to be effective July 1, 2007; paragraphs (a) and (b) captions and text amended, and paragraph (c) caption and text amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 405. Methods of Proving Character, (a) Reputation, Opinion, or Conviction of Crime., When evidence of a person’s character or character trait is admissible, it may be proved by evidence of the person’s reputation, evidence in the form of opinion, or evidence of conviction of a crime which tends to prove the character or trait. Specific instances of conduct not the subject of a conviction of a crime shall be inadmissible under this paragraph., (b) Specific Instances of Conduct., When a person’s character or character trait is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, the character or trait may also be proved by specific instances of the person’s conduct. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (a) and (b) captions and text amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 406. Habit, Routine Practice, (a) Evidence, whether corroborated or not, of habit or routine practice is admissible to prove that on a specific occasion a person or organization acted in conformity with the habit or routine practice. (b) Evidence of specific instances of conduct is admissible to prove habit or routine practice if evidence of a sufficient number of such instances is offered to support a finding of such habit or routine practice. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993., N.J.R.E. 407. Subsequent Remedial Measures, Evidence of remedial measures taken after an event is not admissible to prove that the event was caused by negligence or culpable conduct. However, evidence of such subsequent remedial conduct may be admitted as to other issues. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993., N.J.R.E. 408. Settlement Offers and Negotiations, When a claim is disputed as to validity or amount, evidence of statements or conduct by parties or their attorneys in settlement negotiations, with or without a mediator present, including offers of compromise or any payment in settlement of a related claim, is not admissible either to prove or disprove the validity or amount of the disputed claim. Such evidence shall not be excluded when offered for another purpose; and evidence otherwise admissible shall not be excluded merely because it was disclosed during settlement negotiations. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 15, 1998 to be effective July 1, 1999; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 409. Payment of Medical and Similar Expenses, Evidence of furnishing or offering or promising to pay medical, hospital, property damage, or similar expenses occasioned by an injury or other claim is not admissible to prove liability for the injury or claim. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 410. Inadmissibility of Pleas, Plea Discussions and Related Statements, (a) Prohibited Uses., Except as otherwise provided in this rule, evidence of: (1) a guilty plea, which was later withdrawn; or (2) any statement made in the course of that plea proceeding; or (3) any statement made during plea negotiations when either no guilty plea resulted or a guilty plea was later withdrawn, is not admissible in any civil or criminal proceeding against the person who made the plea or statement or who was the subject of the plea negotiations., (b) Exceptions., The court may admit a statement described in Rule 410(a): (1) in any proceeding in which another statement made during the same plea or plea discussions has been introduced, if in fairness the statements ought to be considered together; or (2) in a criminal proceeding for perjury or false statement if the defendant made the defendant made the statement under oath, on the record, and with counsel present. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (a) and (b) amended, redesignated, and captions added September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 411. Liability Insurance, Evidence that a person was or was not insured against liability is not admissible on the issue of that person's negligence or other wrongful conduct. Subject to Rule 403, this rule does not require the exclusion of evidence of insurance against liability when offered for another purpose, such as proof of agency, ownership, control, bias, or prejudice of a witness. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993.
- Designated OPRA Judges, Updated March 10, 2026 , Vicinage, County(ies), Designated Judge , 1. Atlantic/Cape May Assignment Judge M. Susan Sheppard Judge Danielle Walcoff (backup) 2. Bergen Assignment Judge Carol V. Novey Catuogno Judge Kevin P. Kelly 3. Burlington Assignment Judge Terrence R. Cook 4. Camden Presiding Judge Sherri L. Schweitzer 5. Essex Judge Jennifer Critchley 6. Hudson Judge Peter J. Baker Presiding Judge Joseph A. Turula (backup) 7. Mercer Assignment Judge Robert T. Lougy Presiding Judge Douglas H. Hurd (backup) 8. Middlesex Assignment Judge. Michael A. Toto Judge Benajmin S. Bucca, Jr. (backup) 9. Monmouth Assignment Judge Marc C. Lemieux Judge Linda Grasso Jones (backup) 10. Morris/Sussex Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz Presiding Judge Frank J. DeAngelis(backup) 11. Passaic Judge Jason C. Tuchman Presiding Judge Darren J. DelSardo (backup) 12. Union Judge Kelly A. Waters Judge Daniel R. Lindemann (backup) 13. Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Assignment Judge Michael V. Cresitello, Jr. 14. Ocean Assignment Judge Francis Hodgson, Jr. 15. Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Assignment Judge Benjamin C. Telsey Judge John C. Eastlack, Jr. (backup)
- Committee Of Complex Business Litigation Judges By Vicinage, AOC Committee Staff, Melissa Czartoryski Chief, Civil Practice Division Updated March 10, 2026, Vicinage, County(ies), Designated Judge , 1. Atlantic/Cape May Judge Sarah Beth Johnson 2. Bergen Judge William C. Soukas 3. Burlington Judge James J. Ferrelli 4. Camden Judge Frank C. Testa 5. Essex Judge Stephen L. Petrillo Judge Keith E. Lynott 6. Hudson Judge Anthony V. D’Elia 7. Mercer Presiding Judge Douglas H. Hurd 8. Middlesex Judge Gary K. Wolinetz 9. Monmouth Judge Chad N. Cagan 10. Morris/Sussex Presiding Judge Frank J. DeAngelis 11. Passaic Presiding Judge Darren J. DelSardo 12. Union Judge John M. Deitch (primary) Judge John G. Hudak (back-up) 13. Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Judge William G. Mennen 14. Ocean Presiding Judge Craig L. Wellerson, (Committee Chair) , 15. Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Judge James R. Swift
- District Ethics and Fee Committees, On This Page Body, Volunteer to Be an Ethics or Fee Committee Member, Complete the OAE Volunteer Application form and mail it to the , Office of Attorney Ethics, to oae.mbx@njcourts.gov ., District Ethics Committees, District Ethics Committee, Secretary, District I, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, Dorothy McCrosson, McCrosson & Stanton, PC 200 Asbury Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226 Phone: 609-938-1775, District II A, Bergen County - North, Joseph A. Maurice, Cohn, Lifland, Pearlman, Herrman, & Knopf, LLP Park 80 West – Plaza One 250 Pehle Avenue, Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 Phone: 201-845-9600 , District II B, Bergen County - South, Evelyn F. Nissirios, Meyerson, Fox & Conte, P.A. One Paragon Drive, Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 Phone: 201-802-9202, District III A, Ocean County, Steven Secare, Secare & Hensel 16 Madison Ave, Suite 1A Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: 732-349-2800, District III B, Burlington County, John M. Hanamirian, Hanamirian Law Firm, PC 40 East Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057 Phone: 609-332-5252, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, John M. Palm, Law Office of John M. Palm Highridge Commons, Suite 101 200 Haddonfield-Berlin Road Gibbsboro, NJ 08026 Phone: 856-783-5463, District V A, Essex County - Newark, Lisa W. Bonsall, McCarter & English, LLP Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: 973-202-4818 973-202-4818, District V B, Essex County - Suburban Essex, Kelly M. Mattheiss, District VB Ethics Committee 31 Vose Avenue, P.O. Box 118 South Orange, NJ 07079 973-763-5777 973-763-5777, District V C, Essex County - West Essex, Sarah Fehm Stewart, Duane Morris LLP 200 Campus Drive, Suite 300 Florham Park, NJ 07932-1007 973-424-2061 973-424-2061 , District VI, Hudson County, Daniel D’Alessandro, McCarter & English Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: 973-639-2053, District VII, Mercer County, John J. Zefutie, Colella Zefutie, LLC 116 Village Blvd., Ste. 200 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone: 609-981-9061, District VIII, Middlesex County, Barry J. Muller, Fox Rothschild 212 Carnegie Center, Suite 400 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone: 609-895-6725, District IX, Monmouth County, Mark B. Watson, Daniel F. Sahin, PC P.O. Box 838 Clarksburg, NJ 08510 Phone: 609-503-7944, District X A, East Morris and Sussex Counties, District X B, West Morris and Sussex Counties, Caroline Record, Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP 75 Livingston Avenue Roseland, NJ 07068 Phone: 973-267-2328, District XI, Passaic County, Michael J. Pasquale, 146 Rea Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506 Phone: 973-778-0154, District XII, Union County, Michael F. Brandman, Loumar Inc. 1122 Route 22, Suite 103 Mountainside, NJ 07092 Phone: 908-272-9255, District XIII, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties, Donna P. Legband, Legband & D’Onofrio, LLC 93 South Finley Avenue Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Phone: 908-696-7977 908-696-7977, District XIV, Office of Attorney Ethics, Office of Attorney Ethics, Mountain View Office Park 840 Bear Tavern Road P.O. Box 963 Trenton, NJ 08625 Phone: 609-403-7800, District Fee Committees, District Fee Committee, Secretary, District I, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, Kelly A. Dougherty, Law Offices of Michael Gaffney, LLC 1318 South Main Road, Suite 5B Vineland, NJ 08360 Phone: 856-777-5400 Fax: 856-777-5600, District IIA, Bergen County – North, Terrence J. Corriston, District IIA Fee Arbitration Committee Breslin & Breslin 41 Main Street Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: 201-342-4015, District IIB, Bergen County – South, Michael J. Sprague, District IIB Fee Arbitration Committee 25 Main Street, Suite 202 Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: 201-342-3500, District IIIA, Ocean County, Lisa E. Halpern, P.O. Box 726 Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: 732-244-7719, District IIIB, Burlington County, Albert M. Afonso, Afonso Archie Foley, PC 21 Route 130 South Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 Phone: 609-416-1333, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, Marian I. Kelly, Popjoy & Kelly, LLC Two Echelon Plaza 221 Laurel Road, Suite 155 Voorhees, NJ 08043 Phone: 856-845-6181, District VA, Essex County – Newark, Michael J. Dee, O’Toole Scrivo 14 Village Park Road Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 Phone: 973-239-5700, District VB, Essex County – Suburban Essex, Harvey S. Grossman, 623 Eagle Rock Avenue PMB 342 West Orange, NJ 07052 Phone: 973-736-5858 Fax: 973-325-2589 Email: hsgrossman43@gmail.com, District VC, Essex County – West Essex, Cheryl H. Burstein, Mandelbaum Barrett PC 3 Becker Farm Road, Suite 105 Roseland, NJ 07068 Phone: 973-736-4600, District VI, Hudson County, Mary Ann R. Andrews, Law Office of Mary Ann R. Andrews, LLC 4617 Bergenline Avenue, Second Floor Union City, NJ 07087 Phone: 201-223-6660 Fax: 201-223-6670 Email: feearbitration@gmail.com, District VII, Mercer County, Rebecca R. Colón, Oswald & Zoschak, PC 34 Franklin Corner Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: 609-844-0488 609-844-0488, District VIII - Effective January 1, 2024, Middlesex County, Steven Nudelman, District VIII Fee Arbitration Committee P.O. Box 5600 Woodbridge, NJ 07095 Phone: 732-476-3206 Fax: 732-476-2429 Email: DFACVIII_Secretary@greenbaumlaw.com, District IX, Monmouth County, Thomas F. Shebell, III, Shebell & Shebell, L.L.C. 600 Broad Street, Suite 100 Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 Phone: 732-663-1122 732-663-1122 Fax: 732-633-1144 Email: tshebell@shebell.com maponte@shebell.com (assistant), District X, Morris and Sussex Counties, Patricia Cistaro, Cistaro Law L.L.C. 5 Cold Hill Road South Suite 15 P.O. Box 294 Mendham, NJ 07945 Phone: 973-813-8100, District XI, Passaic County, Candice L. Drisgula, Drisgula Divorce & Family Law 1501 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 305 Wayne, NJ 07470 Phone: 973-872-1200 Fax: 973-872-1300 Email: candicedrisgula@gmail.com, District XII, Union County, Carol A. Jeney, Jeney Jeney & O’Connor, LLC 1953 Westfield Avenue Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 Phone: 908-322-9191, District XIII, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties, Olivier J. Kirmser, Kirmser Lamastra Cunningham & Skinner 202 Halls Mills Road – P.O. Box 1675 Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Phone: 908-572-3600
