- Filing a Judicial Ethics Complaint, Body, How to File a Complaint Against a Judge, Ethics complaints are investigated and prosecuted by the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct (ACJC) under 2:15-Advisory Committee On Judicial Conduct Court Rule 2:15 . All information provided to the ACJC goes through the committee’s staff. Complaints may be filed in one of two ways: Use this Supreme Court of New Jersey Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct Complaint form complaint form and include the name of the judge, the conduct about which you are complaining, and any documents you believe support your complaint. Write a letter of complaint to the committee. Include the name of the judge, the conduct about which you are complaining, and any documents you believe support your complaint. Send the Supreme Court of New Jersey Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct Complaint form ACJC complaint form or letter to:, Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 037 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0037 Email: AOC-ACJCInfo.MBX@njcourts.gov All nine members of the committee review each complaint. The committee has two options after reviewing a complaint: Dismissal – If, after reviewing the complaint, the committee finds no wrongdoing by the judge, it will dismiss the complaint and inform the person who filed the complaint, in writing, of the dismissal; or Investigate – If, after reviewing the complaint, the committee believes an investigation is necessary, they will conduct an investigation. The committee will notify the person who filed the complaint of its outcome, in writing, at the conclusion of the case., Judicial Complaint Review Process, When the ACJC receives a complaint, it reviews the information submitted to make sure that the judge has been accused of something that actually violates the Notice - Adoption of Revised Code of Judicial Conduct Judicial Code of Conduct , as amended, in part, by the Order – Amendments to Rule 2:15-7 – ACJC – Cooperation by Attorneys and Court Personnel and the Order for Posting - Adopting Amendments to Rule 3.17 (Judicial Disqualification) of the Code of Judicial Conduct . After the review, the committee will either Dismiss the Complaint – If, after reviewing the complaint, the committee finds no wrongdoing by the judge, it will dismiss the complaint and inform the person who filed the complaint, in writing, of the dismissal; or Request an Investigation – If, after reviewing the complaint, the committee believes an investigation is necessary, it will direct staff to investigate the claims of misconduct made in the complaint. Following an investigation, the committee may: Dismiss the complaint; Privately discipline a judge; or File formal charges against a judge. Formal Complaints -- If, after reviewing a complaint, the committee believes formal charges should be filed against a judge, it will file a Formal Complaint., What information is public?, All complaints filed with the ACJC and any action taken by the committee are confidential unless and until the committee files formal charges against a judge. Formal complaints, answers to formal complaints and all further actions taken by the committee are public. Once a judge files an answer, a public hearing is scheduled. Following a hearing, the committee may recommend an outcome to the New Jersey Supreme Court. The New Jersey Supreme Court is the only body that may publicly discipline a judge., Types of Judicial Discipline, If the ACJC investigates a complaint and believes that the judge has violated the Judicial Code of Conduct, it may choose to discipline the judge privately. The private discipline would be a letter to the judge that says the ACJC has found wrongdoing and is issuing to the judge either: Guidance; Caution; Admonition; Reprimand; or Censure The ACJC instead might recommend that the Supreme Court issue public discipline against the judge. Only the New Jersey Supreme Court may publicly discipline a judge. The ACJC could recommend: A dismissal of the case with or without private discipline; Public admonition; Public reprimand; Public censure; Suspension; or Begin proceedings to have the judge removed from the bench., Contact Information, ACJC Contact Information All information provided to the ACJC goes through the committee's staff. For more information, please call 609-815-2900 ext. 51910 The fax number for the committee is Fax: 609-376-3092, Candace Moody, Executive Director/Chief Counsel, Maureen Bauman, Disciplinary Counsel, Daniel Burns, Assistant Counsel, Louis Taranto, Chief Investigator, Members of the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, Chair: , Hon. Carmen Messano (Term Expiration: 2027), Vice Chair, : Hon. Georgia Curio (Term Expiration: 2025), Members of the New Jersey Bar:, Hon. Hector R. Velazquez (Term Expiration: 2026) Hon. Robert T. Zane (Term Expiration: 2026) A. Matthew Boxer, Esq. (Term Expiration: 2025) Diana C. Manning, Esq. (Term Expiration: 2027), Lay Members, Not Holding Public Office:, Karen Kessler (Term Expiration: 2025) Paul J. Walker (Term Expiration: 2027) Katherine Barrett Carter (Term Expiration: 2025), All terms above expire on August 31 of year noted., Frequently Asked Questions, Will the ACJC notify the judge of my complaint? While complaints filed with the committee are confidential unless and until the committee files formal charges against a judge, the committee’s investigation may include an interview of or other communication with the judge at which time the judge would be notified of the complaint filer’s identity. Will the judge need to step down from my case if I file an ACJC complaint? No. The filing of a complaint against a judge does not necessarily require the judge to step down from the case in which the alleged conduct occurred. New Jersey Court 2:15-24. Disqualification of Judge Rule 2:15-24 . Can the ACJC change a judge’s decision? No, the committee is not a court and cannot determine whether a judge’s decision is correct or incorrect under the law or facts of a particular case, or change a judge’s decision. If a judge makes a decision with which a court user disagrees or which the court user believes violates the law, that court user may file an appeal. Questions about how to file an appeal may be directed to the county clerk’s office, the Superior Court Clerk’s office or an attorney. Judiciary employees, however, may not provide legal advice to a court user. When will I receive the ACJC’s decision? The review process may take several months depending on the facts of each case and the amount of additional information the committee needs to gather to make a decision. The committee will notify a complaint filer when it receives the complaint and again when it reaches a decision. In some cases, the committee may request additional information from the complaint filer either in writing or by telephone. While the committee does not provide updates, every complaint filer is notified of the committee’s decision in writing. Can the ACJC have a judge removed from my case? No, the committee cannot have a judge removed from a court case. Questions about the process for requesting a judge’s removal may be directed to the county clerk’s office, the Superior Court Clerk or an attorney. Judiciary employees, however, may not provide legal advice to a court user. What is judicial misconduct? Judicial misconduct includes many different types of conduct. For example, misconduct may include yelling at court users/attorneys, hearing a case in which the judge has a conflict of interest or talking about a case with one party while the other party and/or that party’s lawyer is out of the room (i.e. “ex parte” conversation). For this reason, complaints filed with the committee should include not only the name of the judge, but a detailed description of the alleged misconduct, including the date(s) on which it happened and any witnesses to the alleged misconduct. In addition, complaint filers may provide any documents they believe relevant to the complaint. Complaint filers are encouraged to provide their contact information (e.g. address, telephone number) on the complaint form so the committee’s staff may communicate with the complaint filer, if necessary.
- Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education, Discover what you need to stay up-to-date on CLE requirements, Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Floor 8- North Wing P.O. Box 965 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0965 Phone:: 609-815-2930 SCTCLE.mailbox@njcourts.gov Approved Courses Catalog New CLE Requirement effective January 1, 2024: Newly admitted New Jersey attorneys required to meet the newly admitted attorney requirement must take 16 total credits in a minimum of 6 New Jersey new admit subject areas. A minimum of one credit must be taken in New Jersey attorney trust & business accounting fundamentals. New CLE Requirement—Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias. Notice - Continuing Legal Education (CLE) - Judiciary Real-Time Virtual Courses on the Reduction, Interruption, and Elimination of Bias | NJ Courts Notice - Continuing Legal Education (CLE) - Judiciary Real-Time Virtual Courses on the Reduction, Interruption, and Elimination of Bias | NJ Courts New CLE Requirement effective Jan. 1, 2021: Five CLE credits in ethics and professionalism including two CLE credits focused on diversity, inclusion and elimination of bias are required each two-year cycle. The reporting forms provided on this website are ONLY for attorneys who are seeking reinstatement from the CLE Ineligible List and for attorneys who failed to complete their CLE and/or report completion with the current reporting requirement by the expiration of the grace period. Notice - New Jersey Attorney Electronic Registration and Payment Available Beginning January 6, 2025; Free CLE Training Sessions Offered Mandatory Electronic Attorney Registration GROUP 2 ATTORNEYS (BIRTH MONTH JULY THROUGH DECEMBER) ARE DUE TO REPORT COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION (CLE) REQUIREMENT DURING THE 2025 ATTORNEY REGISTRATION PROCESS. Pursuant to BCLE Reg. 402:1, attorneys who report that they have not completed the CLE requirement by 12/31/2024 will be assessed a $50 noncompliance fee and given a grace period until 06/27/2025 to complete their CLE requirement. Upon completion of the CLE credits, they MUST return to this on-line registration system to report final compliance on or before 06/27/2025. After the expiration of the grace period, attorneys can no longer report CLE compliance through the on-line registration system. Those who fail to complete and/or report CLE compliance by the expiration of the grace period will be assessed an additional $50 noncompliance fee, for a total of $100, and be required to submit a reporting form provided by the Board, along with documentation proving compliance. Attorneys who remain noncompliant with the CLE requirement are subject to being declared administratively ineligible to practice New Jersey law. To be removed from the CLE Ineligible List, attorneys must make up all required credits for each compliance period that they are noncompliant and pay all required fees. Effective January 1, 2021, the number of total ethics and professionalism credits required during a compliance-reporting period will increase from four to five credit hours and must include at least two credit hours of coursework in diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias. Diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias programs and courses relevant to the practice of law may include, among other topics, implicit and explicit bias, equal access to justice, serving a diverse population, diversity and inclusion initiatives in the legal profession, and cultural competency in the practice of law or the administration of justice. Effective January 1, 2024, newly admitted New Jersey attorneys required to meet the newly admitted attorney requirement must take 16 total credits in a minimum of 6 New Jersey new admit subject areas. A minimum of one credit must be taken in New Jersey attorney trust & business accounting fundamentals. Effective January 1, 2024, the definition of live instruction has been amended to include certain types of alternative verifiable learning formats. Please review the Board’s Regulations for more explicit information. , Members of the Board, Chair: , Peter G. Verniero, Vice Chair:, Classie M. Colinet Jeffrey Epstein H. Mark Ellis, Ph.D. Theresa A. Lyons Daniel F. O’Brien Joshua H. Reinitz Rubin Sinins Katherine E. Suell, NJSBA Representative:, Maria P. Vallejo, NJ Commission on Professionalism in the Law Representative:, James J. Uliano, Acting Administrative Director of the Courts:, Michael J. Blee or designee (ex officio), Counsel:, Wendy L. Weiss
- Civil Motion Calendar, Instructions, First-time users must register with the New Jersey Courts to search civil mediators, civil motion calendars, and discovery end dates. After logging in, please proceed to the “Find a Case – Public Access” tile and select “Civil Search." 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 eCourts Civil Case Jacket. Returning Users RETURNING USERS 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.