- Ocean Court Offices/Divisions, On This Page Body, Trial Court Administration, Jill Vito, Trial Court Administrator 732-504-0700 ext. 64330 Location Telephone, Ombudsman, 732-504-0700 ext. 64480, Civil Division , Most civil cases that are heard in the Superior Court involve disputes in which a plaintiff claims that they have been hurt by the actions of the defendant and seeks monetary compensation. Examples of such cases are those involving automobile accidents, medical malpractice, breaches of contracts and landlord/tenant disputes. Civil cases in which the amount in controversy is more than $20,000 are heard in the Civil Division of Superior Court. Cases in which the amount in controversy is over $5,000 up to $20,000 are heard in the Special Civil Part of the Civil Division. Those in which the amount in controversy is $5,000 or less are also heard in the Special Civil Part and are known as small claims cases. In all, about 460,000 cases are heard in the Civil Division and Special Civil Part. Civil cases in which monetary damages are not being sought are heard in the General Equity Division of Superior Court. General Equity judges handle non-jury cases such as those involving trade secrets, labor matters, foreclosures and other disputes in which court relief, often in the form of restraining orders, is sought on an emergency basis., Jillian Ackermann, Civil Division Manager 732-504-0700 ext. 64340 Location Telephone, Civil Main Line, 732-504-0700 ext. 64360, General Equity, 732-504-0700 ext. 64380, Special Civil, 732-504-0700 ext. 64340, Landlord Tenant, 732-504-0700 ext. 64360, Mediation/Arbitration, 732-504-0700 ext. 64390, Law Division, 732-504-0700 ext. 64370, Criminal Division , The Criminal Division is responsible for processing and managing all indictable criminal cases involving adult offenders. In rare instances, juveniles may be waived to adult court based on the severity of the offense. The office handles all pre-adjudicatory functions of the Superior Court, Criminal Division, as well as Post Conviction Motions. Disorderly persons, petty disorderly person’s offenses and motor vehicle violations are normally heard in the Municipal Courts. Typical clients of the Criminal Division would be those: Arrested and charged with a criminal offense; Applying for pretrial intervention (PTI); Convicted of a criminal offense and needing a pre-sentence investigation completed; Having a question under pretrial monitoring; Seeking legal representation by the Office of the Public Defender; Inquiring about a criminal public record; Having questions concerning public access terminals; Appealing a Municipal Court sentence ( How to Appeal a Decision of a Municipal Court pro se kit available ); Applying for an expungement of a criminal record ( How to Expunge Your Criminal and/or Juvenile Record pro se kit available ); and Applying for recovery court, Agustina Lane, Criminal Division Manager 732-504-0700 ext. 64320 Email: OCNCrimGen.mbx@njcourts.gov Location Telephone, Criminal Main Line, 732-504-0700 ext. 64320, Criminal Trials, 732-504-0700 ext. 64320, Pretrial Services, 732-504-0700 ext. 64320, CJP/First Appearances, 732-504-0700 ext. 64320, Recovery Court, 732-504-0700 ext. 64242, Customer Service/Records Requests, 732-504-0700 ext. 64310, Family Division, Family Court is responsible to hear all actions in which the principal claim is unique to and arises out of a family or family type relationship. Family Court has jurisdiction over matters involving divorce, child support, paternity, custody, parenting time, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, family crisis, foster care placement, kinship legal guardianship, abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights and adoption. Daniel Noto, Family Division Manager 732-504-0700 ext. 64754 Location Telephone, Family Main Line, 732-504-0700 ext. 64050, Matrimonial, 732-504-0700 ext. 64050, Domestic Violence, 732-504-0700 ext. 64090, Domestic Violence (TRO filings only), 732-504-0700 ext. 64608, Non-dissolution-Intake, 732-504-0700 ext. 64050, Children in Court, 732-504-0700 ext. 64120, Juvenile Intake, 732-504-0700 ext. 64110, Finance Division, The Division of Finance manages all aspects of the Court's financial operations including the collection of fines, restitution, child support, bail and fees which are due to government agencies and individuals., Finance, 732-504-0700 ext. 64330 Christine Lee, Finance Division Manager 732-504-0700 ext. 64192 Location Telephone, Finance Fee Office, 732-504-0700 ext. 64150, Finance Purchasing/Accounts Payable/Grants, 732-504-0700 ext. 64140, Human Resources Division, The , Division of Human Resources, is responsible for a variety of programs and services for employees and applicants. The division administers all Human Resources related functions for the New Jersey Superior Court in each vicinage. The division is responsible for personnel management, labor and employee relations, Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action, training, payroll, health benefits, administration and volunteer programs. The Superior Court employs individuals in a wide variety of types of positions. We have career opportunities for individuals in direct court services functions (i.e., Probation Officers, Criminal, Family and Civil case management, support staff, etc.) and in support services functions (i.e., Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, Purchasing, etc.). Careers in the NJ Courts See employment opportunities ., Krystyna Caravella, Human Resources Division Manager 732-504-0700 ext. 64030 Location Telephone, Human Resources Main Line, 732-504-0700 ext. 64030, IT Division, Ed Lane, IT Division Manager 732-504-0700 ext. 64000, Municipal Division, Municipal courts have jurisdiction over various matters, including motor vehicle and traffic violations, ordinance violations, disorderly and petty disorderly persons offenses and certain penalty enforcement actions, such as fish and game violations. The municipal courts also play a vital role in the indictable charges that ultimately end up in Superior Court. These charges are filed first in the municipal court, where a determination of probable cause is made, conditions of pretrial release are set, and preliminary arraignments are held. The complaints are then forwarded to the county prosecutor’s office for possible grand jury action. Many indictable charges are downgraded to disorderly persons offenses and are heard in the municipal court. Municipal courts have very limited juvenile jurisdiction such as jurisdiction to handle motor vehicle complaints involving minors and curfew violations. In addition to assessing fines and revoking various privileges, municipal court judges may imprison defendants for up to six months. There are no jury trials in municipal court. Questions or comments concerning court operations in any of the municipal courts may be directed to the attention of the Municipal Division Manager or visit the Municipal Court Services Municipal Court within the Superior Court of New Jersey page. , Joseph Sclama, Municipal Division Manager 732-504-0700 ext. 64330 Location Telephone, Municipal, Main Line 732-504-0700 ext. 64040, Operations Division, Lisa Slavick, Operations Division Manager 732-504-0700 ext. 64330, Jury Division, Call the jury management office if you have questions about your jury service. Bryce Petraccoro, Jury Manager -Ocean 732-504-0633 Location Telephone, Jury Main Line, 732-504-0633 (direct line) Location Telephone, Operations Main Line, 732-504-0700 ext. 64010, Transcripts\Audio, 732-504-0700 ext. 64020, Interpreting, 732-504-0700 ext. 64015, Title II ADA, 732-504-0700 ext. 64025, Probation Division, The Probation Division, as part of the Judiciary, plays a vital role in accomplishing the mission of the Court. The role of Probation Division is to promote the welfare and safety of children, families and communities in New Jersey by enforcing court orders, supervising offenders, monitoring behavior, and intervening to produce positive outcomes. Location Telephone, Probation Main Line, 732-504-0700 ext. 64510, Juvenile Probation, 732-504-0700 ext. 64520, Child Support, 877-655-4371
- Probation Division Manager Contact List, Name Address Contact Atlantic/Cape May Simmons, Keenon Probation Division Manager Atlantic/Cape May Atlantic County Criminal Courts Complex 4997 Unami Blvd. Floor 3 Mays Landing, New Jersey 08330 Phone: 609-402-0100 ext. 47160 Bergen Marcino, Amanda Probation Division Manager Bergen Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main Street Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 Phone: 201-221-0700 ext. 25454 Burlington Duarte, John Probation Division Manager Burlington Burlington County Court Facility 49 Rancocas Road Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060 Phone: 609-288-9500 ext. 38144 Camden Velasquez, Gil Probation Division Manager Camden Camden Probation 6 Executive Campus Route 70 Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002 Phone: 856-650-9100 ext. 43280 Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Rigsbee, Audrey Probation Division Manager Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem - Sewell 1893 Hurffville Road Sewell, New Jersey 08080 Phone: 856-878-5050 ext. 15682 Essex Ana C. Rivera Probation Division Manager Essex Essex County Veterans Courthouse 50 West Market Street Floor 8 Newark, New Jersey 07102 Phone: 973-776-9300 ext. 69032 Hudson Mack, Kimberly Probation Division Manager Hudson Hudson County Administration Bldg 595 Newark Avenue Suite/Room 107 Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Phone: 201-748-4400 ext. 60397 Mercer Peterson, Leroy Probation Division Manager Mercer Mercer County Civil Courthouse 175 South Broad Street Trenton, New Jersey 08650-0068 Phone: 609-571-4200 ext. 74270 Middlesex Tiffany Leverett Probation Division Manager Middlesex Middlesex - New Street PO Box 789 New Brunswick, New Jersey Phone: 732-645-4300 ext. 88466 Monmouth Carter, Myra Probation Division Manager Monmouth Monmouth -66 2407 Route 66 Ocean, New Jersey 07712 Phone: 732-358-8700 ext. 87344 Morris/Sussex DiBiase, Cory Probation Division Manager Morris/Sussex Morris County Courthouse PO Box 910 Morristown, New Jersey Phone: 862-397-5700 ext. 75587 Ocean VACANT Probation Division Manager Ocean Superior Court Probation Division 15 Hooper Avenue Toms River, New Jersey 08754 Phone: 732-504-0700 ext. 64510 Passaic Núñez, Indira A Probation Division Manager Passaic Passaic County Probation 55 Dale Ave Paterson, New Jersey 07505 Phone: 973-653-2910 ext. 24102 Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Rother, Brian Probation Division Manager Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Somerset County Courthouse PO Box 3000 Somerville, New Jersey Phone: 908-332-7700 ext. 13760 Union Edwards, Jennifer Probation Division Manager Union Albender Building 1143 East Jersey St Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201 Phone: 908-787-1650 ext. 21580 Showing 1 to 15 of 15 items
- eCourts, eCourts is the New Jersey Judiciary’s electronic case filing and management system. On This Page Body eCourts Login Attorneys in good standing can use eCourts to File documents and cases in civil, criminal, Tax Court, and appellate cases; Pay filing fees online using a JACS collateral account; Request transcripts; and Access electronic case jackets and files., Attorney Instructions for Activating eCourts, Step 1. Activate your attorney ID. Your attorney ID is activated the first time you use the Attorney Online Registration and Payment Center Attorney Online Registration and Payment Center to complete the annual attorney registration process. Step 2. Verify your attorney contact information. Verify the accuracy of your contact information in the, Attorney Online Registration and Payment Center Attorney Online Registration and Payment Center, , and make any necessary updates. The eCourts system uses this information to send correspondence and notifications. To update your attorney or attorney firm information. Step 3. Use the Judiciary account charge system (JACS) to create an account for paying filing fees. Be sure to complete the steps to link your firm ID to the account. The firm ID is not the bar ID. Assigned during the online registration process, the firm ID is a 9-digit ID that begins with an “F,” “H,” or “L.” JACS has instructions for how to link the firm ID to your account. If you cannot locate your firm ID, call 609-421-6100 for help. , Judiciary Account Charge System (JACS) Set up JACS account now, ., Step 4. User Agreement Sign the User Agreement . You will be asked to upload this into eCourts. Step 5. Access eCourts Once you have an attorney account and a linked JACS account, you can log into eCourts Civil, Criminal, and Appellate., eCourts Tax Court Registration, Attorneys must file a separate Attorney Access Verification Form verification form to use eCourts Tax. Send the completed form to TaxCourt.Mailbox@njcourts.gov with the subject line “Attorney Access Request.” You will receive a confirmation email from the , Tax Court, Clerk’s Office. Self-represented litigants must register before filing. Complete Registration Register for eCourts Tax Court. County boards of taxation, municipal clerks, and tax assessors must register before accessing eCourts accessing eCourts . eCourts County and Municipal Access Request Form Use this form and send to PublicAccess.Mailbox@njcourts.gov, Tips., Keep these things in mind when using eCourts: Make sure your email account accepts emails from eCourts so that court notices are not blocked or filtered into a spam folder. You must maintain the accuracy of your contact information. You can also update your attorney information to add an alternative email address to receive notifications. Sign documents electronically using this format: s/[Firstname Lastname] Follow standard paper processes for serving self-represented litigants and parties that have not entered a confirmed eCourts email address. Some Rules of Court have been relaxed to allow for electronic filing. While the courts have provided guidance to help eCourts users, we cannot provide legal advice. The Rules of Court remain in effect for all case types., eCourts Civil Notes, Who can file?, All New Jersey attorneys in good standing can use eCourts for civil matters., Mandatory case types., Attorneys are required to file via eCourts is special civil and foreclosure matters., File dates., Foreclosure, DC, and Law complaints and motions filed on weekdays by 11:59 p.m. will receive a filed date for the same day. Filings which occur Saturday, Sunday, Court Calendars, Schedules, and Agendas legal holidays, recess days will receive a filed date for the next business day., Do not file these documents in eCourts:, Sealed documents False Claims Act cases Structured settlements , eCourts Criminal Notes, Who can file?, Prosecutors, public defenders, and private attorneys in good standing can use eCourts for criminal matters to do not require a filing fee., Do not file these documents in eCourts:, Sealed documents Megan’s Law Expungements—use the Expunging Your Court Record expungement filing system to file requests for expungements. Gun permits Municipal appeals, eCourts Tax Court Notes, Who can file?, Self-represented litigants and New Jersey attorneys in good standing can use eCourts to file all documents in local property and state tax matters. County boards of taxation, municipal assessors, and municipal clerks can access case information through the Log in non-attorney login ., Do not file sealed documents in eCourts., eCourts Appellate Notes, Who can file?, New Jersey attorneys are required to use eCourts to file all documents in non-emergent appellate matters. Filers can use a credit card if they do not have an attorney JACS account. There will be an additional service fee for credit card payments. List Of Fees See filing fees. For help during business hours, contact the eCourts Appellate team at 609-815-2950 ext. 52590 or appellateT7.mailbox@njcourts.gov . For help with pretrial detention appeals, contact the pretrial detention appeals team at 609-815-2950 ext. 52580 or appellatepda.mailbox@njcourts.gov For Emergent matters, contact the , Appellate, Division emergent clerks between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 609-815-2950 and when prompted, press 1., How to file an appeal. Go to, the, Appellate Self-help page Appellate Self-help page to get instructions, forms, and guidance on preparing appellate briefs.
- Somerset County Volunteer Information, Volunteer Information - Somerset County, Guidelines:, Read about the general guidelines for the Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers, Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers, Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers volunteer program , that should be considered before submitting a volunteer application., Program Descriptions:, Click any of the program titles below to view the program description or view a Volunteer Programs - brochure statewide list of the court volunteer programs. Please note that the availability of programs varies by county based on the needs of the local court and the particular community. Child Placement Review Board (CPR) Actively Recruiting Court Appointed Special Advocate(CASA) Courthouse Services Assistance (CSA) Actively Recruiting Courthouse Visitors Assistance (CVA) Guardianship Monitoring Program (GMP) Municipal Court Mediation(MCM) Actively Recruiting Small Claims Settlement (SMCS) Special Civil Settlement (SCS) Actively Recruiting Juvenile Conference Committees (JCC) Landlord/Tenant Settlement (LTS), How to Apply:, Print and complete the Volunteer Application volunteer application , which can be forwarded to the address shown below. Volunteer applications also may be sent electronically to the email address listed below in the Contact Us section. Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren – Trial Court Administration 40 North Bridge Street Somerville, New Jersey 08876 ATTN: Volunteer Services Liaison, Driving Directions:, Get directions to Somerset County courthouse driving directions Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren - Trial Court Administration building., Contact Us:, Should you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to email or call the local volunteer services liaison using the contact information below. v13volunteers.mbx@njcourts.gov 908-332-7700 , ext. 13095, Regional Opportunities for Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) Screening Boards, Volunteers can be selected to help screen inmates for the Intensive Supervision Program. The program allows certain carefully selected state prison inmates the opportunity to work their way back into the community under close community supervision by specially trained probation officers. We are actively recruiting for all regions (Northern, Central, and Southern) with a special recruitment focus on the Southern Region. The majority of screening board panels meet virtually. However, in-person visits may also be required to some institutions. Southern Region volunteers will be required to visit South Woods State Prison located in Bridgeton, New Jersey to conduct screening board interviews. For more information about ISP Volunteer opportunities, please visit the link below: Intensive Supervision Program - Screening board Learn more about this volunteer opportunity.
- Civil and Foreclosure Public Access, Instructions, First-time users must register with the New Jersey Courts to search civil and foreclosure cases. If you already have a user ID and password to access eCourts, Evidence Submission, Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) or Municipal Case Resolution, you must use those credentials. Attorneys must use their assigned attorney bar ID credentials to access the Civil Search Application. Civil and Foreclosure Public Access returning Users RETURNING USERS Civil and Foreclosure Public Access - First-Time User Registration FIRST-TIME USER REGISTRATION, Disclaimer, Certain records may not be available for public inspection in accordance with Federal and State statutes and the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey or court order. Common examples of confidential records include those involving child victims of sexual abuse, cases involving trade secrets and records in any case ordered impounded by a judge. Confidential records and information will not be returned in your search results. The information displayed on this website is generated from computerized records in the custody and control of the New Jersey Judiciary and is intended for informational purposes only. The Judiciary provides this information as a public service and makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding its accuracy, reliability, currency, completeness, or suitability for any particular purpose. Additionally, the Judiciary assumes no liability for the improper or illegal use of information obtained from its computerized systems. Attempts to interfere with the operation of the Judiciary's computerized systems or to alter records in the Judiciary's computerized systems is strictly prohibited and may result in criminal prosecution, civil penalties, or disciplinary action where appropriate. In addition, the Judiciary will seek indemnification, including costs and attorneys fees, for any claims brought in connection with the improper or illegal use of information obtained from its computerized systems.
- Bergen Vicinage Court User Resource Center, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., Additional legal resources are available in our Law Library. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., Ombudsman Office, Ombudsman, Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main Street Suite/Room 125 Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 201-221-0700 ext. 25103 BergenHelp.Mailbox@njcourts.gov, Court Resource Center, Court User Resource Center, Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main Street Suite/Room 125 Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 201-221-0700 ext. 25092 Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program ombudsman program .
- Statistics, Statistical Dashboards, The following dashboards provide interactive summaries of filings, resolutions, and backlog in the New Jersey Trial Courts for the court year. The dashboards are updated each month to provide a current picture of caseload activity. Filings and Resolutions Dashboard : The tables and graphs show court year-to-date statistics (July to the current month available) and the most recent full court year statistics . The case type radio buttons control the type of cases shown in the Filings and Resolution table and the Percent Change in Filings map. Selection of a county radio button allows you to control the counties displayed in the bar graphs and table on the bottom of the dashboard. Backlog Dashboards : The tables and graphs show current backlog statistics and the most recent June (year-end) statistics. The case type radio buttons control the type of cases shown in the Backlog table, the monthly Backlog bar graph. Selection of a county radio button controls the counties displayed in the bar graphs on the bottom of the dashboard. Filings and Resolutions Dashboard - Current Filings and Resolutions Dashboard - Current Filings and Resolutions Dashboard - Court Year Filings and Resolutions Dashboard - Court Year New Jersey Trial Courts Backlog: Current Backlog Dashboard - Current New Jersey Trial Courts Backlog: Court Year Backlog Dashboard - Court Year, Trial Court Statistics, Trial court statistics are compiled from monthly statistical reports prepared by division managers in each county and submitted by trial court administrators. In the Court Management Report, the statewide overview section provides court year-to-date clearance and inventory percentages and current month clearance numbers. The county profile section of that report provides a two-page court year-to-date caseload report for each county. The Civil Statistics Report provides a report of filings, resolutions, clearance and backlog by case type. In the Superior Court Caseload Reference Guide, statistics are presented for five court years by county. Note: All reports are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. PDF documents preserve the look and feel of the original print documents. However, in order to view PDF documents, you must install the Adobe Acrobat Reader on your device. Acrobat Reader is available free of charge from their Adobe web site. Adobe provides a set of free tools that help users with visual impairments read documents in Adobe PDF format. To receive a hard copy of either report, email webmaster.mailbox@njcourts ., Court Management Statistics, Civil Statistics, Municipal Court Statistics, Court Management Statistics, October 2025 Court Management Statistics, February 2026 Civil Statistics, October 2025 Civil Statistics February 2026 Municipal Courts State and County, February 2026 Municipal Courts, October 2025 Municipal Courts, February 2026 Court Management Statistics, June 2025 Court Management Statistics, July 2024 - June 2025 Civil Statistics, June 2025 Civil Statistics, July 2024 - June 2025 State and County, June 2025 State and County, July 2024 - June 2025 Municipal Courts, June 2025 Municipal Courts, July 2024 -June 2025 Court Management Statistics, July 2023 - April 2024 Court Management Statistics, July 2023 - June 2024 Civil Statistics, July 2023 - April 2024 Civil Statistics, July 2023 - June 2024 State and County Statistics, July 2023 - April 2024 State and County, July 2023 - June 2024 Municipal Courts Statistics, July 2023 - April 2024 Municipal Courts, July 2023 - June 2024 Court Management Statistics, July 2022 - June 2023 Court Management Statistics, July 2022 - June 2023 Civil Statistics, July 2022 - June 2023 Civil Statistics, July 2022 - June 2023 State and County, July 2022 - June 2023 State and County, July 2022 - June 2023 Municipal Courts, July 2022 - June 2023 Municipal Courts, July 2022 - June 2023 Court Management Statistics, July 2021 – June 2022 Court Management Statistics, July 2021 – June 2022 Civil Statistics, July 2022 - June 2023 Civil Statistics, July 2021 – June 2022 State and County, July 2021 – June 2022 State and County, July 2021 – June 2022 Municipal Courts, July 2021 – June 2022 Municipal Courts, July 2021 – June 2022 Court Management Statistics, July 2020 - June 2021 Court Management Statistics, July 2020 - June 2021 Civil Statistics, July 2020 - June 2021 Civil Statistics, July 2020 - June 2021 State and County, July 2020 - June 2021 State and County, July 2020 - June 2021 Municipal Courts, July 2020 - June 2021 Municipal Courts, July 2020 - June 2021 Court Management Statistics, July 2019 - June 2020 Court Management Statistics, July 2019 - June 2020 Civil Statistics, July 2019 - June 2020 Civil Statistics, July 2019 - June 2020 State and County, July 2019 - June 2020 State and County, July 2019 - June 2020 Municipal Courts, July 2019 - June 2020 Municipal Courts, July 2019 - June 2020 Court Management Statistics, July 2018 - June 2019 Court Management Statistics, July 2018 - June 2019 Civil Statistics, July 2018 - June 2019 Civil Statistics, July 2018 - June 2019 State and County, July 2018 - June 2019 State and County, July 2018 - June 2019 Municipal Courts, July 2018 - June 2019 Municipal Courts, July 2018 - June 2019 Court Management Statistics, July 2017 - June 2018 Court Management Statistics, July 2017 - June 2018 Civil Statistics, July 2017 - June 2018 Civil Statistics, July 2017 - June 2018 State and County, July 2017 - June 2018 State and County, July 2017 - June 2018 Municipal Courts, July 2017 - June 2018 Municipal Courts, July 2017 - June 2018 Court Management Statistics, July 2016 - June 2017 Civil Statistics, July 2016 - June 2017 Civil Statistics, July 2016 - June 2017 State and County, July 2016 - June 2017 State and County, July 2016 - June 2017 Municipal Courts, July 2016 - June 2017 Municipal Courts, July 2016 - June 2017 Court Management Statistics, July 2015 - June 2016 Court Management Statistics, July 2015 - June 2016 Civil Statistics, July 2015 - June 2016 Civil Statistics, July 2015 - June 2016 State and County, July 2015 - June 2016 State and County, July 2015 - June 2016 Municipal Courts, July 2015 - June 2016 Municipal Courts, July 2015 - June 2016 Court Management Statistics, July 2014 - June 2015 Court Management Statistics, July 2014 - June 2015 Civil Statistics, July 2014 - June 2015 Civil Statistics, July 2014 - June 2015 State and County, July 2014 - June 2015 State and County, July 2014 - June 2015 Municipal Courts, July 2014 - June 2015 Municipal Courts, July 2014 - June 2015 Court Management Statistics, July 2013 - June 2014 Court Management Statistics, July 2013 - June 2014 Civil Statistics, July 2013 - June 2014 Civil Statistics, July 2013 - June 2014 State and County, July 2013 - June 2014 State and County, July 2013 - June 2014 Municipal Courts, July 2013 - June 2014 Municipal Courts, July 2013 - June 2014 Court Management Statistics, July 2012 - June 2013 Court Management Statistics, July 2012 - June 2013 Civil Statistics, July 2012 - June 2013 Civil Statistics, July 2012 - June 2013 State and County, July 2012 - June 2013 State and County, July 2012 - June 2013 Municipal Courts, July 2012 - June 2013 Municipal Courts, July 2012 - June 2013 Court Management Statistics, July 2011 - June 2012 Court Management Statistics, July 2011 - June 2012 Civil Statistics, July 2011 - June 2012 Civil Statistics, July 2011 - June 2012 State and County, July 2011 - June 2012 State and County, July 2011 - June 2012 Municipal Courts, July 2011 - June 2012 Municipal Courts, July 2011 - June 2012 Court Management Statistics, July 2010 - June 2011 Court Management Statistics, July 2010 - June 2011 Civil Statistics, July 2010 - June 2011 Civil Statistics, July 2010 - June 2011 State and County, July 2010 - June 2011 State and County, July 2010 - June 2011 Municipal Courts, July 2010 - June 2011 Municipal Courts, July 2010 - June 2011 Court Management Statistics, July 2009 - June 2010 Court Management Statistics, July 2009 - June 2010 Civil Statistics, July 2009 - June 2010 Civil Statistics, July 2009 - June 2010 State and County, July 2009 - June 2010 State and County, July 2009 - June 2010 Municipal Courts, July 2009 - June 2010 Municipal Courts, July 2009 - June 2010 Court Management Statistics, July 2008 - June 2009 Court Management Statistics, July 2008 - June 2009 Civil Statistics, July 2008 - June 2009 Civil Statistics, July 2008 - June 2009 State and County, July 2008 - June 2009 State and County, July 2008 - June 2009 Municipal Courts, July 2008 - June 2009 Municipal Courts, July 2008 - June 2009 Court Management Statistics, July 2007 - June 2008 Court Management Statistics, July 2007 - June 2008 Civil Statistics, July 2007 - June 2008 Civil Statistics, July 2007 - June 2008 State and County, July 2007 - June 2008 State and County, July 2007 - June 2008 Municipal Courts, July 2007 - June 2008 Municipal Courts, July 2007 - June 2008 Court Management Statistics, July 2006 - June 2007 Court Management Statistics, July 2006 - June 2007 Civil Statistics, July 2006 - June 2007 Civil Statistics, July 2006 - June 2007 State and County, July 2006 - June 2007 State and County, July 2006 - June 2007 Municipal Courts, July 2006 - June 2007 Municipal Courts, July 2006 - June 2007 Court Management Statistics, July 2005 - June 2006 Court Management Statistics, July 2005 - June 2006 Civil Statistics, July 2005 - June 2006 Civil Statistics, July 2005 - June 2006 State and County, July 2005 - June 2006 State and County, July 2005 - June 2006 Municipal Courts, July 2005 - June 2006 Municipal Courts, July 2005 - June 2006 Court Management Statistics, July 2004 - June 2005 Court Management Statistics, July 2004 - June 2005 Civil Statistics, July 2004 - June 2005 Civil Statistics, July 2004 - June 2005 State and County, July 2004 - June 2005 State and County, July 2004 - June 2005 Municipal Courts, July 2004 - June 2005 Municipal Courts, July 2004 - June 2005 Superior Court Caseload Reference Guide, 2017 - 2021 Superior Court Caseload Reference Guide, 2018 - 2022
- Publications and Reports, On This Page Body, Annual Reports of the New Jersey Judiciary, Reports are published by court year, which runs July 1 through June 30. Judiciary Annual Report 2022-2023 Judiciary Annual Report 2021-2022 Judiciary Annual Report 2021-2022 Judicial Annual Report 2020-2021 Judiciary Annual Report 2020-2021 Judicial Annual Report 2019-2020 Judiciary Annual Report 2019-2020 Judiciary Annual Report 2018-2019 Judiciary Annual Report 2018-2019, Judiciary Times, Read our semi-annual statewide newsletter. Judiciary Times Winter 2024 – Spring 2025 Winter 2024 – Spring 2025 Judiciary Times Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Judiciary Times Winter 2022 - Spring 2023 Edition Winter 2022 - Spring 2023 Winter 2021 – Spring 2022 Winter 2021 – Spring 2022 JT Summer 2021 Summer 2021 Winter 2020/Spring 2021 Winter 2020/Spring 2021 Fall 2020 Fall 2020, Probation Recidivism Reports, Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2025 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2024 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2024 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2021-2022 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2021-2022 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2019-2020 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2019-2020, Special Reports, Gun Violence Reduction Initiative Annual Report Court Year 2024-2025 Millville Municipal Court Report Millville Municipal Court Report (Feb. 16, 2023) Report of the Working Group on the Municipal Courts Report of the Supreme Court Working Group on the Municipal Courts (July 8, 2019) Judiciary Strategic Plan for COVID Backlog Reduction (March 2024) Strategic Plan for COVID Backlog Reduction (March 2024)