- Municipal Division Manager Conference Contact List, Taiwan Lamb Davis: Chair (Camden), Rebecca Muller: Vice Chair (Morris/Sussex), Name Address Contact Atlantic/Cape May Jetter, Brian Municipal Division Manager Atlantic/Cape May Mays Landing Criminal Court Complex 4997 Unami Blvd. Mays Landing, New Jersey 08330 Phone: 609-402-0100 ext. 47290 Fax: 609-826-7030 Bergen Wrigley, Brendis Montijo Municipal Division Manager Bergen Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main Street Suite/Room 309 Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 Phone: 201-221-0700 ext. 25080 Fax: 201-221-0631 Burlington Chack, Amy Municipal Division Manager Burlington Burlington County Court Facility 49 Rancocas Road Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060 Phone: 609-288-9500 ext. 38551 Fax: 609-826-7067 Camden Lamb-Davis, Taiwan Municipal Division Manager Camden Camden Adult/Juvenile Reporting Division 6 Executive Campus Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002 Phone: 856-650-9100 ext. 43130 Fax: 856-379-2274 Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Wolk, Ashley Municipal Division Manager Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Municipal Division Office Gloucester County Justice Complex 70 Hunter Street Woodbury, New Jersey 08096 Phone: 856-878-5050 ext. 15206 Fax: 856-379-2487 Essex Abraham, Anu Municipal Division Manager Essex Essex County Veterans Courthouse 50 West Market Street Floor 7 Newark, New Jersey 07102 Phone: 973-776-9300 ext. 69028 Fax: 973-776-9332 Hudson Piizzi, Jennifer Municipal Division Manager Hudson Hudson County Administration Bldg 595 Newark Avenue Suite/Room 406 Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Phone: 201-748-4400 ext. 60550 Fax: 201-356-2605 Mercer Jenkins, Sharanda Municipal Division Manager Mercer Mercer County Annex - 209 209 S. Broad Street Floor 4th Floor, Annex Trenton, New Jersey 08650 Phone: 609-571-4200 ext. 74015 Fax: 609-571-4024 Middlesex Schweitzer, Laura Municipal Division Manager Middlesex Municipal Division Middlesex County Courthouse PO Box 964 New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903-0964 Phone: 732-645-4300 ext. 88837 Fax: 732-565-2907 Monmouth Romano, Theresa Municipal Division Manager Monmouth Monmouth County Courthouse 71 Monument Street Freehold, New Jersey 07728 Phone: 732-358-8700 ext. 87241 Fax: 732-435-8340 Morris/Sussex Muller, Rebecca Municipal Division Manager Morris/Sussex Morris County Courthouse Washington and Court Streets Morristown, New Jersey 07960-0910 Phone: 862-397-5700 Fax: 862-397-5682 Ocean Sclama, Joseph Municipal Division Manager Ocean Ocean Vicinage Municipal Division 213 Washington St 213 Washington St Suite/Room 303 Toms River, New Jersey 08753 Phone: 732-504-0700 ext. 64330 Fax: 732-435-8428 Passaic Greten, Nicole Municipal Division Manager Passaic Passaic County Courthouse Annex 63-65 Hamilton Street Suite/Room 200 Paterson, New Jersey 07505 Phone: 973-653-2910 ext. 24069 Fax: 973-424-6890 Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Marinaccio, Ellen Municipal Division Manager Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren 40 North Bridge Street 40 North Bridge Street Floor 1 Somerville, New Jersey 08876 Phone: 908-332-7700 ext. 13230 Fax: 908-332-7706 Union Gulino, Delsy Municipal Division Manager Union Albender Building 1143 East Jersey St Floor 2 Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201 Phone: 908-787-1650 ext. 21242 Fax: 908-659-5954 Showing 1 to 15 of 15 items
- 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 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 - Building 6 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 Rivera, Ana 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. 76042 Middlesex Leverett-Agboola, Tiffany Probation Division Manager Middlesex Middlesex - New Street PO Box 789 New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903 Phone: 732-645-4300 ext. 88482 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 07963 Phone: 862-397-5700 ext. 75587 Ocean Knapp, Kimberly Probation Division Manager Ocean Superior Court Probation Division 15 Hooper Avenue Toms River, New Jersey 08754 Phone: 732-504-0700 ext. 64510 Passaic Moody, Dawn Probation Division Manager Passaic Probation – 55 Dale Avenue Probation – Child Support Enforcement 63-65 Hamilton St. Floor 1 Paterson, New Jersey 07505 Phone: 1-877-655-4371 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 08876 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 16 of 16 items
- Directories, The following directories provide contact information for New Jersey Courts. Find the correct directory below. Court Services Contact Information Local Title I ADA Coordinators ADA Title I Coordinators Title II ADA Coordinator Directory ADA Title II Coordinators Administrative Office of the Courts Directory Administrative Office of the Courts Directory of Superior Court Civil Division Offices County Civil Division Offices Directory of Criminal Division Offices County Criminal Division Offices County Deputy Clerk's Offices/Lawyer Referral and Legal Services Offices County Deputy Clerk's Offices/Lawyer Referral and Legal Services Offices County Family Division Offices County Family Division Offices County Special Civil Part Officers County Special Civil Part Officers County Special Civil Part Offices County Special Civil Part Offices New Jersey Surrogates list County Surrogates Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Staff Listing EEO/AA Officer Jury Management Office Contact List Jury Managers Municipal Court Address listing Municipal Courts Addresses New Jersey TASC Programs or TASC Evaluators New Jersey TASC Programs or TASC Evaluators Ombudsman Directory Ombudsman Statewide Pro Bono Coordinators Statewide Pro Bono Coordinators, Division Manager Contact Information, Civil Division Manager Conference Contact Lis Civil Division Managers Criminal Division Manager Conference Contact List Criminal Division Managers Family Division Manager Conference Contact List Family Division Managers Finance Division Manager Conference Contact List Finance Division Managers Human Resources Division Manager Conference Contact List Human Resources Division Managers Municipal Division Manager Conference Contact List Municipal Division Managers Operations Division Managers Contact List Operations Division Managers Probation Division Manager Contact List Probation Division Managers, Judges Rosters and Contact Information, Assignment Judges and Trial Court Administrators Assignment Judges and Trial Court Administrators Civil Presiding Judges Civil Division Presiding Judges Complex Business Litigation Judges Complex Business Litigation Judges Criminal Division Presiding Judges Criminal Division Presiding Judges Designated Environmental Litigation Judges Environmental Litigation Judges Family Division Presiding Judges Family Division Presiding Judges Conference of General Equity Presiding Judges General Equity Judges Judicial Biographical Information of Judges Judges' Biographies Judges' Chambers Listing Judges' Chambers Designated Mt. Laurel Judges Mt. Laurel Judges Municipal Presiding Judges Municipal Presiding Judges Designated OPRA Judges OPRA Judges Probate Part Judges Committee Probate Part Judges Recovery Court Judges and Coordinators Contact List Recovery Court Judges and Coordinators Special Civil Part Supervising Judges Roster Special Civil Part Supervising Judges Tax Court Judges Directory Tax Court Judges
- Appellate Livestreams, The “View Livestream” button will appear next to the case title once the oral argument starts. Not all oral arguments are livestreamed. Read the Notice – Public Access in the Appellate Division: (1) Oral Arguments of Non-Public Cases Excepted from Livestreaming and Brief Posting; (2) New Form to Request Audio Recordings of Oral Arguments; and (3) Requesting Access to Non-Public Arguments/Records March 10, 2025 Notice to the Bar to see which case types are not livestreamed. No Appellate arguments scheduled for today.
- eCourts, eCourts is the New Jersey Judiciary’s electronic case filing and management system. 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.
- Contested and Uncontested Divorces, Contested divorces are those in which the spouses disagree on one or more issues, such as: allegations stated in the grounds for divorce, custody, parenting time (visitation), child support, alimony, equitable distribution (splitting of assets and/or debts), or other matters. After both Plaintiff and Defendant have filed their papers with the court, court staff will schedule any necessary conferences or other court events such as: Case management conferences Custody and parenting time mediation Parent Education Workshop Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel and/or Economic Mediation Discovery Discovery , which is the exchange of documents and information that the parties will use in court The goal of these court events is to give the couple opportunities to settle as many issues between themselves as possible, rather than having the judge decide each issue. Couples are encouraged to try to develop a joint property settlement agreement if at all possible. Court staff will advise when additional paperwork is required, such as a: Case Information Statement, which has details about assets, liabilities, income, and expenses; or Custody/Parenting Time Plan, for cases with children., Contested Divorce Timeline and Costs, Depending on how complex and contested the divorce is, it could take serval months to complete. The specific timeline depends on factors in each individual case. Similarly, costs will depend on the nature of the case. For contested divorces, it is recommended that each spouse get their own attorney in order to better understand their rights and responsibilities. Uncontested divorces are those in which both spouses agree that they want to dissolve their marriage. In most instances, the court process for uncontested divorces can be completed in a much shorter time than for contested divorces., To file for an uncontested divorce:, Plaintiff should notify the court when filing that the divorce is uncontested. All Where to find divorce forms and instructions forms and the Filing Fees and Fee Waivers(Divorce) $300 Glossary filing fee are still required. Defendant should Where to file divorce appearance forms and instructions file an Appearance form stating that the defendant does not contest the divorce, but is prepared to appear before the court on whatever issues the two spouses will be resolving in the divorce. The Filing Fees and Fee Waivers(Divorce) $175 Filing fee filing fee is still required. The couple will prepare a joint property settlement agreement that includes plans for custody, parenting time, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, and any other financial matters. The agreement must be signed by both parties and notarized. The court will accept the agreement and make it a part of the divorce order when the divorce is granted.
- Annual Attorney Registration and Payment, All New Jersey attorneys must complete the online registration process at the beginning of the calendar year. Body Documents Related to the June 26, 2025 CLE on Resources for NJ Attorneys. June 2025 CLE Handout June 2025 CLE Handout June 2025 CLE Code Form June 2025 CLE Code Form, Registration and Payment Login, Log in Forgot User ID Forgot User ID? Forget Password? Forgot Password? Attorneys can use the online registration and payment system to Pay their annual assessment Activate their access to eCourts for civil, criminal, and appellate litigation Reset passwords and set up two-factor authentication Change their address, email, and phone number on file with the courts Change their status with regard to payment and pro bono exemptions , Two-factor authentication is required., The two-factor authentication system will use the most recent email address or cell phone number entered into the online registration system. Two-Factor Authentication View the User Guide or call 609-421-6100 for help during business hours., Fees, The fee is based on your calendar year of admission. Attorney Registration Fee Schedule View the fee schedule ., Pay online, There is no fee for ACH and JACs payments. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover payments include a 3 percent service fee., Payments by employers, If your employer has agreed to pay on your behalf, you may opt for employer pay within the online system after you complete the registration portion of the process. Employers are allowed to pay as a convenience. It is ultimately the individual responsibility of the attorney. Therefore, it is important that you follow up with your employer and ensure that payment has been made to avoid ineligibility., First-time registrants, First-time users of the online payment system should refer to the Mandatory Electronic Attorney Registration notice that was mailed to their address of record. The bottom of the notice contains their user ID and temporary password. Log into the system, follow the prompts to create your unique security questions, and then activate your account., Forgotten Passwords, If needed, attorneys can Reset Password reset their passwords before logging in., Verify your information., Make any needed corrections to your contact information, including phone number, email, and mailing address. Name changes must be submitted as a name change affidavit to the Supreme Court. Download a Attorney Name Change Form name change form and follow the instructions for submission., Partial Payments , Use the online attorney registration system to remit payment only if you intend to either pay the entire balance due or claim a payment exemption for your entire period of ineligibility. If you want to claim a payment exemption for a partial period of ineligibility, please contact the, NJ Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (Hotline), at 855-533-3863, option 1, for assistance., Exemptions from Payment., Exemptions from payment are only as defined, without alteration. Exemptions from payment cannot be claimed solely by virtue of being prohibited from private practice, by being out-of-state, or by being exempt from pro bono counsel assignment. Upon certification of same, the following categories of plenary license holders shall be exempt from payment: At least since January 31 of the calendar year, completely retired from the practice of law. Employment, if any, is not in any way related to the practice of law. Does not draft or review legal documents, render legal assistance or advice, teach law or serve in a court system in any capacity, in any jurisdiction; At least since January 31 of the calendar year, on full-time active duty with the armed forces, AmeriCorps, or Peace Corps , and, not engaging in any way in private practice. Exemptions are automatically granted to those plenary license holders who are: Admitted in the current calendar year; Admitted to practice in New Jersey for 50 years or more. If you are in retired or military status, you must still file an annual registration, even if no payment is due. You must also inform the Judiciary immediately if you no longer qualify for the exemption. Please resume payment of the annual assessment and keep your address current in the online system., Plenary Admission in New Jersey in 1976 or earlier, No payment is due. Since you are in or beyond your 50th calendar year of licensure, your registration indicates automatic entitlement to the 50-year exemption. If you are also “retired completely from the practice of law” (see below) and wish to claim the retired exemption, execute the retired certification online