- Landlord/Tenant, The following information outlines court process for Landlord-Tenant cases. On This Page Special Civil Part officers are the only ones able to enforce an eviction. Any other attempt at eviction is illegal., Forms and Process, Quick Access to All Landlord-Tenant Forms , Landlord Forms: CN Title 10512 Certification by Landlord - Appendix XI-T 10513 Certification by Landlord's Attorney - Appendix XI-U 10822 Tenancy Summons and Return of Service - Appendix XI-B 11252 Verified Complaint Landlord Tenant - Appendix XI-X 11947 How to Apply For a Writ of Possession (Order to Remove an Illegal Occupier From Your Property - Ejectment Action) 12770 Landlord Case Information Statement (LCIS) 12817 Warrant of Removal - Commercial - Appendix XI-G (2) 12818 Warrant of Removal - Notice to Tenants - Appendix XI-G (3) 12819 Warrant of Removal - Execution - Appendix XI-G (4) 12836 Request for Residential Warrant of Removal 12842 Certification of Lease and Registration Statement Tenant Forms: CN Title 10288 Information for Residential Tenants 12778 Tenant Case Information Statement (TCIS) Process for Filing Landlord tenant cases are filed in the special civil part of Superior Court. Any landlord that is a business entity must be represented by a New Jersey attorney in landlord tenant cases. A business entity is a corporation, a limited liability company, or a partnership. Sole proprieters and general partnerships are allowed to file papers and represent themselves in court. Still, it is a good idea to get a lawyer if you can. While you have the right to represent yourself in court, you should not expect any special treatment, help, or attention from the court. You must still comply with the Rules of the Court, even if you are not familiar with them. The following is a list of some things the court staff can and cannot do for you. Please read it carefully before asking the court staff for help. We can explain and answer questions about how the court works. We can tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered by the court. We can give you some information from your case file. We can provide you with samples of court forms that are available. We can provide you with guidance on how to fill out forms. We can usually answer questions about court deadlines. We cannot give you legal advice. Only your lawyer can give you legal advice. We cannot tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court. We cannot give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court. We cannot recommend a lawyer, but we can provide you with the telephone number of a local lawyer referral service. We cannot talk to the judge for you about what will happen in your case. We cannot let you talk to the judge outside of court. We cannot change an order issued by a judge., How to File a Complaint in Landlord Tenant Court, Complete Forms Verified Complaint Landlord - Tenant - Appendix XI-X Verified Complaint The landlord (you) must provide the correct name(s) address(es), and email address(es), if known, for each tenant named as a defendant. Also, the complaint must identify the landlord(s) as individuals, proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. You must complete the entire, mandatory, complaint form, providing an answer for each question 1 through 11, and any other applicable questions, and must attach all required documents. Tenancy Summons and Return of Service - Appendix XI-B Tenancy Summons and Return of Service The court will insert the trial date on the summons. It will be at least 21 days from date of service of the summons. You must file the following documents with the complaint. Landlord Case Information Statement (LCIS) Landlord Case Information Statement(LCIS) You must complete a Case Information Statement and file it with the court with the complaint. The information contained in the Case Information Statement is not admissible as evidence. Do not include personal identifiers such as social security numbers on the copy of the documents that you file with the court. Complete the forms, make a copy, and then redact the personal identifiers on the copies you will submit to the court. A copy of the lease, (or, if the lease exceeds 10 pages, the relevant portions of the lease), including: any provisions specifying fees and charges as “additional rent.” any provisions outlining landlord’s notice obligations under any rental assistance program. any provisions outlining grounds for eviction under any rental assistance program. Registration Statement, unless exempt pursuant to N.J.S.A. 46:8-27. Certification of Lease and Registration Statement Certification of Lease and Registration Statement For cases involving something other than non-payment of rent, include all notices that were sent to the tenant or Public Housing Authority which will be used at the trial. Attach the filing fee or request a fee waiver: One defendant $50 Each additional defendant $5 Service fee: $7 for delivery of the court papers by a special civil part officer. Check the forms to make sure they are complete. Sign the forms. Make copies of all of the documents that will be submitted to the court and put one copy in a safe place. The landlord should keep a copy for their records and two copies for each tenant named as a defendant in the complaint. Check that the personal identifiers are redacted on the copies prepared for court. Upload the documents into the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system. Use a credit card to pay the fee or mail the verified complaint, the summons, the LCIS, any notices, and the fee to the Superior Court Superior Court where the rental property is located. You can also deliver the papers in person or by mail., You must, include The summons The LCIS A copy of the lease, (or, if the lease exceeds 10 pages, the relevant portions of the lease) Registration Statement Certification of Lease and Registration Statement For cases alleging, other than, non-payment of rent, any required notices Check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey. You can also pay cash if you are delivering the papers to the courthouse in person. Note that attorneys must use the eCourts system to file landlord tenant cases., Tenant Response, The tenant is the defendant in a landlord tenant case. The defendant must go to court to defend against the landlord’s claims. Written responses are not acceptable. Tenants must complete the Tenant Case Information Statement (TCIS) Tenant Case Information Statement (TCIS) and file it with the court as soon as possible after receipt of the complaint. However, the TCIS shall be accepted for filing through the date of trial. Does the tenant need a lawyer in landlord tenant court? The tenant must be represented by a lawyer if it is a business. Any corporation, company, or limited liability partnership must have an attorney in landlord tenant court cases. Even if you are not a business, it is a good idea to get a lawyer if you can. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can contact the legal services program in your county to see if you qualify for free legal services. Legal Services of New Jersey maintains a directory of Regional legal services offices regional legal services offices. The New Jersey State Bar Association also maintains a list of county lawyer referral services lawyer referral services that might be helpful. While you have the right to represent yourself in court, you should not expect any special treatment, help, or attention from the court. You must still comply with the Rules of the Court, even if you are not familiar with them. The following is a list of some things the court staff can and cannot do for you. Please read it carefully before asking the court staff for help. We can explain and answer questions about how the court works. We can tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered by the court. We can give you some information from your case file. We can provide you with samples of court forms that are available. We can provide you with guidance on how to fill out forms. We can usually answer questions about court deadlines. We cannot give you legal advice. Only your lawyer can give you legal advice. We cannot tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court. We cannot give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court. We cannot recommend a lawyer, but we can provide you with the telephone number of a local lawyer referral service. We cannot talk to the judge for you about what will happen in your case. We cannot let you talk to the judge outside of court. We cannot change an order issued by a judge., Settlement, It is important to come to the scheduled court date. Both parties might be able to work out a settlement as long as they are both present. Settlement is often the best solution. It gives both parties the chance to compromise. In a settlement meeting with trained court staff, each party can get something that they want out of the case. Even if a tenant is facing eviction, the tenant and landlord might be able to work out a plan that will give the tenant more time to move out. If the landlord and tenant agree on a settlement, the court staff will help them submit the correct form to the judge. If the judge approves the settlement, the case is over. The landlord and tenant can move forward according to the settlement terms. You have nothing to lose by trying to settle with the other party., Preparing for Trial, Watch this video on landlord tenant cases before you attend court., What to present, Documents Be prepared to present or submit all records that will help you prove your case, such as: rent receipts, estimates, repair bills dishonored checks from the tenant (bounced checks) letters and notices to, or from, the tenant(s) photographs** any other documents that you believe will help you defend the case being made against you **Photographs, emails and text messages must be submitted to the court. You should print these out if you are appearing in person or contact the court in advance to arrange to submit them if you are attending virtually. Contact the Civil Division in your county to arrange to submit evidence in advance of the trial. Witnesses. Your witnesses can attend court to help you prove your case; the court will not accept a written statement signed by a witness. If you are attending to court without a lawyer, you will have to question your witnesses. Prepare any questions you will ask your witnesses in advance., What to expect at the trial:, If the landlord does not attend, the case will be dismissed. This means the case will not proceed. If the tenant does not attend, the case will be marked “Default.” This means the landlord can apply for a judgment against the tenant. If you both come to court, you will be asked to work with trained, neutral court staff to try to settle your case. OR If the landlord and the tenant come to an agreement, the court staff will help complete the right form to finalize the settlement. The judge must review and approve the forms before the court will accept your agreement. If you do not come to an agreement, a judge will hear the case. The judge will either grant or deny a judgment for possession. A judgment for possession is the first step toward eviction. Landlord/Tenant Trial Instructions - Harris Announcement (Appendix XI-S) Read the instructions that the judge will give in court, After the Trial, Unpaid rent:, A tenant cannot be evicted if the full amount of rent is paid. The landlord also can charge for other costs if the judge approves. Even after a judgment of possession is issued by the court, the tenant has three business days to pay the rent and the approved costs to avoid eviction. The landlord cannot refuse the timely offer of full payment by the tenant, by a charitable organization, or by a rental assistance program. The judgment of possession does not entitle the landlord to the outstanding rent. To seek back rent, the landlord must file a claim in the special civil part or small claims section to collect the outstanding rent. Special Civil Court How to file a special civil case for any amount of unpaid rent Small Claims Court How to file a small claims case for amounts $5,000 and under Judgments for Possession and Warrants of Removal If a judgment for possession is entered, the landlord can take steps to have the tenant evicted. After the three business days pass from the date of the judgment for possession, the landlord may request a warrant of removal from the court. If the tenant does not leave the property, a special civil part court officer, not the landlord, will serve the tenant(s) with a warrant of removal. Residential tenants have three business days to leave the property after they are served with a warrant of removal. If they do not leave, the landlord can ask the court officer to evict them. The special civil part officer will carry out the warrant of removal unless the tenant pays everything in full. The residential tenant can also pay the landlord everything in full up to three business days after an eviction and have their case dismissed. Unlike residential tenants, business tenants must leave immediately when served with a warrant of removal., Landlords need to submit the following to move towards eviction:, Residential CN Title 12816 Warrant of Removal - Residential - Appendix XI-G (1) 12818 Warrant of Removal - Notice to Tenants - Appendix XI-G (3) 12819 Warrant of Removal - Execution - Appendix XI-G (4) 12836 Request for Residential Warrant of Removal Commercial CN Title 12817 Warrant of Removal - Commercial - Appendix XI-G (2) 12818 Warrant of Removal - Notice to Tenants - Appendix XI-G (3) 12819 Warrant of Removal - Execution - Appendix XI-G (4), After Judgment for Possession, There are still things that a tenant can do after the court date that could delay or prevent an eviction. The tenants must notify their landlord if they decide to pursue any of these actions with the court: Tenants can request an Order for Orderly Removal, How to Apply for an Order for Orderly Removal in a Landlord Tenant Case How To Apply for an Order for Orderly Removal which grants them more time to move out. This could give them up to seven calendar days to move. They can request a hardship stay How to Apply for a Hardship Stay in a Landlord Tenant Case How to Apply for a Hardship Stay . This could stop the eviction for up to six months. Tenants cannot apply for a hardship stay unless they pay all the money they owe to the landlord, plus any costs. If they pay all the money they owe and they are granted a hardship stay, they must still comply with the original lease and pay all of the rent during the stay. Tenants can apply to the court to vacate (cancel) the judgment for possession How to Apply for an Order to Show Cause in a Landlord Tenant Case How to Apply for an Order to Show Cause . This request is not granted often and requires unique legal circumstances. Tenants can ask the court to dismiss the case if they give the landlord all the money that is due within three business days of the judgment of possession or eviction. The court must dismiss the complaint. Tenants can file an Order to Show Cause if the landlord refuses to accept payment from a rental assistance program or charity that has agreed to pay the overdue amount. Tenants should contact the Special Civil Part Office Special Civil Part Office as soon as possible to apply for any of the above., Laws and Legal Research, Key facts:, Residential tenants in New Jersey have certain rights. They cannot be evicted by anyone other than a special civil part officer. The landlord must first file a landlord tenant lawsuit in the special civil part of the Superior Court and get a judgment for possession from the court before an officer can be directed to evict any residential tenant. If the landlord does not have a judgment for possession, and attempts to have the tenant evicted, this is an illegal lockout. If the eviction is not carried out by a special civil part officer, this is also an illegal lockout. Tenants have the right to attend court on the scheduled trial date to defend themselves against a possible eviction. Those cases are heard in the county courthouse where the rental property is located. The judge may send the parties to a trained neutral settlor on the trial date to try to settle the case. Landlord Tenant Laws: There are two New Jersey statutes that apply to eviction cases. The laws differ on when and why a renter can be evicted. See N.J.S.A. 2A:18-53 for commercial tenants (not homes) and for residential properties with no more than two rental units (such as a two-family home, or a three-family home if the landlord also lives in one of the units). N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et. seq. applies to all other residential tenants, except for hotels, motels, and seasonal renters. Laws Protecting Tenants Some reasons a landlord might file a complaint in landlord tenant court: In most cases, a landlord must give a tenant a written notice to cease, or stop, their disorderly conduct or other violation. The landlord can only move forward with an eviction if the tenant continues the conduct after receiving the notice to stop. See N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 for more information. Also, complaints for reasons other than non-payment of rent generally require notice ending the tenancy. These notices must be attached to the complaint at the time of filing. Under federal law, public housing residences require the landlord to send a copy of the complaint and any eviction notice to the Public Housing Authority (“PHA”) on the same day or before the complaint is filed in court. Common Defenses in Eviction Cases There are many ways that tenants can defend themselves in eviction cases. Both tenants and landlords should research these issues in order to prepare for court. Legal Services of New Jersey has a helpful website to get you started. Habitability A rental property must be “habitable,” meaning that people can live in it safely and comfortably. In New Jersey this is also called the Marini Doctrine. Common problems that affect habitability: Lack of hot water or heat Non-working toilet Mold, bed bugs, or rodents Lead paint, broken windows, unfinished floors Broken appliances such as a stove or a refrigerator Unsafe common areas such as a lobby, stairs, or elevator Anything else that makes it hard for a tenant to live there normally A tenant might withhold rent because of a habitability issue. But habitability cannot be used to avoid eviction for a pattern of late rent payments, noise or pet violations, or any other reason the landlord might give for an eviction. To make a habitability defense, a tenant must: Deposit all rent due with the court. Be able to show the court, with photos or other evidence, that some part of the living space is uninhabitable. Be able to show the court that they told the landlord about the problem and gave the landlord a chance to fix it. Be able to show the court that they are not the cause of the issue. If the tenant broke the window, for example, that cannot be the reason for not paying rent. Unregistered Rental Property The property might not be registered as a rental property. If the landlord lives on the property and there are three units or fewer, the property must be registered with the Community Development Authority. If the landlord does not live on the property OR the property includes more than three units, the property must be registered with the Bureau of Housing Inspection. Proof of registration is done through a Registration Statement, which the landlord must file with the complaint. Illegal Tenancy A tenant could argue that the tenancy is illegal. Reasons could include: The property is condemned. There are zoning violations. For example, the property has been divided into more units than it was approved to have. The property violates other laws. For example, it might be in a basement with only one escape route. Abatement The judge could decide to give the tenant an “abatement”, meaning the tenant does not owe the full amount of the rent because of a problem with the property. For example, the tenant is paying for a 2-bedroom apartment but one of the bedrooms has no windows and is not a real room. Section 8 Subsidized Housing A landlord cannot evict a tenant without first telling any public agencies that subsidize the tenant’s rent. The landlord must attach proof of this notice when the eviction complaint is filed with the court. The case could be dismissed if the landlord did not notify the agency about the case. Certain Business Landlords That Require Attorneys Landlords that are corporations, limited liability companies (LLC), or limited partnerships (LLP), are not permitted to file landlord/tenant lawsuits without an attorney. When these business landlords appear in court, they must also have an attorney representing them. Notices Required If Landlord Is Suing for Something Other Than Non-Payment of Rent If the landlord has sued a tenant for a reason other than non-payment of rent, the landlord is required to send the tenant certain notices. The landlord must attach copies of the notices to the complaint before filing with the court. Each notice can have different legal requirements depending on the reason for seeking eviction. Tenants must receive these notices when they are served with the summons and complaint. Payment of All Rent Due by 4:30 p.m. on Trial Date (for Non-Payment of Rent Case Only) The case may be dismissed if the tenant pays to the court by 4:30 p.m. on the scheduled trial date the entire amount of rent due and owing. This includes the court costs (landlord’s filing fees) and any other costs lawfully permitted by the lease agreement. This is only if a landlord has sued on the basis of non-payment of rent only, Pay All Rent up to Three Days After an Eviction (Landlord Must Accept) For residential non-payment of rent cases only, a landlord must accept payment as long as it includes: The total amount of rent due and owing, plus Permissible costs and charges under a valid lease agreement. Total amount must be paid any time up to three business days after an eviction. Payment must be by cashier’s check, money order or cash. No personal checks. A landlord must also accept payment on behalf of a tenant by a charitable organization. After receipt of payment, the landlord must advise the court within two days that the rent due and owing was paid or be subject to a $500 fine. Illegal Evictions How to Apply for the Return of Your Personal Property or to Return to Your Rental Premises (Illegal Lockout Kit) How to File for the Return to Your Rental Premises A landlord cannot evict tenants or remove their belongings from a rental home without first getting a judgment for possession and then a warrant of removal from the court. Only a special civil part officer can perform the eviction on behalf of a landlord. It is illegal for the landlord to force a tenant out by changing the locks, padlocking the doors or by shutting off gas, water or electricity. A landlord also cannot take possession of a tenant’s personal belongings or furniture to try to force them to pay rent. Tenants who have been locked out of their home illegally can file a complaint in the special civil part of Superior Court. In the complaint, the tenant can request to be allowed back into the home. They also can request monetary damages. Security Deposits Maximum security deposit is 1 ½ months’ rent. In New Jersey, a landlord can only charge up to 1½ months’ rent as a security deposit. The landlord requires the security deposit in order to pay for any damage done to the unit or to cover unpaid rent after the tenant leaves. The landlord must deposit the security deposit into an interest-bearing account within 30 days of receiving the money from the tenant. Security deposit must be kept in an interest-bearing bank account. The landlord must notify the tenant in writing, within 30 days of receiving the deposit, the following information: The name of the bank or savings and loan association in which the deposit is made The type of account in which the security deposit is deposited The current rate of interest for that account The amount of such deposit The landlord must send the tenant an updated statement providing the same information on an annual basis, or within 30 days of: Moving the deposit from one depository institution or fund to another Each annual interest payment The transfer or conveyance of ownership or control of the property The interest must be paid or credited to the tenant each year. The landlord must either pay you the amount of the annual interest in cash or must credit the amount of the annual interest toward the payment of rent. The security deposit cannot be touched until the tenant moves out. The landlord cannot deduct any money from a tenant’s security deposit until after the tenant moves out of the home. If the landlord wants to use the security deposit to pay for damage or for unpaid rent, they must notify the tenant in writing within 30 days after eviction or after the tenant moves out of the home. The tenant must provide the landlord with their new address so that the landlord can contact them about their security deposit. If the tenant owes more money than the amount of the security deposit, or if the damage caused by the tenant was beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord can sue the tenant in court for the additional amount. If the tenant believes the landlord kept all or part of the security deposit without good cause, the tenant can sue the landlord for security deposits up to $5,000 in small claims court small claims court . Lawsuits for security deposits greater than $5,000 must be filed as special civil cases. Foreclosures A residential tenant will not be forced to move because the property is in foreclosure if the tenant has a valid lease and is in good standing. The purchase at the sheriff’s sale will take over the building subject to the tenants’ rights. If the property they are renting goes into foreclosure, tenants should receive the Notice to Residential Tenants of Rights During Foreclosure. The law protects tenants from discrimination and sexual harassment. The law protects tenants from discrimination and sexual harassment. Tenants cannot be denied housing because of their gender identity or expression , race, or other types of bias. Tenants are permitted to have emotional support animals in their rental homes. They cannot be discriminated against if they qualify for an emotional support animal. Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on the lawful source of the money used to pay their rent. The law protects tenants from racial steering . Racial steering is the practice of limiting someone’s choices for renting or buying housing by directing them towards or away from available housing based on actual or perceived race or national origin. You can find more anti-discrimination protections listed on the Division of Civil Rights Division of Civil Rights webpage. The tenant failed to pay rent. The tenant is often late in paying rent. The tenant has repeatedly acted in a disorderly manner. The tenant has caused destruction or damage to the property willfully or through gross negligence. The tenant has violated the terms of the lease or other document. The landlord is required to board up or demolish the property for health and safety reasons. Lack of heat Mold, bedbugs, or rodents No running water, no hot water, or a toilet that doesn’t work Lead paint, broken windows, unfinished floors Broken appliances such as a stove or a refrigerator Unsafe common areas such as a lobby, stairs, or elevator Anything else that makes it hard for a tenant to live there normally Be able to pay the full amount of rent due on the scheduled court date. They might be asked to give the rent money to the court to hold until the case is over. Be able to show the court, with photos or other evidence, that some part of the living space is uninhabitable. Be able to show the court that they told the landlord about the problem and gave the landlord a chance to fix it. Be able to show the court that they are not the cause of the issue. If the tenant broke the window, for example, that cannot be the reason for not paying rent. The property is condemned. There are zoning violations. For example, the property has been divided into more units than it was approved to have. The property violates other laws. For example, it might be in a basement with only one escape route. The total amount of rent due and owing, plus Permissible costs and charges under a valid lease agreement. The name and address of the bank where the money has been deposited. The amount of the deposit. The type of account. The current interest rate of that account The deposit is moved to another account or bank. The bank merges with another bank. The rental property is sold. , Housing Assistance, Resource Navigators, . Resource Navigators from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) can give the parties information about assistance with rent, utilities, and other issues. They are often available at trials., Rental Assistance, . Rental assistance may be available through the DCA . The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information about rental assistance in each state., Pending Rental Assistance Applications, . If you filed an application for rental assistance and are awaiting the outcome, be prepared to provide proof of the application to the court before the trial., Legal Assistance, . The court system can be confusing. It is a good idea to get a lawyer if you can. If you can’t afford an attorney, you can contact the Legal Services office near you to see if they can help. Call the Statewide Hotline at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529) or apply online . If you are not eligible for free legal assistance, refer to a lawyer referral program in your county . You will also find helpful information in LSNJ’s Tenants’ Rights Manual . Ombudsman Directory Contact your local ombudsman for information on other resources, such as the Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and the Community Health Law Project., DCAid, . DCA has assistance programs to help with heating costs, prevention of eviction, reduction of utility bills, and removal of lead hazards from your home. Use their screening tool to see if you qualify., New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA), . HMFA can provide free financial counseling related to eviction or possible foreclosure ., County and Municipal Welfare Agencies, . County and municipal welfare agencies have programs to help with food and medical expenses. Visit the NJHELPS.gov website to learn more., U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), . HUD has resources for both landlords and tenants in New Jersey . This includes help with finding a subsidized apartment, applying for public housing, and other affordable housing programs., Frequently Asked Questions, How Do I Prepare for Trial in Land Lord/Tenant case?, Landlord, If you are the landlord, you must come to court and prove the statements made in the complaint are true. Arrange to have in court any witnesses you need to prove your case. A written statement, even if made under oath, cannot be used in court. Only actual in-court testimony of the witnesses will be allowed. Prepare your questions in advance. Bring to court all records of any transactions that may help you prove your case. Such records can include: Leases, estimates, bills, rent receipts or ledgers. Dishonored checks. Letters, photographs. Other documents proving your claim If you are the landlord and want to withdraw the complaint, immediately call the Special Civil Part Office so that they can mark the case as withdrawn and cancel any interpreter or special accommodation, if any, that may have been arranged. If you and the tenant settle the case prior to the scheduled trial date, and it is regarding a residential property, the judge might need to review and approve the settlement agreement in the event it needs to be enforced later by any of the parties., Tenant, If you are the tenant, you don't have to file a written answer, but you must come to court and prove that the statements made by the landlord in the complaint are not true. Arrange to have in court any witnesses you need to prove your case. A written statement, even if made under oath, cannot be used in court. Only actual testimony of the witnesses, including your own testimony, will be allowed. Bring to court all applicable records. Such records may include: Rent receipts, canceled checks. Leases. Letters and notices to or from the landlord Photographs Other documents proving your case. If you have not paid rent because the landlord did not make necessary repairs, you have to prove to the court how serious the problems are and how they are affecting your use of the rented property. If you have not paid your rent, you should bring the amount the landlord claims you owe to court. Only cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the, Treasurer, State of New Jersey, , is acceptable. Where Do I File a Landlord/Tenant Complaint? A complaint must be filed with the Office of the Special Civil Part Clerk in the county where the rental premises are located. What Happens on the Day of Trial for Landlord/Tenant? Both the tenant and landlord must come to court at the time and date stated on the summons unless otherwise notified by the court. Bring all evidence and witnesses needed to present your case. If both the landlord and tenant appear, they might first be required to meet with a court approved mediator or settlor in an attempt to settle the case. This person is not a judge and will try to help the landlord and tenant settle their case. If an agreement is reached, agreement or settlement forms are available so that the agreement can be put in writing. It must be reviewed and/or approved by the judge when the tenant has no attorney representing them and it concerns residential property. Both the landlord and tenant will be able to present their case to the judge if they are unable to settle their case. If the judge decides in favor of the tenant, the case will be dismissed. If the judge decides in favor of the landlord, a "judgment for possession" will be granted. A judgment for possession is a court order that allows the landlord, within specific time limits, to have the tenant removed from the property (evicted) by a Special Civil Part Officer. If the landlord fails to appear at the scheduled date and time, the case will be dismissed against the landlord. If the tenant fails to appear at the scheduled date and time, the landlord will obtain a default, which means that the court is deciding in favor of the landlord. After the default, if the landlord files the required certification forms, the landlord will obtain a default judgment for possession. If the landlord's complaint is for non-payment of rent and the tenant offers to pay all the rent due, plus court costs, BEFORE or on the day of the court hearing, the landlord must accept the rent and the case will be dismissed. If the landlord doesn't accept the money, it can be deposited with the Office of the Special Civil Part. The judgment will not get entered and/or it will get dismissed without prejudice and the tenant does not have to move out of the property. If the landlord’s complaint is for non-payment of rent and the residential tenant pays all of the rent due and owing, plus proper costs, within three business days after they are evicted, the landlord must accept and advise the court to dismiss the case with prejudice. The landlord can be subject to