or if previously granted an exception to online registration execute the certification on the paper form., Plenary Admission in New Jersey in 2025, You are required to complete your registration online. No payment is due for 2025 since you are in your first calendar year of admission., Retired Exemption, You may request the retired exemption online . You are entitled to the retired exemption only if, since January 31 of the current year, Your employment is not related to the practice of law; You do not draft or review legal documents; You do not render legal assistance or advice on the law; You do not teach law; and You do not serve in a judiciary in any capacity, in any jurisdiction. You may not claim this exemption by virtue of being out-of-state or exempt from pro bono assignment. Once you have certified to the retired exemption, you will remain in retired status until you inform the Judiciary otherwise. If you are currently in retired status, please respond to the other parts of the annual registration. For lawyers granted the retired exemption, the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office will only issue letters indicating your status and not certificates of good standing., Military Exemption. , You may request the military exemption online . You are entitled to the military exemption only if, since January 31 of the current year, you are on full-time active duty with the armed forces, the Peace Corps, or AmeriCorps, and you are not engaging in any way in private practice. You may not claim this exemption by virtue of being prohibited from private practice or exempt from pro bono assignment, nor does any other government employment entitle you to the exemption. Once you have certified to the military exemption, you will remain in military status until you inform the Judiciary otherwise. If you are currently in military status, please respond to the other parts of the annual registration., Out-of-State and Government Attorneys, Attorneys admitted in New Jersey but practicing in another jurisdiction, teaching law, or working for a governmental entity are not exempt. You must complete your registration and pay all required fees each year., Other Forms, CN Title 10957 Certification of Military Exemption 11005 Address Change for Billing 11620 Certification of Retirement 11621 Certification of Retirement - Legal Services Volunteer 11933 Exception Request Form - Electronic Attorney Registration and Payment, Programs funded, The annual assessment mandated by Supreme Court Rule provides revenue for Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection The Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection ; The attorney discipline process, including the Office of Attorney Ethics Office of Attorney Ethics and the Disciplinary Review Board; Disciplinary Review Board ; The The Lawyers Assistance Program Lawyers Assistance Program The Board on Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education Continuing Legal Education ; and The Board of Bar Examiners Board of Bar Examiners., Fee Schedules, 2025 Fee Schedule - New Jersey Licensed Attorneys, Admitted, Fee if received before due date: February 28, 2025, Fee if received after February 28, 2025 but before Ineligible List, 1976 or prior to 1976 Exempt from payment Exempt from payment - No late fee 1977 – 2021 $267 $307 2022 or 2023 $238 $278 2024 $ 35 $ 75 2025 Exempt from payment Exempt from payment - No late fee , 2025 Fee Schedule - Other than Non-New Jersey Licensed Attorneys, Fees, 2025 annual payment $267 Late fee (if paid after Feb. 28, 2025) $ 40 Fee for reinstatement from one year’s ineligible list $ 50 Fee for reinstatement from two or more year’s ineligible list $100 For questions, call the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection: 855-533-3863 , option 1., CLE Noncompliance :, , A $50 noncompliance fee will be assessed by the , Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education, Board on Continuing Legal Education, against attorneys who report they did not complete the required courses by the course completion deadline. An additional $50 (for a total of $100) will be assessed against attorneys who fail to complete their Continuing Legal Education courses within the grace period of June 27, 2025, or who fail to report CLE compliance at all, . Attorneys who remain noncompliant with the mandatory CLE requirement are subject to being declared administratively ineligible to practice New Jersey law, pursuant to Board on Continuing Legal Regulations BCLE Regulation 402:3 . To be removed from the CLE ineligible list, the noncompliant attorney must satisfy ALL outstanding CLE credit requirements and pay any required fees. *Even if you have not satisfied your CLE requirements or are CLE Non-Compliant, you are encouraged to complete your annual registration and payment by February 28, 2025 to avoid registration late fees. , Payment if admitted in Federal Court:, Attorneys admitted pro hac vice in Federal Court in New Jersey are similarly obligated to pay. L. Civ. R. 101.1(c)(2)., Reporting Pro Bono Exemptions, If you qualify for exemption from pro bono requirements, use the appropriate exemption code number in the pro bono section of the online annual registration form. The online form also asks you identify your “assignment vicinage” or county for pro bono assignments. Your assignment county must be related to the New Jersey county where you reside; the New Jersey county where you serve as corporate counsel; or the New Jersey county where you or your firm has an office that you work out of. You should select “out of state” or “out of country” if either of those applies., Attorneys on per diem or temporary assignments., Attorneys practicing law in New Jersey on a per diem basis or through a temporary employment agency are not eligible to claim an exemption from pro bono assignments. They are eligible to receive assignments only during the time that they are practicing law. Therefore, if an attorney receives an assignment when not actively practicing law, the attorney must immediately contact the office of the assignment judge of the assignment vicinage., Pro Bono Exemption Categories, Attorneys who work full time for any local, county, State or Federal agency or authority and who, by statute, rule, administrative directive, Executive Order, published Ethics Code or Opinion, are prohibited from the private practice of law, are exempt. All Supreme Court Justices, all Superior Court and Tax Court Judges, all Federal Court Judges, all Workers' Compensation Judges, all Administrative Law Judges, all retired Justices and Judges, all Surrogates and Deputy Surrogates, all Child Support/Domestic Violence Hearing Officers or Juvenile Referees, and all Municipal Court Judges are exempt. All attorneys working full time for the Administrative Office of the Courts or on the staff of any State or Federal Judge or any vicinage of the Superior Court or any Municipal Court, County Clerk, or Surrogate are exempt. Attorneys serving as part-time municipal court directors, administrators, deputy administrators and violations bureau clerks are also exempt. All County and full-time Municipal Prosecutors and Assistant Prosecutors, all attorneys working in the Office of Counsel to the Governor, the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney Generals, the Public Defender and Deputy Public Defenders, full-time Municipal Public Defenders, the Public Advocate and Deputy Public Advocates are exempt. Part-time Municipal Public Defenders and Public Defender Pool Attorneys are not exempt. All attorneys who work full time for criminal law enforcement or investigative agencies, such as but not limited to, police forces, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, County Sheriff, Federal Marshals, Casino Control Commission, or the Internal Revenue Service are exempt. Attorneys who are not currently practicing law, and those who are completely retired, are exempt. Attorneys are considered not practicing law or retired if the following applies: the attorney’s employment is not related to the practice of law, the attorney does not have to be an attorney to hold his or her position, the attorney does not review legal documents, the attorney does not render legal assistance or advice on the law, the attorney does not teach law, and the attorney does not serve in the judiciary in any capacity, in any jurisdiction. Attorneys who are ineligible to practice law in New Jersey under statute, Rule of Court, or court order are also exempt. An attorney who appears pro se or pro hac vice or as the guardian of a party in interest may still claim this exemption if those are the only legal services performed in New Jersey. Attorneys who serve as in-house counsel in New Jersey are not exempt. Attorneys employed full time by a Legal Assistance Organization, as described in R. 1:21-1 Who May Practice; Appearance in Court, R. 1:21-1(e, ) , or by a Legal Aid Society are exempt. Attorneys who certify that they have performed at least twenty-five (25) hours of qualifying pro bono service in New Jersey, for a certified pro bono organization or for a pro bono organization approved by the Supreme Court, within the calendar year ending on December 31, 2024, are exempt under this category. See, R. 1:21-11 Definitions and Certifications Regarding Pro Bono Practice R. 1:21-11 and R. 1:21-12 Madden-Exemption Based on Voluntary Qualifying Pro Bono Service R.1:21-12 . Additionally, attorneys who satisfy the same twenty-five (25) hour requirement by serving as a court-appointed attorney-trustee pursuant to R. 1:20-19, who serve as a court-appointed attorney in adult guardianship matters, who volunteer to handle Termination of Parental Rights Appeals as compensated Public Defender Pool Attorneys, or other pro bono service approved by the Supreme Court are also exempt under this category. Attorneys who are members of a District Ethics Committee, a Fee Arbitration Committee, the Disciplinary Review Board, the Disciplinary Oversight Committee, the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, the Supreme Court Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, the Supreme Court Committee on Attorney Advertising, the Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics, the Committee on Character or the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct and attorneys who are employed as peer counselors for the Judge Assistance Program are exempt. Attorneys who practice law out of state, who do not practice in New Jersey within the calendar year, are exempt. An attorney who appears pro se or pro hac vice or as the guardian of a party in interest may still claim this exemption if those are the only legal services performed in New Jersey. Attorneys who serve as part-time Municipal Prosecutors are exempt from all criminal and Quasi-criminal pro bono cases. However, they may still be assigned civil pro bono cases., Reporting Continuing Legal Education Credits, Attorneys must report their compliance with New Jersey’s Court 1:42-Continuing Legal Education Rule 1:42 regarding continuing legal education (CLE) as part of the continuing legal education process. Group 1 attorneys have birthdays that fall between Jan. 1 and June 30. Their compliance period starts on Jan. 1 in even numbered years and concludes on Dec. 31. of the following odd-number year. Group 2 attorneys have birthdays that fall between July 1 and Dec. 31. Their compliance period starts on Jan. 1 in odd numbered years and concludes on Dec. 31. of the following even-number year. The fee for noncompliance with the bi-annual CLE requirement is $50. Attorneys must pay an additional $50 if they fail to complete their CLE courses within the afforded grace period or who fail to report regarding CLE compliance at all. In addition, attorneys who remain noncompliant are subject to being declared administratively ineligible to practice law in New Jersey., Newly Admitted Group 1 Attorneys, If admitted to the New Jersey Bar during an odd year, follow the regular 24-credit, 24-month reporting cycle. You will report your CLE compliance in an even year. If admitted to the New Jersey Bar during an even year, your first reporting period will cover only the next (odd) year. You must earn 12 CLE credits during this period. You will report compliance with this requirement on your annual online registration during the following (even) year., Newly Admitted Group 2 Attorneys, If admitted to the New Jersey Bar during an even year, follow the regular 24-credit, 24-month reporting cycle. You will report your CLE compliance in an odd year. If admitted to the New Jersey Bar during an odd year, your first reporting period will cover only the next (even) year. You must earn 12 CLE credits during this period. You will report compliance with this requirement on your annual online registration during the following (odd) year. Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education Learn more about continuing legal education requirements All persons certified as Foreign Legal Consultants under Certification and Practice of Foreign Legal Consultants R. 1:21-9 , those holding limited licenses as In-House Counsel under Rule 1:27-2. Limited License; In-House Counsel R. 1:27-2 , those holding limited licenses as Foreign In-House Counsel under Rule 1:27A-. Foreign In-House Counsel R. 1:27-2A , those registered as Multijurisdictional Practitioners under RPC 5.5-Lawyers Not Admitted to the Bar of This State and the Lawful Practice of Law RPC 5.5(b) , or those admitted pro hac vice in accordance with Rule 1:21-2. Appearances Pro Hac Vice R. 1:21-2 , shall make the same annual payment as licensed New Jersey attorneys in their 5th through 49th years., Pro Hac Vice, Pro Hac Vice, , Requirements , Rule 1:21-2. Appearances Pro Hac Vice Rule 1:21-2(a) ; Rule 1:20-1-Disciplinary Jurisdiction; Annual Fee and Registration 1:20-1(b) ; Rule 1-28-2-Payment to the Fund; Enforcement 1:28-2 and 1:28A-1-Purpose; Administration; Appointments 1:28B-1(e) . Attorneys seeking pro hac vice admission should send the following to the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection: A completed 2025 PHV form. (PHV forms for 2024 Pro Hac Vice Admission Form (PHV-24) 2024 and 2023 Pro Hac Vice Admission Form (PHV-23) 2023 2023 Pro Hac Vice Admission Form (PHV-23) are also available). A signed copy of the Court Order. If the judge requires payment before signing the order, please send a copy of the unsigned Order. Then, send a copy of the signed order when it becomes available. If you are appearing before a board or commission and there is no court order, indicate this in a cover letter and submit copies of your paperwork; A check payable to the NJ Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection in the amount of $267.00 for each attorney being admitted; Notification when each matter is concluded. An attorney's pro hac vice appearance continues until the matter is concluded, or there is a substitution of counsel, or the filing of a notice of withdrawal with the Court. The Fund must continue to seek payment until the attorney gives notice that either the matter, or the attorney's appearance in it, has formally concluded. Mail to:, NJ Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 961 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0961 Courier and Express Mail only: Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Floor 5th floor, North Wing Trenton, New Jersey 08625, Notes, Attorneys licensed in New Jersey who maintain a bona fide office in any state or territory of the United States, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia need no longer be admitted pro hac vice to handle a matter in New Jersey . 