a statutory penalty of $500 if they fail to accept full payment, plus any proper court costs, fail to cooperate with a charitable organization or rental assistance program that had committed to pay the tenant’s rent and/or fails to notify the court to dismiss the case with prejudice What Are the Filing Fees? The cost for filing a complaint in the Landlord/Tenant Section is: For one defendant/tenant. $50 For each additional defendant/tenant. $5 Service fee for the lawsuit to be served on the tenants/defendant(s) by the Special Civil Part Officer. $7 If you file by mail, include a check for the filing fees (remember to include the mileage fee). Your check should be made payable the, Treasurer, State of New Jersey, . If you file through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system, the filing fees can be paid by credit card or collateral account. There is a 3% credit card processing fee for this service. Be sure to follow the instructions provided on the payment screen. What Happens If the Landlord Obtains a Judgment for Possession? If a landlord obtains a judgment for possession, the landlord can apply to the Special Civil Part Office for a warrant of removal, which permits the landlord to force the tenant to move out of the rental property (eviction). The fee for a warrant of removal is $35 plus the applicable Special Civil Part Officer’s mileage fee. A second mileage fee will also be required to be paid by the landlord to the Special Civil Part Officer directly, if it is necessary for the officer to revisit the residential rental property and execute the same warrant of removal (eviction) that the officer previously served upon the residential tenant. The landlord can contact the Special Civil Part Office staff about the applicable mileage fees. The warrant of removal cannot be issued to a Special Civil Part Officer until the expiration of three (3) business days (not counting the court day) after the judgment for possession is granted. The Special Civil Part Officer must give a residential tenant at least three (3) business days to move all persons and belongings from the property. Again, this date does not include holidays, weekends or the date that the warrant of removal was originally served by the Special Civil Part Officer upon the residential tenant. The Special Civil Part Officer is not required to provide a commercial tenant with any three-business day notice, as the officer can serve the warrant for removal and evict the commercial tenant at the same time. If the residential tenant does not move out after three (3) business days from the date that they were served with the warrant of removal, the landlord must arrange with the Special Civil Part Officer directly to have the residential tenant evicted or locked out. The Special Civil Part Officer will tell the landlord about any other possible fees charged for this eviction, which must be agreed to by the landlord and which cannot be greater than $75; the landlord pays this fee and the second mileage fee to the Special Civil Part Officer directly. The tenant can be restored to the rental unit if they pay all rent and costs due and owing up to three (3) business days after the eviction. Following the eviction, the landlord must allow the tenant to remove personal belongings from the property. If a tenant vacates the rental property but fails to remove their personal belongings, the landlord must still comply with the provisions of the New Jersey Tenant’s Abandoned Property statute. The landlord should consult with an attorney for those requirements. The landlord must apply for the warrant of removal (eviction) within 30 days from the date that the judgment for possession is entered unless the judgment is stopped or stayed (delayed) through a court order or other written agreement signed by the landlord and the tenant. The landlord must have the Special Civil Part Officer execute the warrant of removal (eviction) within 30 days of the warrant’s issuance unless the judgment is temporarily stopped or stayed through a court order or other written agreement signed by the landlord and tenant. What Happens to the Residential Security Deposit? The landlord must place security deposits in an interest-bearing account in a bank or saving and loan association in New Jersey at the time the lease is signed. The landlord must give the tenant written notice of where the money has been deposited within 30 days. If the landlord does not return the security deposit within 30 days from the date the tenant moves out or vacates the property, the tenant can sue to recover double the amount due, plus court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, if any. If the amount is $5000 or less, the tenant can sue in the Small Claims Section of the Special Civil Part Court. If the amount is more than $5,000, the tenant can sue in the Special Civil Part. If the amount is more than $15,000, the tenant must sue in the civil part section of the Law Division. The landlord must notify the tenant, within those 30 days from the date that the tenant vacates the rental property, if the landlord intends to keep some or all of the security deposit to pay unpaid rent and/or to pay for the cost of the repairs, if any. If the amount of any damage caused by a tenant plus any unpaid rent is more than the security deposit, the landlord can sue for the additional money. If a residential building is sold, the seller must turn over each security deposit plus any interest to the buyer and notify each tenant by registered or certified mail. What Can the Tenant do After Judgment for Possession is Entered? If the landlord’s complaint is for non-payment of rent, the residential tenant can pay all the rent due and owing, plus proper costs, up till three business days after they are evicted, and the landlord must send a letter or notice to the court dismissing the case with prejudice. The landlord cannot refuse to accept this timely payment from the tenant. The payment must be in certified funds, money order or cash. The landlord does not have to accept the tenant’s payment by personal check. A tenant can make a timely motion to dismiss with prejudice if the landlord fails to provide the required letter or notice to the Court upon their timely receipt of all rent due and owing, plus proper costs, or if the landlord refused to accept this timely offer of full payment. The landlord can be subject to a statutory penalty of $500 if they fail to accept the full rent due and owing before three business days from the date of the eviction, plus any proper court costs, fail to cooperate with a charitable organization or rental assistance program that had committed to pay the tenant’s rent and/or fails to notify the court to dismiss the case with prejudice. A tenant can ask the court for permission to stay in the property due to special difficulties or hardship that moving out might cause. If permission is granted, the tenant cannot stay in the property for more than six months, and all rent due, and future rent due during this “hardship stay,” must be paid. The tenant can also ask for a more temporary stay by asking the court for an Order for Orderly Removal which is typically no longer than 7 calendar days. Finally, a tenant can file a motion to vacate the underlying judgment for possession but that does not typically stop or stay the eviction process unless otherwise ordered by the court. Any of these requests for relief made by the tenant must be done with notice to the landlord and the first two, Hardship Stay and Orderly Removal, must be made within 10 days from the date of the eviction. The Premises I Am Currently Renting Are Subject to a Pending Foreclosure Action, Will I Be Forced to Move Because of This Foreclosure? A tenant will, NOT, be forced to move because of foreclosure. A residential tenancy is not generally affected by a foreclosure. The fact that the building, in which a tenant is renting goes into foreclosure, does NOT in most instances, affect a bona fide residential tenant in good standing. The purchaser at the sheriff’s sale will take over the building subject to the tenant’s rights. How Do I File a Landlord/Tenant Complaint? Landlords must file with the court:, Verified Complaint, Enter your full name, address, email address and telephone number. To ensure proper service of the complaint, the landlord must provide the correct name(s), address(es), and email address(es), if known, for each tenant named as a defendant. Also, the complaint must identify each tenant(s) as an individual, proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. The Landlord, must, complete the entire mandatory complaint form (Appendix XI-X), providing an answer for each question, 1 through 11, and any other applicable questions,, and must, attach all required documents. Landlord Tenant complaints against residential tenants for non-payment of rent must be signed and verified by someone with personal knowledge of the facts supporting the complaint. , Tenancy Summons and Return of Service, The court will insert the trial date on the summons. It will be at least 21 days from date of service of the summons. , Landlord Case Information Statement (LCIS), Landlord(s) must complete the LCIS and file it with the court with the complaint. The information contained in the LCIS is not admissible as evidence. Do not include personal identifiers, such as social security numbers, on the copy of the documents that you file with the court. Complete the forms, make a copy, and then redact the personal identifiers on the copies you will submit to the court. , A copy of the lease, (or, if the lease exceeds 10 pages, the relevant portions of the lease), including:, Any provisions specifying fees and charges as “additional rent.” Any provisions outlining landlord’s notice obligations under any rental assistance program. Any provisions outlining grounds for eviction under any rental assistance program. , Registration Statement, unless exempt pursuant to N.J.S.A. 46:8-27., , Certification of Lease and Registration Statement, For cases involving something other than non-payment of rent, include any notices previously given to tenants or Public Housing Authority that you intended to rely upon at trial. If you are landlord, sign, date, and send the completed required forms and any notices to tenants or Public Housing Authority that you intend to rely upon at trial, along with the appropriate filing and service fees, to the Office of the Special Civil Part through the mail or by using the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system. For more information on JEDS, go to Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) njcourts.gov . If you file through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system, the filing fees can be paid by credit card or collateral account. There is a 3% credit card processing fee for this service. If you are not filing through the JEDS system, you must send an original and two copies of your completed forms and attachments for each defendant/tenant named in the summons and complaint forms. The required forms, as well as a list Special Civil Part offices, addresses, and phone numbers, can be found on the court’s website at Special Civil Court njcourts.gov . What Types of Claims Are Filed? Common reasons why a landlord might file a complaint in the Landlord/Tenant Section of the Special Civil Part Court are: Failure to pay rent Continued disorderly conduct. Willful destruction or damage to property. Habitual lateness in paying rent. Violation of rules and regulations, after written notice to comply, as outlined in a lease or other document Tenant's conviction for a drug offense Before filing a landlord/tenant complaint for a reason other than non-payment of rent, the landlord must give the tenant written notice to stop particular conduct. Only when a tenant continues that conduct after receiving the notice to stop, can a landlord try to have the tenant evicted. Federal law requires a landlord who owns public housing residences to send a copy of the complaint and any eviction notice to the Public Housing Authority (“PHA”) on or before the complaint is filed with the Court. According to the Federal CARES Act of 2020, landlords who have Section 8 tenants or who have a federally backed mortgage and are allowed to postpone mortgage payments during the Covid-19 health crisis are not allowed to file in landlord/tenant court until July 26, 2020 and they must provide 30 days’ notice to their tenants once they are allowed to file in court. Landlords should consider consulting an attorney for more information on the impact of federal and state laws passed during the Covid-19 health crisis. Landlords or tenants that are corporations, limited liability corporations or limited partnerships must be represented by a New Jersey attorney in all matters filed in the Landlord/Tenant Section. No landlord or tenant that is one of these kinds of business entities can send a representative other than a New Jersey licensed lawyer or other court permitted lawyer to court. Partners in a general partnership can represent themselves in the Landlord/Tenant section of the Special Civil Part Court., Glossary, Answer : An Answer is a written response that explains why the defendant thinks they do not owe the money to the plaintiff in a court case. Appeal : An appeal is a written request asking a higher court to look at the decision of the judge and change that judge’s decision. Certification : A certification is a written statement made to the court when you file papers, swearing that the information contained in the filed papers is true. Complaint : A complaint is a document in which you briefly tell the court the facts in your case and the relief you want the court to grant. Counterclaim : A Counterclaim is a claim added to defendant’s answer which asserts an affirmative claim for damages against the plaintiff. Damages : The amount of money the plaintiff sues for in a lawsuit is called damages . Default : When the defendant does not appear for trial to respond to the complaint or does not file an answer, a judge could rule in the plaintiff's favor. This is called a default . Also, if the plaintiff does not appear for trial, the court could dismiss the plaintiff's case. Defendant : The defendant is the person or business against whom a case is filed. Dismiss : If a lawsuit is dismissed by a judge, there is no longer a court case. This can happen if the plaintiff does not serve the papers to the defendant properly, fails to appear at a scheduled court event, or otherwise fails to follow through with their case. Ejectment : An ejectment is a lawsuit seeking to remove an unlawful occupant who is neither a legal tenant nor an owner of a property Eviction : An eviction is the removal of a renter performed by a special civil part officer during court business hours. It can be performed only after a judgment for possession and a warrant of removal is used and served on the tenant by a special civil part officer. Fee waiver : The court does not charge a filing fee for litigants who can prove that their income is no more than 150% of the current poverty level and that they have no more than $2,500 in cash and bank accounts. File : To file means to give the correct forms and fee to the court to begin the court’s consideration of your request. Judgment : A judgment is the official decision of a court in a case. Judgment for possession : A landlord can go to court to seek a judgment for possession to evict tenants who have failed to pay rent, failed to abide by a lease agreement, or other reasons allowed by law. Litigant : A litigant is person in a court case, either suing or being sued. Motion : A motion is a written request in which you ask the court to issue an order, or to change an order it has already issued. Order : An order is a signed paper from the judge telling someone they must do something. Party : A party is a person, business or governmental agency involved in a court action. Personal Identifier : A personal identifier is any personal information that is unique to an individual, including Social Security number, military status, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance policy number, active bank account and credit card numbers. This information could be used to steal someone’s identity or their money. All documents filed with the court are available for public inspection. , Therefore no personal identifiers should be included on documents filed with the court, Plaintiff : The plaintiff is the party who starts the lawsuit. Redact : To redact is to remove or to hide parts of a written document. Return Date : The return date is the date the plaintiff and defendant are told to appear in court. Service : Service is mailing or delivering copies of your papers to the lawyer for the other party or to the other party directly if they have no lawyer. Service of Process : Service of Process is the official delivery of the papers to the other party. Summons : A summons is the paper that notifies the defendant that he or she is being sued and briefly explains the steps they need to take once they have received this notice. Tenant : A Tenant is a person or business that entered into a lawful agreement with a landlord or property owner that gives them the right to peaceful possession of a habitable rental property. Testimony : A testimony is a formal statement given in a court of law. Transcript : A transcript is a written record of everything that was said during a court hearing. Warrant of Removal : A warrant of removal is an order by the court that allows an eviction of a tenant at the request of the landlord. Writ : A writ is an document issued by a court that orders a person, business or organization to do something.