1:21-1-Who May Practice; Appearance in Court Rule 1:21-1(a) . No additional fee is required. Attorneys who are ineligible to practice law in New Jersey due to nonpayment of fees are also ineligible for admission pro hac vice . They must first pay all fees due. The fee is assessed once per calendar year per attorney. Attorneys admitted for additional cases within the calendar year should update their case listing information via the Online Registration and Payment Center ; however, no additional fee is required. If a case continues into the next calendar year, the fee for that year will have to be paid. An attorney's appearance continues until either the matter is concluded or there is a substitution of counsel. Attorneys admitted pro hac vice in federal court in New Jersey are similarly obligated to pay. L. Civ. R . 101.1(c)(2). After initial admittance, subsequent annual payments can be made with a credit card or ACH debit in the Online Registration and Payment Center . Attorneys not currently appearing pro hac vice in any matter in New Jersey should complete the Certification for PHV attorney no longer appearing on a case. Certification for PHV attorney no longer appearing on a case ., In-House Counsel, In-house counsel working in New Jersey or performing New Jersey-related legal work in another U.S. jurisdiction are required to obtain limited licensing from the New Jersey Supreme Court. Read 1:27-2-Limited License; In-House Counsel Court Rule 1:27-2 . To learn more or to apply for admission, visit the New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners website. After initial admittance, subsequent annual payments can be made with a credit card or ACH debit in the Online Registration and Payment Center Online Registration and Payment Center . Payment can be made with a credit card or ACH debit. Additional Forms Additional forms for change of address, change in employment, or termination of employment, as needed can be found at Board of Bar Examiners web site: New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners Mail to:, NJ Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 961 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0961 Courier and Express Mail only: Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Floor 5th floor, North Wing Trenton, New Jersey 08625, Foreign In-House Counsel, Foreign In-house counsel working in New Jersey or performing New Jersey-related legal work in another U.S. jurisdiction are required to obtain limited licensing from the New Jersey Supreme Court. Read 1:27-2A-Foreign In-House Counsel Registration R. 1:27-2A . To learn more or to apply for admission, visit the https://www.njbarexams.org/home Board of Bar Examiners website. All persons certified as Foreign Legal Consultants under 1:21-9-Certification and Practice of Foreign Legal Consultants R. 1:21-9 , those holding limited licenses as In-House Counsel under 1:27-2-Limited License; In-House Counsel R. 1:27-2 , those holding limited licenses as Foreign In-House Counsel under 1:27-2A-Foreign In-House Counsel Registration R. 1:27-2A , those registered as Multijurisdictional Practitioners under RPC 5.5-Lawyers Not Admitted to the Bar of This State and the Lawful Practice of Law RPC 5.5(b) , or those admitted pro hac vice in accordance with 1:21-2-Appearances Pro Hac Vice R. 1:21-2 , shall make the same annual payment as licensed New Jersey attorneys in their 5th through 49th years., Multijurisdictional Practice, Multijurisdictional practitioners can register under RPC 5.5-Lawyers Not Admitted to the Bar of This State and the Lawful Practice of Law RPC 5.5(b) . For admission as a multijurisdictional practitioner, submit a Designation of Clerk as Agent for Service of Process Designation of Clerk as Agent for Service of Process form to , Supreme Court Clerk's Office, P.O. Box 970 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 An attorney no longer acting as, or appearing as, a multijurisdictional practitioner (MJP) in the State of New Jersey should complete the Certification Regarding Appearance as a Multijurisdictional Practitioner Multijurisdictional Practitioner Nonpayment Certificate form. After initial admittance, subsequent annual payments can be made with a credit card or ACH debit in the Online Registration and Payment Center Online Registration and Payment Center ., Detailed Registration System Instructions, Attorney Registration, Videos, Documentation, Help System/Release Notes(R/N), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXDXhQb0k-c Confirm or Update Contact Information Attorney Registration – Confirm or Update Contact Information Attorney Registration – Confirm or Update Contact Information Attorneys Registration Release Notes RN.07.18.25 Attorney Registration – Login and Begin Annual Registration Attorney Registration – Login and Begin Attorneys Registration Release Notes – Full Volume Release Notes – Full Volume Attorney Registration – Registration Statement Attorney Registration – Registration Statement attyregprobono.pdf Attorney Registration – Pro Bono Attorney Registration – CLE Compliance Attorney Registration – CLE Compliance CLE – Application for a Waiver or Extension Attorney Registration – CLE Waivers and Extensions Attorney Registration – Payment Attorney Registration – Payment Attorney Registration – Certificates of Insurance in Attorney Search Attorney Registration – Certificates of Insurance in Attorney Search Attorney Registration – Certificates of Insurance Upload for Attorneys Attorney Registration – Certificates of Insurance Upload for Attorneys Uploading a Certificate of Insurance - Firms Attorney Registration – Certificates of Insurance Upload for Firms Attorney Registration – Certificates of Insurance Upload for Insurance Agents Attorney Registration – Certificates of Insurance Upload for Insurance Agents Attorney Registration - Application for Cert of Good Standing, Etc. Attorney Registration - Application for Cert of Good Standing, Etc. Attorney Registration – Pro Hac Vice Attorneys Attorney Registration – Pro Hac Vice Attorneys Attorney Registration – In House Counsel Attorneys Attorney Registration – In House Counsel Attorneys Attorney Registration - CLE Reinstatement and Non Compliance Guide Attorney Registration - CLE Reinstatement and Non Compliance Guide , Employer Registration, Videos, Documentation, Help System / Release Notes (RN), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbC_f3_z100 Update Employer Information Employer Registration – Update Employer Information Employer Registration – Update Employer Information Employer Registration - Release Notes RN.05.17.24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DeecDBHv8o Employer Payment Process Employer Registration – Employer Pay Employer Registration – Employer Pay Employer Registration – Disassociate Attorneys Employer Registration – Disassociate Attorneys , Attorney Wellness, The New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Wellness in the Law New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Wellness in the Law, as established by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner in 2023, offers this online resource for attorneys, judges, law students, court staff, and all members of the legal community to access well-being supports., Frequently Asked Questions, See all of our Frequently Asked Questions - Annual Attorney Registration and Payment frequently asked questions about attorney registration.
- Special Civil Court, Lawsuits for amounts up to $20,000 are called special civil cases. They are filed in Superior Court, in the special civil part of the civil division., Essential Forms, The following forms are used to begin a case: CN Title 10542 How to Answer a Complaint in the Special Civil Part 10914 How To Request a Default Judgment in the Superior Court Of New Jersey - Special Civil Part (Small Claims and Regular Special Civil Part Cases) 10915 How to File a Motion to Dismiss the Complaint or to Strike the Answer for Failure to Answer Interrogatories in the Special Civil Part 12302 Special Civil Answer and Counterclaim, Cross-claim, Third Party Complaint - Appendix XI-Z 10541 How to Sue for an Amount of Money up to $20,000 11968 How to Answer a Complaint in the Special Civil Part with a Counterclaim, Cross-claim and/or Third Party Complaint These forms are used after a judgment is entered to help collect money: CN Title 10282 Collecting a Money Judgment - brochure 10546 How to Get Financial Information About Someone Who Owes You Money (Motion to Enforce Litigant’s Rights) 10548 How to Ask the Court to Order a Wage Execution in a Special Civil Part Case 11235 Writ of Wage Execution - Appendix XII-E 11236 Notice of Application for Wage Execution - Appendix XI-I 11711 How to Complete the Request for a Writ of Execution 11840 Information Subpoena - Appendix XI-L Use these from to defend yourself against collection: CN Title 12322 How to Object to a Wage Garnishment in a Special Civil Part Case 12323 How to Object to a Bank Account Levy in a Special Civil Part Case 10543 How to File a Motion in the Special Civil Part Examples: A person or company failed to comply with a written or oral contract. Your car was damaged in an accident. You paid money as a down payment and want it returned. Your property was damaged or lost. Merchandise you bought is defective. Work you paid for was faulty or not completed. You want to be paid for work you did. Someone wrote you a bad check. You gave a landlord a security deposit that was not returned. Cases not eligible: Malpractice claims against doctors, dentists, lawyers, or other professionals Claims for child support or alimony Cases involving wills and inheritance Claims seeking anything other than money from the Defendant defendant, Do I need a lawyer to file a lawsuit in the Special Civil Part?, The court system can be confusing, and 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 NJ State Bar Association also maintains a list of county referral services list of county referral services that might be helpful., Things to think about before representing yourself in court, 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., Filing a Special Civil Suit, How to Sue for an Amount of Money Up To $15,000 How to sue for an amount of money up to $20,000, This kit has all of the forms and instructions for self-represented litigants to file a special civil case for money Damages damages, Note: You must be 18 to file a court case. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must filed the case for you., 8 steps to file a special civil case, Complete the Special Civil Part complaint (Form A in the Kit). Complete the top part only of Special Civil Part Summons (Form B in the Kit). 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 redact or black out the Personal Identifiers personal identifiers on the copies you will submit to the court. Include the current address of the person you are suing. Attach the Filing Fee filing fee or request a Fee Waivers fee waiver: Suing one defendant up to $5,000: $ 50 Suing one defendant for more than $5,000: $ 75 Each additional defendant: $ 5 Mail service fee for each defendant: $ 10 If requesting a jury trial: $100 Checks should be made payable to “Treasurer, State of NJ” Check forms to make sure they are complete. Sign the forms. Make copies of all of the documents you will submit to the court and put them in a safe place. , Check that you have redacted the personal identifiers on the copies you prepare for court, . , Upload the documents, into the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system . You can pay the fee with a credit card. You can upload the How to File for a Fee Waiver - All Courts fee waiver request form if needed. You also can mail the complaint , the summons and the fee to the Directory of Superior Court Special Civil Part Offices county Superior Court where the person or business is. Certified mail is recommended. The defendant can file a written Answer answer to the court within 35 days of getting the court summons. If the defendant files an answer, the court will send you a notice with a date to appear in court. If the defendant does not file an answer, you might be entitled to a Default Judgment default judgment Contact the court if you cannot come to court on your assigned date. Your case might be dismissed if you do not appear for trial., Serving the papers on the defendant, Your case cannot move forward unless the defendant receives the complaint and summons from the court. The court will mail the complaint and summons to the defendant(s). The defendant must then How to Answer a Complaint in the Special Civil Part file an answer. NOTE: You must give the court the correct address for the defendant or your case can not move forward., Defending yourself in a suit, If you are being sued in a special civil case You are the Defendant defendant in a lawsuit. You must file an Answer answer with the court. If you do not file an answer, a money Judgment judgment might be entered against you. You will receive a Summons summons from the court with the date and time to attend your trial. You must attend your trial on the date stated on the notice. If you do not attend your trial, a money judgment might be entered against you. If you cannot attend your trial on the date you were given, you must call the number on the notice or contact the Directory of Superior Court Special Civil Part Offices Special Civil Part office where the case was filed to ask for a new date., Do I need a lawyer to defend myself in a Special Civil Case?, The court system can be confusing, and 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 has a list of Regional legal services offices. regional legal services offices. The NJ State Bar Association has a list of NJ NJ list of county referral services list of county referral services that might be helpful. Corporations, limited liability corporations and limited partnerships must be represented by an attorney if the lawsuit is more than $5000., Do not ignore the summons, . Even if you do not have a lawyer, it is better to try to defend yourself in court than to ignore the summons., Things to think about before representing yourself in court, 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 Answer a Complaint in the Special Civil Part How to file an answer in the Special Civil Part. Defendants must file a written Answer answer to the complaint within 35 days of the date shown on the summons. Each defendant must file a separate answer. If you have evidence showing that you do not owe the amount claimed, such as receipts, attach copies of those papers to every copy of your answer. Keep copies of all the original documents and bring them to the trial. You also can choose to file a Counterclaim counterclaim, cross-claim or want to file a third-party complaint, 6 Steps for filing an answer to a lawsuit in the Special Civil Part, Complete the answer form and write your explanation why you think you do not owe the money that the person suing you is asking for. Do not include Personal Identifiers personal identifiers such as social security numbers on the documents filed with the court. Complete the forms, make a copy, and then Redact redact the personal identifiers on the copies you will submit to the court. Attach the filing fee of $30. Pay by credit card (for filings made through JEDS JEDS), use a check or a money order payable to "Treasurer, State of NJ." Check to make sure forms are completed and signed. Make copies of all documents you submit to the court and put them in a safe place. , Check that you have redacted the personal identifiers on the copies you prepare for court., Upload the documents, into the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system . You can pay the fee with a credit card. You can upload the How to File for a Fee Waiver – All Courts fee waiver request form if needed. You also can mail the documents to the Directory of Superior Court Special Civil Part Offices county Superior Court where the person or business is. Certified mail is recommended. You must also mail or bring your answer to the plaintiff and to any other parties in the case. If any party is represented by an attorney, send the information to the attorney instead. You will get a notice with a date to attend the trial.. Contact the court if you cannot attend the trial on your assigned date due to circumstances beyond your control. If you do not attend the trial, the court might find you in default and a money Judgment judgment might be entered against you. You might receive a list of questions, called Interrogatories interrogatories , from the plaintiff. You must answer the questions and return them to the plaintiff within 30 days. Read more about preparing for trial. Read more about preparing for trial., Filing Fees and Fee Waiver, Suing one Defendant defendant up to $5000: $50 Suing one defendant for more than $5000: $75 Each additional defendant: $5 All checks must be made payable to Treasurer, State of NJ, Do you qualify for a fee waiver?, You might not have to pay to file your cases if your income and assets are low enough. Fill out the Fee Waiver form and give it to the court along with the required documents. You can apply for a fee waiver in any NJ state court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Superior Court and Tax Court. How to File for a Fee Waiver - All Courts Request and learn more about fee waivers ., Preparing for Trial, Watch the Harris Announcement Video video on preparing for trial before you come to court. Both the plaintiff and defendant will be asked to give Testimony testimony at the trial. You can present witnesses. The court cannot accept written statements. You must have your witness available to testify on the trial date. Submit all of the documents you need to prove your side of the case at the trial using Electronic Evidence Submission Electronic Evidence Submission The court cannot use text messages or emails on your mobile phone. You must either submit them to the court in advance of the trial date, through Electronic Evidence Submission Electronic Evidence Submission or by mail, or bring them to the trial. You will be questioning your witnesses and the witnesses brought by the other person. Write down your questions and have them available on the trial date. Be prepared to present records of any transactions that may help you prove your case. That could be Cancelled checks, money orders, sales receipts Bills, contracts, estimates, leases Letters Photographs Other documents proving your claim, Interrogatories, The parties in a court case are able to ask each other for information about the evidence they will use at trial. The questions are called Interrogatories interrogatories. The interrogatories are sent directly to the other party and not to the court. If there is more than one defendant in a case, separate interrogatories can be sent to each of them., Deadlines, Plaintiff :, You have 30 days after receiving a defendant’s answer to send your interrogatories to that defendant. If you are suing for personal injury or automobile negligence, you must demand interrogatories in the complaint., Defendant, : You have 30 days after receiving a copy of the complaint to send your interrogatories to the plaintiff., All parties, : Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, all interrogatories must be answered within 30 days of when you received them. If you do not return your answers to the other parties within 30 days, the court might rule against you by suppressing your answer. If you miss the deadline, your filing is “stricken,” or removed, from the court record. You must pay a $25 fee within 30 days to have the case reinstated and your filing accepted. After 30 days, the restoration fee goes up to $75. After 45 days, the court might make the suppression order final, and then you will lose the case. Special Civil Part Interrogatories - Model Questions for Contract and Debt Collection Cases Where the Demand Exceeds $3,000 Use this kit for interrogatories for contract and debt collection cases over $5,000. How to Sue for Up To $5,000 in Small Claims Court Motor Vehicle Case Use these instructions if your case involves an auto accident or personal injury., Settlements, The court will ask that you try to settle your case so that you can avoid a trial. You might also want to contact the other party, or the other party’s lawyer, to talk about settling the case., Your day in court, The Plainiff plaintiff and the Defandant defendant must attend the trial at the time at the time and date stated on the summons, unless otherwise notified by the court. Be prepared to present all witnesses and evidence needed to present your case. On the day scheduled for trial, the court will help you try to settle your case through a settlement conference with a trained neutral third person. This person will try to help the plaintiff and the defendant reach an agreement. The neutral third person is not a judge. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case likely will be heard by the judge on the same day., If the plaintiff does not appear, the judge could dismiss the case., If the defendant does not appear, the judge could enter a Default default judgment and the defendant might have to pay all or part of the money claimed in the lawsuit., Appealing a Special Civil Case, Either Party party can Appeal appeal a decision in Special Civil court. You should consider whether the amount at stake in your case is worth the cost of filing an appeal., When to File file, The appeal must be filed in the Appellate Division of Superior Court , within 45 days of the court’s decision., Do I need a lawyer to file an appeal?, You do not have to have a lawyer to appeal your case. But the appeals process can be confusing. You will have to convince the appeals court that the judge made a mistake. It is a good idea to get a lawyer if you can., Things to think about before representing yourself in court, 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., Steps to file an appeal, File a Notice of Appeal. Request a transcript [link forthcoming] of your case from the Appellate Division. You must have the official transcript in order for your appeal to be considered. Complete a Case Information Statement. Appellate Division Practice Checklist Use the Appellate Division Practice Checklist, Filing Fees, $250 must be submitted with the Notice of Appeal. This is the cost of the appeal., Do you qualify for a Fee Waiver fee waiver?, Did the special civil court waive your fee? If so, you can attach a copy of the order and a signed letter that says your finances have not changed since the case was filed. How to File for a Fee Waiver – All Courts Use the Certified Statement in Support of a Motion to Proceed as an Indigent If you did not receive a fee waiver in your small claims case, you can submit a How to File for a Fee Waiver – All Courts request for a fee waiver with your appeal ., Mail or bring your appeals documents to:, Appellate Division Clerk’s Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970, Send copies of your appeals document to:, All parties in the case who appeared in court The local Directory of Superior Court Special Civil Part Offices Special Civil Part office that handled your special civil case The Judge's Chambers Listing judge who decided your special civil case, Keep a copy of each document for yourself., Preparing your appeal You will need to prepare a Brief brief , which is a document that explains why your appeal should be granted. Questions about your appeal? Call the , Appellate Division Clerk’s Office, at 609-815-2950 ., Collecting Your Money, If you were awarded a Judgment judgment in Special Civil part, you are a Judgment Creditor judgment creditor . You should contact the person who owes you the money, the Judgment Debtor judgment debtor, to talk about payment., The court cannot guarantee payment, Although the court will try to help you collect the money owed to you, it cannot guarantee the debt will be paid., Fees and other costs for Writs writs of execution, The filing fee is $35., Other Costs:, Ten percent fee: The special civil part officer will charge the debtor an extra ten percent on top of whatever money is recovered for you. Service fee: $7 fee for the Special Civil Part Officer to deliver service of process (e.g., complaints, writs and wage executions) to defendant(s). Sales and Advertising: If the special civil part officer sells personal property to get the money you are owed, you might be charged for things like advertising the sale., Writ of Execution, Read our brochure, on Collecting a Money Judgment How to Collect a Money Judgment A writ of execution is a court document that gives a special civil part officer the right to collect money from a judgment debtor’s bank account or personal property. , Real estate cannot be used to collect money owed in the Special Civil Part., Seizing a motor vehicle, You must be able to show that the vehicle is registered in the debtor’s name. You will need either: A certified of the title, or A certified Lien Glossary lien search from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The debtor might have an outstanding loan or debt on the car. You must determine if there is value or equity in the debtor’s car before you ask a special civil part officer to take it. Other items that could be used to satisfy a writ include: Office or sports equipment Household items Jewelry Clothing The debtor can keep $1,000 worth of personal property and clothing. If the debtor does not have more than $1,000 worth of personal property, this method cannot be used by the special civil part officer to satisfy your judgment and to collect the money owed to you., Bank levy (taking funds from a bank account), Use packet, How to Ask the Court to Order a Bank to Turn Over Funds That Have Been Frozen How to File a Motion to Turn Over Funds You can ask a special civil part officer to collect the money from the debtor’s bank account if the account is in New Jersey. Special civil part officers are not required to search for the debtor’s bank accounts. You must provide the name of the bank, the address and , no more than the last 4 digits of the account number, , if possible. , Do not provide the Special Civil Part Office with the debtor’s entire active financial account number, . Provide it to the officer directly if necessary. After the money has been levied upon by the special civil part officer, it is considered frozen. You must then File file a Motion Motion to Turn over Funds with the court and serve a copy upon the debtor and the bank. If the court grants the motion, the judge will sign an order that the special civil part officer will deliver to the bank. The officer will take the money from the bank, deposit it into an official business trust account, and then mail a check to the creditor or creditor’s attorney by the 15th day of the following month., Execution against wages (garnishing a debtor’s salary), Use packet, How to Ask the Court to Order a Wage Execution in a Special Civil Part Case How to File a Wage Execution The judgment creditor can request an execution against a person's wages if the debtor works in New Jersey and earns more than $217.50 per week. To request a wage execution, send a How to Ask the Court to Order a Wage Execution in a Special Civil Part Case Notice of Application for Wage Execution to the debtor by regular and certified mail. File a copy of the application and a statement of how you mailed the application to the debtor with the Office of the Special Civil Part in the county where the case was heard. If the debtor objects to the wage execution, a hearing will be immediately scheduled by the court. If the debtor does not object or the court does not allow the objection, the court will order a wage execution to be delivered to the debtor's employer by the special civil part officer. The employer will hold back a portion of the debtor's wages and will send this money directly to the officer. The officer will deduct a 10 percent commission and send the rest to you., If the money is not collected, Writs for wage executions can last for 20 years, but other writs expire in two year. After two years, the debtor can choose to: Request a new writ of execution from the court by following the same procedures used the first time in order to have the special civil officer keep trying to get the money; OR Request to have the judgment recorded as a lien against any real estate owned by the debtor. Once the judgment is recorded in the Superior Court, the debtor cannot sell with clear title any real estate owned in New Jersey until the debt is paid. To get a lien, a Statement for Docketing from the Directory of Superior Court Special Civil Part Offices Special Civil Part Office where the case was heard. You can send the Statement for Docketing, plus a $35 filing fee payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey , to, Appellate Division Clerk’s Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970, Frequently Asked Questions, What Happens on the Day Of Trial in Special Civil? The defendant and the plaintiff must come to court at the time and date stated on the trial notice, unless otherwise notified by the court. Bring all witnesses and evidence needed to present your case. On the day scheduled for trial, the court may help you settle your case through mediation with a trained mediator or a settlement conference with a neutral third person. This person will try to help the plaintiff and the defendant reach a satisfactory agreement. The mediator or neutral third person is not a judge. If a settlement cannot be reached, every effort will be made to have your case tried by the judge on the same day. If you win your case and need information on how to collect your judgment, you can find that information in our brochure entitled “ Collecting a Money Judgment - brochure Collecting a Money Judgment .” This brochure is available in any New Jersey Special Civil Part Office as well as on the Internet at Collecting a Money Judgment - brochure njcourts.gov . What Claims Are Typically Filed in Special Civil Part? Following is a general list of claims that may be filed in Special Civil: Breach of a written or oral contract. Return of money used as a down payment. Property damage caused by a motor vehicle accident. Damage to or loss of property. Consumer complaints for defective merchandise or faulty workmanship. Payment for work performed. Claims based on bad checks Return of a tenant’s security deposit. What Is the Fee for Filing a Complaint with Special Civil? The costs for filing a complaint in Special Civil are: $50 for a complaint where the amount claimed is $5,000 or less. $75 for a complaint where the amount claimed is more than $5,000. $5 for each additional defendant. The fee is $10 for each defendant served by certified and regular mail. $10 fee for a Court Officer to personally reserve complaint. $12 fee for each additional defendant reserved by a Court Officer. Make a check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey. An additional $100 fee is required for requests for a jury trial by six jurors. If you cannot afford to pay the filing fees, you may apply to the court to qualify as an indigent and your filing fees may be waived by the