- Tax Court of New Jersey, The Tax Court resolves disputes involving local property taxes, state income taxes, homestead rebates, and sales and business taxes. On This Page Body, Overview of the Tax Court, Most tax cases must be decided by the New Jersey Division of Taxation or a county board of taxation before being filed in the Tax Court. See our self-help resources if you are representing yourself in a Tax Court matter. Presiding Judge of the Tax Court: Mala Sundar Tax Court Clerk/Administrator: Jeffrey T. Gallus Deputy Clerk: Naglaa Elsayed Information Technology: James Kopaczewski, Team A Judges:, Mala Sundar, P.J.T.C. Joan Bedrin Murray, J.T.C. Christine M. Nugent, J.T.C. Mark Cimino, J.T.C. Joseph M. Andresini, P.J.T.C. (on recall) Team Leader: Christine Parker, Team B Judges:, Mary Siobhan Brennan, J.T.C. Michael J. Duffy, J.T.C Joshua D. Novin, J.T.C. Michael J. Gilmore, J.T.C. Frederick C. Raffetto, J.T.C. Team Leader: Naglaa Elsayed Mailing Address:, Tax Court Management Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 972 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0972 609-815-2922 ext. 54650 Hand Deliveries:, Tax Court, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Trenton, New Jersey 08625 See the Tax Court Judges Directory Tax Court Judges Directory for Tax Court judges and law clerks., Filing Tax Court Cases in eCourts, All Tax Court cases must be filed in eCourts . Attorneys who already have an eCourts account can Log in log directly into eCourts. Attorneys who do not have an eCourts account can download and complete the attorney access verification form to request access. There is a separate eCourts login for clerks of county boards of taxation, municipal assessors, and municipal clerks. Download and complete the eCourts County and Municipal eCourts Access Request Form Tax Court case jacket access request form to request access and then users will be able to Log In log in . Public access to some Tax Court information is available through the Tax Court Case Jacket Tax Court Case Jacket . Self-represented litigants can use eCourts to file a Tax Court Complaint electronically. eCourts will automatically create most complaint forms and will serve the complaint on most parties. Please click on the First time eCourts user registration link under Self-Represented Litigants., Tax Court Filing Fees, Type, Fee, File a motion in non-small claims matter, local or state tax, (No fee for motion in small claims matter, local or state), $50 Non-small claims Complaint Each additional Parcel or State Tax type $250 $50 Small claims Complaint Each additional Parcel or State Tax type $50 $10 Non-small claims Counterclaim (non-taxing district) Each additional Parcel or State Tax type $250 $50 Small claims Counterclaim (non-taxing district) Each additional Parcel or State Tax type $50 $10 Note: Municipalities do not pay a filing fee for a counterclaim., Tax Court Docketed Lists, These lists contain the Tax Court local property tax cases docketed as of the date on the report. They are sorted by county, and then by docket number. These lists are in Adobe PDF format, which has a search feature on the Adobe toolbar. You can locate your docket number by using all or part of the case title, block, lot, assessment year, or county. The All Docketed Tax Court Cases docketed lists of property tax and state tax cases are updated daily., Tax Court Resources, Published Tax Court Opinions Published Tax Court opinions and unpublished Tax Court opinions unpublished Tax Court opinions are also updated daily. Review the Rules Governing Practice in Tax Court Handbook Tax Court Rules Handbook for guidance on the Rules of Court governing practice in the Tax Court. See all Notices to the Bar related to the Tax Court. See all Forms forms and publications related to the Tax Court. Visit the New Jersey Division of Taxation website New Jersey Division of Taxation website or the New Jersey Association of County Tax Boards website New Jersey Association of County Tax Boards website . You can also find the New Jersey County Boards of Taxation Links board of taxation websites of these New Jersey counties:, Annual Reports:, Year, Annual Report of the Tax Court 2025 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2025 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2024 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2024 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2023 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2023 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2022 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2022 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2021 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2021 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2020 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2020 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2019 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2019 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2018 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2018 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2017 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2017, Appeals, Transcripts and Recordings, Appeals of Tax Court decisions must be filed with the Appellate Division within 45 days of the date of the Tax Court decision. You will be required to pay for and submit a transcript as part of your appeal. Transcripts are the written record of exactly what was said during court. Request a transcript. You can also purchase an audio recording of your case for $10. The sound recording cannot be used for an appeal. To purchase a recording, complete the Sound Recording Request Form (Tax Court) Tax Court sound recording request form. Then, mail the completed form and a check or money order payable to Treasure, State of NJ, to: , Tax Court Management Office, P.O. Box 972 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0972, Frequently Asked Questions, Does the Tax Court of New Jersey hold liens? No. Default judgments, liens, and Certificates of Debt are filed with the Superior Court of New Jersey. Please contact the , Superior Court Clerk's Office, at 609-421-6100 For liens involving the Motor Vehicle Commission, please contact the MVC Commission at 888-486-3339 (toll free in NJ) or 609-292-6500 (out of state). What are the procedures to withdraw a case from the Tax Court? If you have not received a trial date for your case, please contact the Tax Court Management Office at the numbers listed at bottom of this page. If you have received a trial date for your case, please contact the Tax Court Judge's Chambers listed on your trial notice. Other frequently requested State of New Jersey directory numbers for tax court: Inheritance tax information - 609-292-5033 . Foreclosure information - 609-292-7877 . Division of Taxation - Customer Service Center - 609-292-6400 . Property Tax Reimbursement (Senior Freeze) Hotline - 1-800-882-6597 . Can I represent myself (appear pro se) in Tax Court? Yes. The only restriction on appearing pro se is that a business other than sole proprietorship that must be represented by an attorney. See Limited Liability Partnerships for the Practice of Law Rule 1:21-1(c) . Please refer to the Tax Court main page and select the Tax Court Rules for more information. Where can I obtain information on Subpoenas? Rule of Court - 1:9 RULE 1:9. SUBPOENAS 1:9-1. For Attendance of Witnesses; Forms; Issuance; Notice in Lieu of Subpoena A subpoena may be issued by the clerk of the court or by an attorney or party in the name of the clerk or as provided by R. 7:7-8 (subpoenas in certain cases in the municipal court). It shall state the name of the court and the title of the action and shall command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony at the time and place specified therein. If the witness is to testify in a criminal action for the State or an indigent defendant, the subpoena shall so note, and shall contain an order to appear without the prepayment of any witness fee. The testimony of a party who could be subpoenaed may be compelled by a notice in lieu of subpoena served upon the party's attorney demanding that the attorney produce the client at trial. If the party is a corporation or other organization, the testimony of any person deposable on its behalf, under R. 4:14-2, may be compelled by like notice. The notice shall be served in accordance with R. 1:5-2 at least 5 days before trial. The sanctions of R. 1:2-4 shall apply to a failure to respond to a notice in lieu of a subpoena. Follow the link below to obtain subpoena forms. Subpoena Ad Testificandum - Tax Court (Request Someone’s Testimony in Court) Subpoena Ad Testificandum (Request someone's testimony in court) Subpoena Duces Tecum - Tax Court (Request an Appearance or Documents) Subpoena Duces Tecum (Request an appearance or documents). What are the fees for filing in the Tax Court of New Jersey? The fees for filing a Local Property or State Tax Complaint are: Regular Complaint $250.00 for the first parcel or tax type $50 for any additional parcel or tax type Small Claims $50.00 for the first parcel or tax type $10 for any additional parcel or tax type Motion fee $50 (except small claims matters – no fee to file a motion). Are Notice forms available to file a motion with the Tax Court? Yes - Follow the link below to obtain the Notice of Motion Packet Notice of Motion Packet.
- Supreme Court Appeals, The New Jersey Supreme Court hears appeals from the Appellate Division of Superior Court. Only certain cases are automatically appealed. You can file an Appeal as of Right if: The Appellate judges disagreed in their ruling on the case, or The case involves a substantial constitutional question that has not been settled by prior cases. The Supreme Court must agree that the case is an unsettled constitutional issue. Petition for Certifications are requests to the Supreme Court to review a case. The Court receives more than a thousand petitions each year, and only accepts about one hundred of them. To be accepted, the petition must convince the Court that the appellate judges made a legal error in deciding the case. Interlocutory motions are motions filed before a lower court case is decided. Read the A Guide to Filing for Litigants without Lawyers (Supreme Court Pro Se Kit) Guide to Filing for Litigants Without Lawyers before you get started. , Where to File, File by mail , Supreme Court Clerk's Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 970 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 File in person, Supreme Court Clerk's Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Trenton, New Jersey 08625 Call 609-815-2955 for more information. , Filing Deadlines , Notice of Appeal for Appeals as of Right 45 days from the date of the Appellate Division decision Notice of Petition for Certification 20 days from the date of the Appellate Division decision Petition for Certification 30 days from the date of the Appellate Division decision Respondent Brief 15 days after the petitioner filed their brief Reply Brief 10 days after the respondent filed their brief Refer to the Guide for more details regarding deadlines and the process for preparing your case., Fees, Notice of petition for certification $ 250 Notice of appeal $ 250 Motion that opens a case $ 50 Respondent’s first motion, if filed $ 50 Motion for reconsideration $ 50, Do you qualify for a fee waiver?, If you received a fee waiver in a lower court, you might also qualify for a fee waiver in the Supreme Court. Send a copy of the fee waiver order and a signed statement that says your financial situation has not changed to the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office. If you did not receive a fee waiver in a lower court, you can file a motion seeking “leave to proceed as indigent.” You must meet certain income guidelines to qualify. You must provide a signed statement that includes all of your income and expenses in detail. Fee Waivers Learn more about fee waivers. , Emergent Motions, Sometimes emergencies arise that require the Court to hear a motion right away. Review the Guide to see if your issue qualifies as an emergent matter. If so, call the Supreme Court at 609-815-2955 . Court staff will ask you to complete the Supreme Court Emergent Matter Intake Form Supreme Court Emergent Matter Intake Form and give you instructions how to submit it. , Legal Representation, Supreme Court appeals require in-depth knowledge of laws and legal processes. It is a good idea to get a lawyer if you can. If you are appealing your criminal case, you might qualify for a lawyer at public expense.
- Administrative Directives, Administrative Directives are searchable by keyword, date, and topic. Rescinded and superseded directives are not available online. Search Filters Filters Apply From From To To Section Section Administration (93) Affordable Housing. (1) Appellate (15) Attorneys (21) Child Support (8) Civil (87) Criminal (188) Criminal Justice Reform (1) Domestic Violence (4) Drug Court (4) DWI (1) Expungements (1) Family (182) Family Court (1) General Equity (6) Judges (3) Jury (1) Juvenile (6) Landlord Tenant (1) Language Access (1) Municipal (63) Municipal Court (2) Personnel (87) Pretrial (1) Pretrial Release (1) Probation (43) Recovery Court (1) Reserved Decisions (1) Special Civil (5) Superior Court (1) Tax (6) Vicinage (90) Vicinage Management (5) Warrants (1) Directive #06-26 Directive: Directive #06-26 - Family - Children in Court - Revised Judgment of Guardianship - Supersedes Directive #04-23 Directive #06-26 - Family - Children in Court - Revised Judgment of Guardianship - Supersedes Directive #04-23 Section: Family Document Date: March 18, 2026 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #04-23 Directive: #04-23 Directive #05-26 Directive: Family - Children In Court - Revised Youth Participation In Court Protocol - Supersedes Directive #15-18 and Supplement to Directive #15-18 Family - Children In Court - Revised Youth Participation In Court Protocol - Supersedes Directive #15-18 and Supplement to Directive #15-18 Sections: Civil Family Probation Document Date: March 11, 2026 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #15-18 Directive: #15-18 Directive #04-26 Directive: Civil/Probate/Family/Probation – Support/Financial Maintenance Civil/Probate/Family/Probation – Support/Financial Maintenance Sections: Civil Family Probation Document Date: March 11, 2026 Relationships: Directive #03-26 Directive: Guidelines for Judicial Officer Protection Orders - Supersedes Directive #07-24 Guidelines for Judicial Officer Protection Orders - Supersedes Directive #07-24 Section: Criminal Document Date: March 10, 2026 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #07-24 Directive: #07-24 Directive #02-26 Directive: #02-26 - Family - Children in Court - Safe Haven Protocol – Supersedes Directive #26-21 #02-26 - Family - Children in Court - Safe Haven Protocol – Supersedes Directive #26-21 Section: Family Document Date: Feb. 3, 2026 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #26-21 Directive: #26-21 Directive #01-26 Directive: #01-26 Criminal Justice Reform - Pretrial Services Defendant Compliance Review Policy (Revised) – Supersedes Directive #09-24 #01-26 Criminal Justice Reform - Pretrial Services Defendant Compliance Review Policy (Revised) – Supersedes Directive #09-24 Section: Criminal Document Date: Jan. 16, 2026 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #09-24 Directive: #09-24 Directive #09-25 Directive: Family - Processing Non-Dissolution (FD Docket) Applications with Related Children in Court (CIC) Cases or Involvement with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency Family - Processing Non-Dissolution (FD Docket) Applications with Related Children in Court (CIC) Cases or Involvement with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency Section: Family Document Date: Dec. 16, 2025 Relationships: Directive #08-25 Directive: Family - Children in Court - Change in Terminology: Renaming "Compliance Review" to "Status Review Family - Children in Court - Change in Terminology: Renaming "Compliance Review" to "Status Review Section: Family Document Date: Dec. 5, 2025 Relationships: Directive #07-25 Directive: Family - Children in Court - Revised Order Terminating Litigation (CN 10263) Family - Children in Court - Revised Order Terminating Litigation (CN 10263) Sections: Family Juvenile Document Date: Nov. 17, 2025 Relationships: Directive #06-25 Directive: Civil Commitments -- Revised Protocol for Applications Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:4-27.9a (Continued Holds) (Supersedes Directive #01-24) Civil Commitments -- Revised Protocol for Applications Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:4-27.9a (Continued Holds) (Supersedes Directive #01-24) Section: Civil Document Date: Nov. 17, 2025 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #01-24 Directive: #01-24 Directive #05-25 Directive: Special Civil Part Officers - Policies and Procedures Special Civil Part Officers - Policies and Procedures Sections: Civil Vicinage Management Document Date: Sept. 30, 2025 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #01-15 Directive: #01-15 Directive: #01-15-Supplement-1 Directive: #01-15-Supplement-1 Directive: #01-15-Supplement-2 Directive: #01-15-Supplement-2 Directive #04-25 Directive: Family – Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Filing Requirements Family – Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Filing Requirements Section: Family Document Date: Aug. 13, 2025 Relationships: Directive #03-25 Directive: Family - New Forms - (1) Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem for Minor(s) Pursuant to R. 5:8B (CN 13322) and (2) Protective Order for Guardian ad Litem Report (CN 13323) Family - New Forms - (1) Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem for Minor(s) Pursuant to R. 5:8B (CN 13322) and (2) Protective Order for Guardian ad Litem Report (CN 13323) Section: Family Document Date: May 13, 2025 Relationships: Directive #02-25 Directive: Directive #02-25 - Family – Revised Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU) Manual (2025) Directive #02-25 - Family – Revised Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU) Manual (2025) Section: Family Document Date: April 2, 2025 Relationships: Directive #01-25 Directive: Directive #01-25 – Family – Entry of Default and Uncontested Divorce/Dissolution (FM) Judgments Without Personal Appearances (Divorce on the Papers) – Revised Instructions and Certification Form (CN 12620) (Supersedes Directive #12-22) Directive #01-25 – Family – Entry of Default and Uncontested Divorce/Dissolution (FM) Judgments Without Personal Appearances (Divorce on the Papers) – Revised Instructions and Certification Form (CN 12620) (Supersedes Directive #12-22) Section: Family Document Date: March 19, 2025 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #12-22 Directive: #12-22 Directive #14-24 Directive: Directive #14-24 - Civil - Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program - Implementation of L. 2024, c. 2 Directive #14-24 - Civil - Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program - Implementation of L. 2024, c. 2 Sections: Affordable Housing. Civil Document Date: Dec. 13, 2024 Relationships: Supplemented By: Addendum to Directive #14-24 Addendum to Directive #14-24 Directive #13-24 Directive: CJR - Supreme Court Action to Address Home Invasion Burglary and Residential Burglary: (1) Relaxation of Rule 3:3-1(f) Regarding Complaint-Warrants, and (2) Amendments to the Decision-Making Framework (DMF) CJR - Supreme Court Action to Address Home Invasion Burglary and Residential Burglary: (1) Relaxation of Rule 3:3-1(f) Regarding Complaint-Warrants, and (2) Amendments to the Decision-Making Framework (DMF) Sections: Criminal Municipal Court Document Date: Nov. 22, 2024 Relationships: Directive #12-24 Directive: Directive 12-24 - Dissolution Judgment for Name Change and Judgment for Name Change Addendum - New Form CN 13146 Directive 12-24 - Dissolution Judgment for Name Change and Judgment for Name Change Addendum - New Form CN 13146 Section: Family Document Date: Nov. 22, 2024 Relationships: Directive #11-24 Directive: Directive #11-24 - Family - Juvenile - Procedure to Request Complaint-Warrant to Take Youth into Custody Directive #11-24 - Family - Juvenile - Procedure to Request Complaint-Warrant to Take Youth into Custody Sections: Family Juvenile Warrants Document Date: Oct. 29, 2024 Relationships: Directive #10-24 Directive: Directive #10-24 – Family – Children in Court – Revised Child Welfare Mediation Program Procedures Manual and Forms (Supersedes Directive #15-17) Directive #10-24 – Family – Children in Court – Revised Child Welfare Mediation Program Procedures Manual and Forms (Supersedes Directive #15-17) Section: Family Document Date: Sept. 25, 2024 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #15-17 Directive: #15-17 Pagination 1 Go to page 2 2 Go to page 3 3 Go to last page 33 Last page Go to next page > Next page Showing 1 to 20 of 659 items
- Municipal Court, Municipal Court Services develops and implements policies and best practices to support New Jersey's municipal courts. On This Page Body Visit our Municipal Court Self-Help Self-Help Center if you're representing yourself in court., Contact Information, Deidra Barlow, Assistant Director, Municipal Court Services Division 609-815-2900 ext. 54850 MunicipalCtSvs.Mbx@njcourts.gov The following NJ statewide directories are available: Municipal Presiding Judges Municipal Court Presiding Judges Municipal Division Manager Conference Contact List Municipal Court Division Managers Municipal Court Addresses Municipal Court Locations and Contacts (also see Municipal Courts Temporarily Relocated temporarily relocated municipal courts ) Municipal Court Session Schedules Municipal Court Session Schedules , Online Tools, The Judiciary has several online tools that allow court users to conveniently view and often manage or resolve municipal court cases. NJMCDirect NJMCDirect is a fast, secure, and convenient way to plead guilty and pay traffic tickets or other Municipal Court complaints, make payments on installment plans, enter a not guilty plea, and request a plea agreement from a municipal prosecutor (for certain charges). Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) can be used to upload documents related to a municipal court case, request court records, and request a new court date. Municipal Court Case Search Municipal Court Case Search allows court users to find a ticket or complaint number. The Municipal - Violations Bureau Schedule Violations Bureau Schedule shows payable amounts for common traffic violations where a court appearance isn't required. Refer to the Recent Enacted Laws Concerning Municipal Recently Enacted Laws Concerning the Municipal Courts for legislation affecting NJ municipal courts. A collection of Municipal Court Case Law(s) Municipal Court Case Law dating back to 1964 is also available., Records Request, For Records Requests, contact the specific Municipal Court where the matter was heard to request records ., Forms, Find the forms used most often in NJ municipal court CN Title 10279 Certification of Repair and Plea of Guilty 10715 Municipal Plea by Mail Form 11870 Incarcerated Defendant Request for Relief form 12313 Municipal Court Payment Alternatives - 11x14 12313 Municipal Court Payment Alternatives - 8.5x11 12830 Request by Defendant/Juvenile for Copies of Their Own Expunged and/or Sealed Records 12840 Motion - Requesting Judicial Review of Certain Marijuana and Hashish Cases Pursuant to The Marijuana Decriminalization Law, L. 2021, c. 10110 Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency 11870 Unrepresented Inmate's Notice of Imprisonment and Request for Relief from Municipal Court Pursuant to Rule 7:7-2(A), Information for Litigants, NJ municipal courts resolve almost 6 million cases each year. If you have an upcoming court date, there are several ways that you can prepare. At the beginning of the court session, the municipal judge will give an opening statement that will explain what will happen during the proceeding. Typical Municipal Court Opening Statement Watch this video of a typical opening statement to better plan for your court proceeding. The video is also available in: Municipal Court Opening Statement - ASL American Sign Language (ASL) Municipal Court Opening Statement - Spanish Español (Spanish) Municipal Court Opening Statement - Haitian Creole Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) Municipal Court Opening Statement - Korean 한국어 (Korean) Municipal Court Opening Statement - Polish Polski (Polish) Municipal Court Opening Statement - Portuguese Português (Portuguese) Municipal Court - Your Day (Remote Participation & Dos/Don'ts) Watch this video to learn how to participate online (and the dos/don'ts) if your municipal court proceeding will be held remotely. Requesting Court Accommodations Requesting Interpreter The court will provide an interpreter at no cost for court events if a defendant or witness has limited ability to understand or communicate proficiently in English. Contact the local municipal court local municipal court . ¿Necesita un intérprete? Llame al juzgado municipal Llame al juzgado municipal . You have the right to an interpreter in court. Usted tiene derecho a un intérprete en el Juzgado Municipal. Requesting Court Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations If you need an ADA accommodation, contact the municipal court for accommodations at no cost. Review the Your Day in Municipal Court Brochure Your Day in Municipal Court brochure and the ways that NJ Municipal Courts - What They Can and Cannot Do court staff can(not) help litigants in court. If you are facing certain more serious charges, you might qualify for a public defender. Refer to the Indigency Income Guidelines below: , Household Size, One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Annual Gross, Income, $19,950.00 $27,050.00 $34,150.00 $41,250.00 $48,350.00 $55,450.00 $62,550.00 $69,650.00, Monthly Gross, Income, $1,662.50 $2,254.17 $2,845.83 $3,437.50 $4,029.17 $4,620.83 $5,212.50 $5,804.17, Weekly Gross, Income, $383.65 $520.19 $656.73 $793.27 $929.81 $1,066.35 $1,202.88 $1,339.42 If you meet the guidelines. you can complete the Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency . The questionnaire is also available in Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency (Spanish) Español (Spanish) Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency (H. Creole) Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency (Korean) 한국어 (Korean) Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency (Polish) Polski (Polish) Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency (Portuguese) Português (Portuguese) Check the Unscheduled Court Closings unscheduled municipal court closings before you leave for court. They'll tell you if the court session was cancelled for bad weather or some other issue., Municipal Court Administration, Look for Municipal Court Jobs job openings in the NJ municipal courts. Review Hiring Process for Municipal Court Directors, Municipal Court Administrators and Deputy Municipal Court Administrators Court Rule 1:34-3 and N.J. Statute 2B:12-11 N.J. Statute 2B:12-11 for information about the municipal court administrator hiring process. Review the Municipal Court Consolidation Plan Municipal Court Consolidation Plan to learn more about how municipalities can save money by consolidating their court services. The Supreme Court Procedures Governing.....Municipal Court Debt Supreme Court Procedures Governing the Private Collection of Municipal Court Debt guides when and how municipal courts can send outstanding municipal court debts to private collection agencies after all other enforcement remedies have been exhausted., Municipal Court Judges, Attorneys who are NJ residents and have practiced law for at least 5 years may be appointed to three-year terms as municipal court judges by the mayor, with the advice and consent of the council, or in some cases the governing body. In joint municipal courts, which are courts serving more than one municipality, the appointment is made by the NJ Governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate. NJ municipal court judges don't have tenure and aren't subject to a mandatory retirement age, characteristics which distinguish them from other judges in the Judiciary. Many of NJ municipal court judges serve only part-time and, thus, are able to maintain private law practices, subject to the Rules of Court., Municipal Court Administrators, All NJ municipal court leaders must take training and pass tests covering municipal court procedures and management in order to earn and maintain a credential of either accreditation or certification. These leaders include administrators, deputy administrators, and directors. The training and credentialing help make sure that NJ municipal court leaders are qualified, professional, and held to the highest ethical standards. The training and credentialing is overseen by the Municipal Court Administrator Certification Board ( Municipal Court Administrator Certification Board Board Regulations ). The Board also is responsible for the discipline of credential holders: any individual who holds the credential of certification, conditional accreditation, or full accreditation. Board members include: Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz, Chair Assistant Director Deidra L. Barlow, Vice-Chair Presiding Judge Christine M. Heitmann Trial Court Administrator Gurpreet M. Singh Municipal Division Manager Rebecca Muller Kimberly Locker, EEO/AA Officer Certified Municipal Court Administrators – Jennifer Esposito, Claudia Santos, Kathryn Amidon Coffey (MCAANJ designee) and Cynthia Holmes Send Certification-related questions to jucert.mbx@njcourts.gov Municipal Court Administrator Certification program dates, Upcoming 2026 testing dates for the Municipal Court Administrator Certification Program, ., All examinees must be confirmed in advance., Written Exam Dates:, May 15, 2026 Nov. 13, 2026 , Oral Exam Dates:, June 12, 2026 Dec. 11, 2026 Fees: (First-time applicants): $25 application fee plus $75 examination fee (Oral/Written Exam Re-takers): $25 re-examination fee
- Judges Contact Directory, Personnel Division -Appellate Division Judges Assignment Judges -Civil Judges -Civil Presiding Judges -Criminal Judges -Criminal Justice Reform Judges -Criminal Presiding Judges -Family Judges -Family Presiding Judges General Equity -General Equity Presiding Judges -Municipal Presiding Judges Job Position Assignment Judge Presiding Judge Judge Appellate Judge State/Vicinage/County -Administrative Office of the Courts -Atlantic/Cape May --Atlantic ---Mays Landing ---Atlantic City --Cape May -Bergen -Burlington -Camden -Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem --Cumberland --Gloucester --Salem -Essex -Hudson -Mercer -Middlesex -Monmouth -Morris/Sussex --Morris --Sussex -Ocean -Passaic -Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren --Hunterdon --Somerset --Warren -Union First name Last name Submit Reset Name Address Contact Appellate Division Judges Currier, Heidi Deputy Presiding Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Gilson, Robert Appellate Presiding Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Mawla, Hany Presiding Judge Appellate Part C Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Sabatino, Jack Appellate Presiding Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Sumners, Jr., Thomas W. Chief Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Augostini, Lorraine M. Appellate Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Bergman Jr., Stanley L. Appellate Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Bishop-Thompson, Avis Appellate Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Byrne, Maritza Berdote Appellate Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Chase, Mark K. Appellate Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Patrick DeAlmeida Appellate Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Firko, Lisa Appellate Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Fisher, Jr., Clarkson S. Appellate Division Judge Retired Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges GoodenBrown, Greta Presiding Judge, Appellate Judge, Part D Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Gummer, Katie A. Appellate Judge Monmouth Monmouth County Courthouse 71 Monument Street Floor 3rd Floor Freehold, New Jersey 07728 Phone: 732-676-2066 ext. 60702 Appellate Division Judges Jablonski, Jeffrey R. Appellate Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Jacobs, Adam E. Appellate Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Marczyk, Joseph L. Appellate Judge for Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic County Civil Courts Building 1201 Bacharach Blvd. Floor 3rd Floor Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401 Phone: 609-402-0100 ext. 47260 Fax: 609-441-3580 Appellate Division Judges Mayer, Jessica Presiding Judge, Appellate Judge, Part G Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Appellate Division Judges Natali, Arnold Appellate Judge Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex PO Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 Phone: 609-815-2950 Pagination 1 Go to page 2 2 Go to page 3 3 Go to last page 24 Last page Go to next page > Next page Showing 1 to 20 of 471 items