judge. Can I Appeal a Special Civil Court? If you, as a plaintiff or as a defendant, disagree with the court's decision, you may appeal the case to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court within 45 days from the date when the final decision is rendered. (The information is available on How to Appeal a Trial Court, Tax Court or State Agency Decision njcourts.gov ) You must file a Notice of Appeal, a copy of the Request for Transcript and a Case Information Statement within the 45 days with the Clerk of the Appellate Division (located at the Hughes Justice Complex, Trenton) and deliver copies to: All parties to the case who appeared in court. The Office of the Special Civil Part from which the appeal is taken. The judge who decided the case. You must pay a filing fee of $250 with the Notice of Appeal and deposit $300 with the Clerk of the Appellate Division within 30 days of the Notice of Appeal. This deposit may be used to pay settlement or court costs if the appeal is lost. If the appeal is successful, the deposit will be refunded. You also must obtain a transcript (a copy of the record of what happened in court) of the trial. The request for a transcript should be made to the Office of the Special Civil Part in the county in which the case was tried. You must deposit with the Clerk the estimated cost of the transcript (as determined by the court reporter, Clerk or agency preparing it) or $300 for each day or part of a day of the trial. You must file three copies of the transcript with the, Appellate Division Clerk’s Office, . Questions concerning an appeal should be directed to the, Appellate Division Clerk’s Office, at 609-815-2950 or to an attorney. What Claims Cannot Be Filed in Special Civil Part? Claims arising from professional malpractice (for example, alleged malpractice by a doctor, dentist or lawyer). Claims for support or alimony from a marital or domestic dispute. Claims arising from a probate matter. Please remember that if you believe you are entitled to damages greater than $20,000, but still wish to sue in Special Civil, you give up your right to recover damages over $20,000. The additional money, cannot, be claimed later in a separate lawsuit. Can I File an Answer to a Complaint with Special Civil? If you have been named as a defendant in a case, you must file a written answer to the complaint with the Office of the Special Civil Part in the county in which the complaint was filed within the number of days stated in the summons (35 days). You also must hand deliver, or send by regular mail, a copy of this answer to the plaintiff's attorney or send it by regular and certified mail to the plaintiff if they do not have an attorney. An answer packet for self-represented litigants, with accompanying instructions, is available in any New Jersey Special Civil Part Office and is available on the Internet at How to Answer a Complaint in the Special Civil Part njcourts.gov. If you believe that the plaintiff owes you money, you must add a counterclaim to the answer. If you believe that someone else named as a defendant in the complaint owes the money, you must add to the answer a cross-claim against that defendant. Finally, if you believe that a party not named in the complaint owes the money, you must add a third-party complaint to the answer. When filing an answer, be sure to give the following information: The docket number and caption of the case which appears on the complaint. Your full name, address and telephone number. The correct name(s) and address(es) of the plaintiff(s). The reason(s) you are disputing the plaintiff's claim. Include the amount of money for which you are suing, if you are including a counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party complaint with your answer. Do not provide any party’s “ confidential and personal identifiers”* in the answer or in any other submission to the court unless specifically required under law, court order, rule or administrative directive. You must complete the summons form if you are filing an answer, that includes a third-party complaint, (a new party is being added to the lawsuit by you). You must also pay the applicable service fees, as the court is required to serve the answer and third party complaint, on your behalf, upon the new party(ies) that you are adding to the lawsuit. You also must sign the answer, and pay the correct fling fees, when filing the answer with the Office of the Special Civil Part. If you do not respond to the complaint in writing within the number of days listed on the summons, a "judgment by default" may be entered against you. Through a judgment by default, the court decides the amount of money, if any, to be awarded to the plaintiff because you did not answer the complaint in time. If you have answered the complaint on time, the court will notify you by mail of the trial date. * A “ confidential personal identifier ” is defined as a social security number, driver’s license number, vehicle plate number, insurance policy number,, active, financial account number or, active, credit card number. You can provide the last 4 digits of a party’s, active, financial account if it is the subject of the lawsuit and cannot otherwise be identified. Where Do I File a Complaint with Special Civil? A complaint must be filed in the Office of the Special Civil Part in the county where at least one defendant lives or where the defendant's business is located. A business defendant is considered located in a county wherever it is actually doing business or in the county where its registered office is located. If there is more than one defendant, the complaint can be filed in the county where any of the defendants live or is located. If none of the defendants live or are located in New Jersey, the complaint must be filed in the county where the cause of the complaint occurred. A list of all of the Special Civil Part Offices, addresses and phone numbers in New Jersey is available on the Internet at Directory of Superior Court Special Civil Part Offices njcourts.gov . What Is the Fee for Filing an Answer in Special Civil? $30 for an answer. $50 for an answer with a counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party complaint where the amount is $5,000 or less. $75 for an answer with a counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party complaint where the amount is more than $5,000. Note: The Clerk will also charge an additional fee for serving the third-party complaint upon the new party(ies) that you are adding to the lawsuit. If you cannot afford to pay the filing fees, you may apply to the court to qualify as an indigent and your filing fees may be waived by the judge. Who May File a Complaint with Special Civil? To sue in the Special Civil Part, a person must be 18 years of age or older. If the person suing is under the age of 18, the claim must be filed by a parent or guardian. A plaintiff or defendant that is a corporation, partnership, (any business entity other than sole proprietors) must be represented by an attorney when the claim is greater than $5,000. An officer, trustee, director, agent or employee of a corporation may present or defend against a claim of $5,000 or less. How Do I Prepare for Trial in Special Civil?, Interrogatories, The Rules of Court provide for an exchange of information by the parties. Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant, questions from the opposing party, called "interrogatories," must be answered within 30 days from the date you receive them., Plaintiff, If you are the plaintiff, you must prove your case. Arrange to have any witnesses and records you need to prove your case at the trial. A written statement, even if made under oath, cannot be used in court. . Only actual testimony in court of what the witness(es) heard or saw will be allowed. Prepare your questions in advance. Bring to court records of any transactions that may help you prove your case. Such records may include: Cancelled checks, money orders, sales receipts. Bills, contracts, estimates, leases. Letters. Photographs. Other documents proving your claim. If you are able to settle the case with the defendant before the trial date, call the Special Civil Part Clerk's Office immediately to confirm that the case should be marked settled., Defendant, If you are the defendant, you should prepare your side of the case as the plaintiff prepared his or her case. Bring all necessary witnesses and documents to court with you on the scheduled trial date. You must come to court at the time and date shown on the trial notice. If you do not, a default judgment may be entered against you and you may have to pay the money the plaintiff says you owe. If you are able to settle the case with the plaintiff before the trial date, call the court immediately to confirm that the case should be marked settled. What Is the Special Civil Part? Special Civil is a court in which you may sue a person or a business (the defendant) to collect an amount of money up to $20,000 that you believe is owed to you. If your claim is $5,000 or less, you may sue in the Small Claims Section. This segment on Special Civil explains how to file a complaint, answer a complaint, file an appeal and gives general information about Special Civil. It is not intended to provide or take the place of legal advice or to answer every question you have about this court. For legal advice about your rights, you should contact a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, you may contact the Lawyers' Referral Service of your County Bar Association. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may contact the Legal Services Program in your county to see if you are eligible for free legal services. Special Civil is one of three sections within the Special Civil Part Court. The other two sections are Landlord Tenant and Small Claims. Special Civil is limited to cases in which the demand is $20,000 or less. If you believe you are entitled to recover more than $20,000, your case should be filed in the Law Division of the Superior Court. If you believe you are entitled to damages greater than $20,000, but still wish to sue in Special Civil, you give up your right to recover damages over $20,000. The additional money cannot be claimed later in a separate lawsuit How Do I File a Complaint with Special Civil? A Special Civil complaint form and accompanying instructions is available in any New Jersey Special Civil Part Office and is available on the Internet at How to Sue for an Amount of Money Up To $20,000 njcourts.gov . The summons and complaint can be filed through the mail or in person at the appropriate Special Civil Part Office (See “ Where Do I File a Complaint With Special Civil? Where Do I File a Complaint? ” Question). When filing a complaint, you, as the plaintiff, must: Give your full name, address and telephone number. To ensure proper service of the complaint, give the correct name(s) and address(es) of the person(s) or business(es) named as the defendant(s) in the complaint. It is important that the defendant(s) be properly identified as an individual, a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation. State the amount of money for which you are suing. State the reason why the defendant(s) owes you money. State whether there is, at this time, another case involving both you and the other party(ies) and, if so, the name of the court. Do not provide any party’s *“ confidential and personal identifiers ” in the complaint or in any other submission to the court unless specifically required under law, court order, rule or administrative directive. Sign and date the completed form. Pay the correct filing and service fees when filing the complaint with the Office of the Special Civil Part. * A “confidential personal identifier” is defined as a social security number, driver’s license number, vehicle plate number, insurance policy number,, active, financial account number or, active, credit card number . You can provide the last 4 digits of a party’s, active, financial account if it is the subject of the lawsuit and cannot otherwise be identified. After you have filed a complaint, a trial date will not be set unless the defendant files an answer in writing, along with the proper fees, to the Office of the Special Civil Part within 35 days from the date the complaint was served upon that defendant. If the defendant responds in writing within the 35 days, a trial date will be scheduled. All parties will be notified by the court. If a defendant does not respond within the 35 days, the Court will enter a default. The plaintiff can apply to the Special Civil Part Office for the entry of a “judgment by default” within 6 months from the date that default was entered. After this six month period, they must file a motion in order to obtain the judgment by default. Through a judgment by default request, the court decides the amount of money, if any, to be awarded to a plaintiff because the defendant did not answer the complaint in time or come to court. You are required to submit an affidavit and other documents verifying the amount of your claim and prove to the Court that the individual defendant is not an active member of the U.S. military. Proof of military service does not apply to business defendants. A hearing may be held in court to allow you to prove your claim where the amount you claimed cannot be proved from your documents. A packet for self-represented litigants on how to apply for a default judgment is available in any New Jersey Special Civil Part Office and is available on the Internet at How to Request a Default Judgment njcourts.gov . If the complaint is for money damages caused by a motor vehicle accident and the judgment requires a defendant to pay more than $500, the defendant must pay within 60 days. If the defendant does not pay within the 60 days, the plaintiff may request, through the Office of the Special Civil Part, that the Motor Vehicle Commission stop the defendant's driving privileges until the judgment is paid. There is no fee for this request., 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. Breach of Contract : A breach of contract is a failure to perform a promise that is a part of a written or oral contract. Brief : A brief is document submitted to the court to explain your side of the case. 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. 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. Interrogatories : Interrogatories are written questions to the other party or parties in a lawsuit whose purpose is to get information that can be used at trial. Judgment : A judgment is the official decision of a court in a case. Judgment creditor : A person who is owed money as a result of a court order. Judgment debtor : A person who owes money as a result of a court order. Lien : A lien is the legal right of a creditor to claim a debtor’s property until a debt is paid. Litigant : A litigant is party 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 person who starts the lawsuit by filing the complaint. Proof Hearing : the judge or court can direct the plaintiff to submit written documents or tell their story in a proof hearing to support or prove the how much the defendant owes. 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. Testimony : Testimony is an oral statement given by a witness at a trial or hearing. Tort : A tort is an act or failure to act that causes an injury or harm to another that forms the basis of a lawsuit for damages. Transcript : A transcript is a written record of everything that was said during a court hearing. Writ : A writ is a document issued by a court that orders a person, or organization to do something.
- District Fee Secretaries, 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, Secretary, 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, Secretary, 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, Secretary, P.O. Box 726 Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: 732-244-7719, District IIIB, Burlington County, Albert M. Afonso, Secretary, Afonso Archie Law, P.C. 21 Route 130 South Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 Phone: 609-416-1333, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, Marian I. Kelly, Secretary, 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, Esq., Secretary, O’Toole Scrivo 14 Village Park Road Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 Phone: 973-239-5700, District VB, Essex County – Suburban Essex, Harvey S. Grossman, Secretary, 80 Main Street, Suite 530 West Orange, NJ 07052 Phone: 973-736-5858, District VC, Essex County – West Essex, Cheryl H. Burstein, Esq., Secretary, Mandelbaum Barrett PC 3 Becker Farm Road, Suite 105 Roseland, New Jersey 07068 Phone: 973-736-4600, District VI, Hudson County, Mary Ann R. Andrews, 4617 Bergenline Avenue-Second Floor Union City, New Jersey 07087 Phone: 201-223-6660, District VII, Mercer County, Rebecca R. Colón, Esq., Secretary, District VII Fee Arbitration Committee OSWALD & ZOSCHAK, P.C. 3500 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 107 Hamilton, New Jersey 08619 Phone: 609-844-0488 Fax: 609-844-0784 Email: rc@ozfamilylaw.com, District VIII, Middlesex County, Steven Nudelman, Esq., Secretary, 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, District X, Morris and Sussex Counties, Patricia Cistaro, Secretary, Cistaro Law L.L.C. 5 Cold Hill Road South Suite 15 P.O. Box 294 Mendham, New Jersey 07945 Phone: 973-813-8100, District XI, Passaic County, Candice L. Drisgula, Secretary, 1501 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 305 Wayne, NJ 07470 Phone: 973-872-1200, District XII, Union County, Carol A. Jeney, Secretary, 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, Secretary, Kirmser Cunningham & Skinner 202 Halls Mills Road – P.O. Box 1675 Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Phone: 908-572-3173 908-572-3173
- Superior Court Clerk's Office, Body, Overview, The Superior Court Clerk’s Office manages several statewide functions for the Judiciary. This includes court record storage and retrieval, uncontested foreclosures, judgment liens, and the annual attorney registration and payment process., Michelle Smith, , Clerk of Superior Court Contact Us: Cisco Chat button Live Chat Available M-F 8:30-4:30 Mailing Address:, Superior Court Clerk's Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 971 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0971 Hand Deliveries:, Superior Court Clerk's Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Trenton, New Jersey 08625, Court Records, Court records are transferred to the Superior Court Records Center after they are resolved. Contact the Clerk's Office to Copies of Court Records request records from closed cases . The Clerk's Office also administers the Electronic Access to Court Records Electronic Access Program for online access to the Judiciary’s case management systems. Data Reports for Sale Case data reports also are available through the Clerk’s Office. Justices and Judges are required to file an annual Judicial Financial Reporting statement with the Administrative Director. To request a copy of a justice’s or a judge’s Judicial Financial Reporting statement, email your request to JFRReq.mailbox@njcourts.gov JFRReq.mailbox@njcourts.gov . Attorneys seeking to file a Certification of Attorney Regarding Cybersecurity Incident and Request for Restoration of Access to New Jersey State Judiciary Systems should fax that request to 609-826-7021., Foreclosure and Judgment Case Processing, All foreclosures are filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. Uncontested foreclosures are processed by the Foreclosure In New Jersey Office of Foreclosure . See our Foreclosure Self-Help page foreclosure self-help page if you are representing yourself in a foreclosure. The Clerk’s Office oversees the collection of judgments awarded in all types of court cases. Visit our Self-help Collecting money in a Civil case self-help page if you are trying to collect a money judgment or if you are trying to get a warrant of satisfaction that a judgment has been paid., Attorney Registration and Payment, The Superior Court Clerk’s Office administers the annual Attorney registration and payment online attorney registration and payment process . This helps ensure that all attorneys can gain access to eCourts eCourts , can create a Judiciary Account Charges System (JACS) Judiciary Account Charges System (JACS) account, and are properly listed in the online Attorney Index Attorney Index., Bail Surety Program, The Superior Court Clerk’s Office maintains the Surety Bond Registry and registers all corporate insurance companies, their bail agencies and agents and guarantors of surety bonds. No surety bond for purposes of bail shall be accepted by any court unless the insurer has first filed with the Superior Court Clerk's Office a Bail Program Registration Form. In addition to the registration process, the Clerk’s Office handles the enforcement process. If a condition of a recognizance is breached, bail will be forfeited by court order. A notice will be sent to county counsel, the defendant, and any surety or insurer, bail agent or agency directing that a default judgment will be entered as to any outstanding bail, absent a written objection seeking to set aside the forfeiture, which must be filed within 75 days of the date of the notice. The notice shall also advise the insurer that if it fails to satisfy a judgment and until satisfaction is made, it shall be removed from the Bail Registry and its bail agents and agencies, guarantors, and other persons or entities authorized by the insurer to administer or manage its bail bond business in this State will have no further authority to act for it, and their names, as acting for the insurer, will be removed from the Bail Registry. To register an agency or agent with the Superior Court Clerk's Office, a corporate sponsor must complete and submit a Bail Program Registration Form Bail Program Registration Form . E-mail the completed registration form to SccoSuretyBond.Mailbox@njcourts.gov . For more information, call 609-421-6100, Superior Court Trust Fund, The Superior Court Trust Fund is a temporary depository for funds claimed in connection with litigation in the New Jersey Superior Court or of funds to be deposited under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Supreme Court. Superior Court Trust Fund The Superior Court Trust Fund Practitioner's Guide is provided to assist individuals or attorneys seeking to deposit and withdraw funds from court. Attorneys and self-represented litigants who have interaction with the Trust Fund should be familiar with and comply with all applicable rules, statutes and regulations. Questions regarding the processing of Trust Fund work should be directed to SccoTrustfund.Mailbox@njcourts.gov or by calling 609-421-6100 Mailing Address:, SCCO Trust Fund, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 971 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0971 Hand Delivery:, SCCO Trust Fund, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Trenton, New Jersey 08625
- Child Support, Child Custody, and Parenting Time, Family disputes can be complicated. These resources are designed to help you with custody and support matters when divorce is not part of the case. , Non-Dissolution, This docket type involves parenting and support issues in cases where no divorce is filed. Child custody Parenting time and visitation, including grandparents and siblings Establishing paternity Child Support Spousal Support Health insurance coverage, Who Can File?, A parent who is not married. A parent who is married but has not filed for divorce, who wants to establish paternity, custody, parenting time, visitation, child support, or health insurance coverage. A parent who is married and who wants spousal or health insurance coverage. A grandparent or adult sibling who wants to file for custody, visitation, child support or health insurance coverage. Anyone filing a counterclaim or a response to a complaint filed against them., Note:, If you are divorced or are seeking a divorce from the other parent, please use our Divorce divorce self-help resources ., Register an Out-of-State Order, The New Jersey Courts can register and, if needed, enforce custody and visitation orders from other states. First, download and complete the Certification of Out of State Custody / Visitation / Parenting Time Order (for filing when requesting registration/enforcement) request form . The completed form and the $35 filing fee can be Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) submitted using JEDS . This process does not apply to out-of-state child support orders, which do not require litigants to file a request. For more information on out-of-state custody and visitation orders, see Directive #12-23 Administrative Directive 12-23 ., What does "establish paternity" mean? , If the couple is married, both parties are the legal parents of their child(ren). For unmarried couples, the legal father must be named in the court papers. This will ensure that both parents are legally responsible for supporting the child(ren). Paternity must be established in order to request child support from the legal father., Do I need a lawyer to file a non-dissolution case?, The law, the proofs necessary to present your case, and the court process are complex. You should try to get a lawyer for this type of case. Legal Services of New Jersey maintains a directory of Regional legal services offices, regional legal services offices, The New Jersey Bar Association also maintains a list of https://njsba.com/resources/county-bar-associations/ county NJSBA County Lawyer Referral Services, lawyer referral services, that might be helpful., Things to think about before representing yourself in court, 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.
- Rescheduling Requests, Deferral Requests (Rescheduling Your Service), Complete the Jury Qualification Questionnaire juror qualification questionnaire before submitting a request to be deferred., Deferral requests may be submitted for the following needs:, Medical Prospective juror has a temporary medical inability to serve. Transportation Prospective juror is unable to secure transportation for their reporting date. Temporarily Outside of Area – Business or Vacation Trip Prospective juror is temporarily out of area for employment, vacation or holiday reasons Temporarily Outside of Area – College Student Prospective juror is a student and is temporarily out of area for schooling and/or prospective juror is a student with mandatory classes, exams, evaluations, or other school obligations. Temporarily Outside of Area – Other For reasons other than those mentioned above. Emergency Prospective juror has an emergent and unplanned event that requires immediate attention Employment – Probationary Period, Staff Shortage, etc. Prospective juror has an employment conflict or is under a probationary period for new employment. You can defer (reschedule) your jury service, once, in the My Jury Service Portal My Jury Service Portal , or by contacting your Jury Managment Office List jury management office . , Requesting a Deferral Using the Online Portal, How-to video: How to Create a Juror Service Request Video How to Create a Juror Service Request Log into the My Jury Service Portal My Jury Service Portal to complete your questionnaire. Once complete, you will be taken to the Home page. Click on the “Juror Service Request” tile. Select “Create Juror Service Request.” Select “Deferral.” Under “Deferral Month” select the month you would like to be deferred to. Under “Available deferral dates” select your preferred date. Under “Deferral reason” select the reason for your request. Under “Additional Notes” you are free to add any information you would like to provide regarding your request. Click “Submit” at the bottom of the page. If additional information is required, you will be notified via email for the requested documentation. The information can be submitted via email to your summoning Jury Managment Office List jury management office . You will be notified by email once a decision has been made. *Note: If additional information is required and not received five days prior to your summons date, your request will be denied and you will be required to report for your scheduled jury service. If you do not have access to the online portal, please email or call your Jury Managment Office List jury management office . When calling by phone, have your 10-Digit Participant ID available. When emailing your request, provide the following: 10-Digit Participant ID Full name Requested deferral date Deferral reason Contact phone number
- Appellate Division, Body, Overview, For information on how to represent yourself in an appeal, visit our Guide to Completing Appeals Forms Self-Help page . Court appeals in New Jersey go through the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. This is an intermediate appellate court. The state Supreme Court is the highest appellate court. Appeals come from trial courts, tax court, and administrative agencies. Review the New Jersey Standards for Appellate Review Standards for Appellate Review to learn how the two- or three-judge appellate panels reach a decision in each case. The division is composed of 32 judges divided into 8 parts. The division decides around 6,500 appeals and 10,000 motions each year. Appellate Division Parts List Appellate Division Court Term Parts List Published Appellate Court Opinions Appellate Court opinions are posted at 10 a.m. each business day. Expected Opinions Expected opinions for the following business day also are posted at 10 a.m. Alternative resolution programs can streamline the appeals process for some types of cases. These include:, Civil Appeals Settlement Program (CASP), . The clerk’s office identifies cases that might be settled with the help of a retired judge. Alternatively, appeals with complex issues could go to a pre-argument conference. The conference helps clarify those issues prior to briefing., Sentencing Calendars, . Appeals of criminal sentences are argued without full briefing due to their narrow scope. This shortened process helps resolve those cases more quickly., Forms and Filing Information, Attorneys must use eCourts Appellate to file all non-emergent appellate matters. 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. The current self-representing appeals forms can be found under Forms and Instructions Forms and Instructions . Use the Build-a-Brief Creator Build-a-Brief Creator , the Build-a-Brief Sample (Letter Brief Sample) Letter Brief Sample , and the Appellate Formal Brief Sample Formal Brief Sample for guidance on preparing appellate briefs. See the Appellate pretrial detention Pretrial Detention page for guidance filing an appeal on an order granting a motion for pretrial detention. Here are examples to help you complete your forms: Examples, Tables of Judgments, Orders and Rulings Examples, Tables of Judgments, Orders and Rulings . This document provides you with sample information that should be included with your appeal. Point Heading Examples Point heading examples . These illustrate how to format your headings in an appeal. You will need a transcript of the lower court hearing. Requesting a Superior Court or Tax Court Transcript for Your Appeal Order transcripts . , Resources for Transcribers, The Judiciary maintains a list of Certified Transcribers List certified transcribers . Also see the contact information for Transcript Processing Offices transcript offices in each Superior Court . Transcribers can consult the Judiciary Transcriber Manual Judiciary Transcriber Manual and the Transcript Format for Judicial Proceedings Transcript Format for Judicial Proceedings . Use the Judiciary Payment Voucher payment voucher and follow the Instructions for Payment Voucher payment voucher instructions to receive payment. , Calendars and Locations, The following are the upcoming calendars for appellate cases. Choose a date below to review the scheduled appeals. Appellate court calendars are subject to change due to uncontrollable circumstances. Call 609-815-2950 ext. 52627 to confirm calendar information for an appeal. As provided in the Notice – New Jersey Judiciary Expands Livestreaming of Oral Arguments to the Appellate Division and Announces the Availability of Publicly Filed Briefs Before the Supreme Court and Appellate Division Sept. 3, 2024, Notice to the Bar , the Judiciary is livestreaming oral arguments before the Appellate Division. Exceptions are specified in the Notice – Public Access in the Appellate Division: (1) Oral Arguments of Non-Public Cases Excepted from Livestreaming and Brief Posting; (2) New Form to Request Audio Recordings of Oral Arguments; and (3) Requesting Access to Non-Public Arguments/Records March 10, 2025 Notice to the Bar . Per this Notice to the Bar, audio recordings of remote arguments held after Sept. 3, 2024 are available upon request. Submit the Request for Audio Records of Appellate Division Oral Argumen Request for Audio Records of Appellate Division Oral Arguments and send to Appeal-Trans.mailbox@njcourts.gov . For help with case information, call the , Transcript Unit, at 609-376-3040 . See appeals scheduled for the agenda for the week of July 7, 2025 Week of July 7, 2025 See appeals scheduled for the Week of July 14, 2025 See appeals scheduled for the Appellate Calendar - Week of July 28, 2025 Week of July 28, 2025 Appellate Division chambers are located throughout the state. Arguments are heard in courtrooms in Morristown, New Brunswick, Newark, and Trenton. Arguments are also heard in other courts from time to time. , Appellate Division Clerk’s Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 609-815-2950, Notices to the Bar, The following are notices to bar regarding the appellate court and Ecourts Appellate eCourts Appellate . Notice and Order – Public Access in the Supreme Court and Appellate Division – Relaxation of Court Rules; Requirement for a Filing Party to Certify to the Absence of Confidential Information in Publicly Filed Documents Notice – Public Access in the Appellate Division: (1) Oral Arguments of Non-Public Cases Excepted from Livestreaming and Brief Posting; (2) Promulgation of New Form to Request Audio Recordings of Oral Arguments; and (3) Process for Requesting Access to Non-Public Arguments/Records
- Filing a Non-Dissolution Case, Follow these steps to file your case in family court. If you want to change an existing court order, see How to file a request to modify a Non-Dissolution "FD" Court Order previously issued by the court How to File a Post-Judgment Family Motion . , 8 Steps for Filing a Non-Dissolution case in Superior Court, Fill out the following form. You are the "Plaintiff." Non-dissolution "FD" Case - How to file a non-divorce application for custody, child/spousal support or parenting time (visitation) Verified Complaint or Counterclaim Include the current address of the other party. This is very important. The other party will receive a Notice to Appear in court and a copy of your court papers. If the other party cannot be reached, your case might be dismissed or delayed. What to do if you cannot find the other party If you are asking for child support, your county welfare office can help you locate the other parent. They receive federal funding to perform this service for child support recipients. If you are not asking for child support, you can complete the Certification of Diligent Search Kit Diligent Search Kit to show that you tried to find the other party. Your case cannot proceed until the other party is found. Fill out the Confidential Litigant Information Sheet Confidential Litigant Information Sheet Complete other forms as needed. For child support, establishment of paternity, spousal support, and/or health insurance coverage, fill out these forms: Certification in Support of Establishing Paternity Certification in Support of Establishing Paternity Financial Statement for Summary Support Actions Summary Form for Financial Information Family Part Case Information Statement (CIS) Family Case Information Statement Also complete the NJ Child Support Application Form child support application form at njchildsupport.org Child Support Application . For custody, parenting time or visitation, also complete the Certification of Non-Military Service Certification of Non-Military Service Double check the forms. Do not leave any blank spaces. Write N/A if something does not apply to you. Make sure you sign them where it is required. Make a copy of the forms and keep them in a safe place. There are 3 ways to deliver the forms. Option 1: You can upload your forms on Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) . If you are asking for child support, include the child support application form. You can pay the $6 fee with a credit card. Option 2: You can deliver your forms to the Directory of Superior Court Family Division Offices county courthouse. If you are asking for child support, bring the child support application form and a $6 check or a money order payable to Treasurer, State of NJ. Option 3: You can mail your forms to the Directory of Superior Court Family Division Offices county courthouse . If you are asking for child support, include the child support application and a $6 check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of NJ.
- Change a Court Order, Follow these steps to change a parenting time, custody, or visitation order. , Change a Non-Dissolution Court Order, Fill out the How to file a request to modify a Non-Dissolution "FD" Court Order previously issued by the court Application for Modification of Court Order or Cross-Application for Modification of a Court Order. Include the current address of the other party. This is very important. The other party will receive a Notice to Appear in court and a copy of your court papers. If the other party cannot be reached, your case might be dismissed or delayed. What to do if you cannot find the other party: If you are asking for child support, your county welfare office can help you locate the other parent. They receive federal funding to perform this service for child support recipients. If you are not asking for child support, you can complete the Certification of Diligent Search Kit Diligent Search Kit to show that you tried to find the other party. Your case cannot proceed until the other party is found. Fill out the Confidential Litigant Information Sheet Confidential Litigant Information Sheet Confidential Litigant Information Sheet . If you are asking for child support or a change to your child support order, fill out the Financial Statement for Summary Support Actions Summary Form for Financial Information . If you are married and are asking for spousal support or a change to your child support order, fill out the Family Part Case Information Statement Family Case Information Statement. Double check the forms. Do not leave any blank spaces. Write N/A if something does not apply to you. Make sure you sign them where it is required. Make a copy of the forms and keep them in a safe place. There are 3 ways to deliver the forms. Option 1: You can upload your forms on Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) here. You can pay the $25 filing fee with a credit card. Fee Waivers Do you qualify for a fee waiver ? Option 2: You can deliver your forms to the Directory of Superior Court Family Division Offices county courthouse . Bring a $25 check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of NJ Option 3: You can mail your forms to the Directory of Superior Court Family Division Offices county courthouse . Include a $25 check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of NJ.
- New Jersey State Grand Jury, State Grand Jury is a statewide program with jurors summoned from every county in New Jersey. If you are selected as a grand juror, you will serve one day a week for 16 to 20 weeks. State Grand Jury is managed by the Mercer County Jury Management Office., Complete the required questionnaire promptly., Once you receive your State Grand Jury summons, you MUST Complete Your Questionnaire complete the qualification questionnaire at least 30 days prior to your reporting date. Enter the 10-digit Participant ID number shown under the barcode (Not the Juror Number) of your summons, and your mailing address zip code listed on the summons. Through this questionnaire, you can request to be disqualified, excused, or rescheduled (deferred). Once you have entered all your answers, you must select "Confirm," or your information will not be received and correctly processed. If you are submitting the qualification questionnaire by mail, please make sure to include your email address and contact phone number in the required fields on the form., Requests, If you are requesting to be disqualified, excused, or rescheduled, you can send supporting documentation to, or mail it to the sgjury.mailbox@njcourts.gov Mercer County Civil Courthouse 175 South Broad Street Floor 2 Trenton, New Jersey 08650-0068 Documentation, must, be received by the jury management office at least 30 days prior to your summons date., State grand jurors are currently selected virtually using the following process:, Step 1 - Jury summonses are mailed to potential state grand jurors. Jurors must Complete Your Questionnaire complete the qualification questionnaire . Those who do not promptly respond online will be sent a questionnaire in the mail. Step 2 - About one month prior to the service date, only 100 potential jurors will be selected to appear from all those who responded and were qualified to serve. An email will be sent to all qualified jurors informing them whether they have been selected and must appear, or they were not selected and are excused. Step 3 - The Mercer County Jury Management Office will email jurors Zoom instructions prior to the appearance date. Step 4 - The Mercer County Jury Management Office will email jurors a Zoom invitation link for virtual jury selection the day before the appearance date. If you have questions and would like to speak with someone by phone, you can call 609-571-4497 ext. 74376 or send an email to sgjury.mailbox@njcourts.gov
- Disciplinary Review Board, The next Disciplinary Review Board meeting, will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18 in the Supreme Court courtroom at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex. To view the live Board proceedings, select "Disciplinary Review Board" under "Administrative Office of the Courts" on the Court Webcasts livestream page . Body , Disciplinary Review Board, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 962 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0965 609-815-2920 Timothy Ellis, Chief Counsel 609-815-2920 The Disciplinary Review Board (DRB) is part of the New Jersey Supreme Court’s attorney discipline process. It reviews all attorney misconduct cases prosecuted by the Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE). After it receives the OAE’s recommendation for discipline, the DRB reviews the entire record of the case. It then makes its own recommendation in the case. DRB decision Find a DRB Decision, Public Hearings, The DRB holds a public hearing for all cases in which the OAE recommends a sanction greater than admonition. The hearing is public. View the latest DRB Hearing Schedule DRB public hearing schedule ., Sanctions, After the hearing, the Board members deliberate and decide whether to dismiss the case or impose a sanction. The sanction for less serious cases could be a letter of admonition, reprimand, or censure. The letter is sent to the attorney and added to their public record. For more serious cases, the sanction could be either temporary suspension or permanent disbarment., Supreme Court Review, The New Jersey Supreme Court must submit an order confirming each DRB decision. If the DRB recommends disbarment, the Court will review the case. They will hold their own public hearing before deciding on final discipline. Other than disbarment cases, DRB decisions are final and cannot be appealed., Appeals, The Board reviews appeals from: (a) individuals (grievants) who have filed a grievance against an attorney and who claim that a District Ethics Committee (DEC) improperly dismissed the grievance after an investigation or hearing. R. 1:20-15(e); and (b) from parties to fee arbitration disputes who contend that grounds for appeal exist consistent with R. 1:20A-3(c), after notice of the Fee Arbitration Committee’s (FAC) determination. A Notice of Appeal form must be filed with the Disciplinary Review Board within 21 days from the date of the letter informing parties of the DEC’s dismissal or the FAC’s arbitration determination. You can file your appeal online using the DRB eFile system. To eFile, register to create an account or use your existing Judiciary credentials to log in . You may also Ethics Notice of Appeal Form obtain an appeal form . You must complete and sign the form and mail it to the address shown. Please note, Internet Explorer 11 and Acrobat Reader work best on the forms. If you are using another browser and you are having difficulty opening, filling out, or printing the forms, please click on the link below to see the specific instructions. IMPORTANT: PDF viewers or readers other than Adobe may not work properly with our fillable pdf files., To file an appeal from a district ethics committee's dismissal of a grievance in an ethics matter, complete the following form:, Ethics Notice of Appeal Form - static version Ethics Notice of Appeal Form Ethics Notice of Appeal Form - dynamic version Ethics Notice of Appeal Form - for mobile devices , To file an appeal of a fee arbitration matter, complete the following form:, Fee Arbitration Notice of Appeal Form - static version Fee Arbitration Notice of Appeal Form Fee Arbitration Notice of Appeal Form - dynamic version Fee Arbitration Notice of Appeal Form - for mobile devices To get a hard copy of either form, call 609-815-2920 . Be prepared to give the attorney’s name, ethics district docket number, and date of dismissal or fee determination. Mail completed forms to: Attention: Appeals Unit, Disciplinary Review Board, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 962 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0965 For in-person delivery: Attention: Appeals Unit Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Floor 3rd Floor North Trenton, New Jersey 08625, Administrative costs cases are paid by the attorney, The administrative fee is usually between $650 and $2,000 per case. Also, the attorney must cover other expenses such as transcripts, court reporter services, and copy fees. Attorneys who fail to pay the required fees can be suspended or denied reinstatement. A civil judgment also could be filed against them. Fees should be paid by check made out to “Disciplinary Oversight Committee.” Fees also can be paid using eCourts . Mail the fee to: Attention: Costs Unit, Disciplinary Review Board, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 962 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0965, Suspended attorneys must petition for reinstatement., This process is explained in Reinstatement After Final Discipline Court Rule 1:20-21 . The attorney must file an original and 12 copies of the verified petition with the Board. Two copies also must be served on the Director of the Office of Attorney Ethics. The fee is $750. The check must be payable to “Disciplinary Oversight Committee.” Mail petition, documentation, and fee to: Attention: Reinstatement Unit, Disciplinary Review Board, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 962 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0965 For in-person delivery Attention: Reinstatement Unit Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Floor 3rd Floor North Trenton, New Jersey 08625 Also mail two copies to: Attention: Director, Office of Attorney Ethics, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 963 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0963, Annual Reports, DRB Annual Report 2023 DRB Annual Report 2023 DRB Annual Report 2022 DRB Annual Report 2022 DRB Annual Report 2021 DRB Annual Report 2021 DRB Annual Report 2020 DRB Annual Report 2020 DRB Annual Report 2019 DRB Annual Report 2019, DRB Members and Staff, The Board consists of nine members appointed by the Supreme Court. Board members serve without compensation. Three appointees are non-lawyer, public members, customarily one member is a retired judge of the Appellate Division or of the Superior Court; the remaining five members are attorneys., Board Member, Office of Board Counsel, Hon. Mary Catherine Cuff, P.J.A.D. (Ret.), Chair, Timothy M. Ellis, Chief Counsel, Peter J. Boyer, Vice-Chair, Nicole M. Acchione, First Assistant Counsel, Jorge A. Campelo, Barry R. Petersen, Deputy Counsel, Thomas J. Hoberman, Salima E. Burke, Assistant Counsel, Steven Menaker, Adaline Kaser, Assistant Counsel, Sophia A. Modu, Ashley Kolata-Guzik, Assistant Counsel, Remi L. Spencer, Nicholas Logothetis, Assistant Counsel, Peter Petrou, Alisa H. Thatcher, Assistant Counsel, Lisa J. Rodriguez,