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Article Guide

The New Jersey Civil form serves as a critical document in the legal process, particularly for individuals involved in civil actions. This form includes essential information such as the names and addresses of the parties involved, including the plaintiff and defendant, as well as the attorney representing the plaintiff. Central to the form is the summons, which notifies the defendant that a lawsuit has been filed against them in the Superior Court of New Jersey. The document outlines the necessary steps the defendant must take if they wish to contest the complaint, including the requirement to file a written answer or motion within 35 days of receiving the summons. Failure to respond appropriately may result in a judgment against the defendant, which could lead to the seizure of wages or property. Additionally, the form provides guidance for defendants who may need legal assistance, directing them to contact local Legal Services or Lawyer Referral Services if they cannot afford an attorney. Overall, the New Jersey Civil form is designed to ensure that all parties are informed of their rights and responsibilities within the legal framework.

Example - New Jersey Civil Form

Attorney(s)

Office Address

Town, State, Zip Code Telephone Number Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

Plaintiff(s)

SUMMONS

Superior Court of

New Jersey

COUNTY

DIVISION

Docket No:

Vs.

Defendant(s)

From The State of New Jersey To The Defendant(s) Named Above:

CIVIL ACTION

SUMMONS

The plaintiff, named above, has filed a lawsuit against you in the Superior Court of New Jersey. The complaint attached to this summons states the basis for this lawsuit. If you dispute this complaint, you or your attorney must file a written answer or motion and proof of service with the deputy clerk of the Superior Court in the county listed above within 35 days from the date you received this summons, not counting the date you received it. (A directory of the addresses of each deputy clerk of the Superior Court is available in the Civil Division Management Office in the county listed above and online at http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/pro se/10153_deptyclerklawref.pdf.) If the complaint is one in foreclosure, then you must file your written answer or motion and proof of service with the Clerk of the Superior Court, Hughes Justice Complex, P.O. Box 971, Trenton, NJ 08625-0971. A filing fee payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey and a completed Case Information Statement (available from the deputy clerk of the Superior Court) must accompany your answer or motion when it is filed. You must also send a copy of your answer or motion to plaintiff's attorney whose name and address appear above, or to plaintiff, if no attorney is named above. A telephone call will not protect your rights; you must file and serve a written answer or motion (with fee of $175.00 and completed Case Information Statement) if you want the court to hear your defense.

If you do not file and serve a written answer or motion within 35 days, the court may enter a judgment against you for the relief plaintiff demands, plus interest and costs of suit. If judgment is entered against you, the Sheriff may seize your money, wages or property to pay all or part of the judgment.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you may call the Legal Services office in the county where you live or the Legal

Services of New Jersey Statewide Hotline at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529). If you do not have an attorney and are not eligible for free legal assistance, you may obtain a referral to an attorney by calling one of the Lawyer Referral Services. A directory with contact information for local Legal Services Offices and Lawyer Referral Services is available in the Civil Division Management Office in the county listed above and online at http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/prose/10153_deptyclerklawref.pdf.

________________________________

Clerk of the Superior Court

DATED:

Name of Defendant to Be Served:

Address of Defendant to Be Served:

Revised 11/17/2014, CN 10792-English (Appendix XII-A)

Form Specs

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The New Jersey Civil Form is governed by the New Jersey Court Rules, specifically Rule 4:4 regarding summons and service of process.
Purpose This form serves as a summons for civil actions filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, notifying defendants of a lawsuit.
Filing Deadline Defendants have 35 days from the date of receiving the summons to file a written answer or motion with the court.
Filing Fee A filing fee of $175.00 must accompany any answer or motion submitted to the court.
Proof of Service Defendants must provide proof of service along with their written answer or motion, ensuring that the plaintiff or their attorney is notified.
Foreclosure Cases If the complaint involves foreclosure, the answer must be filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court at the Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton.
Legal Assistance Individuals unable to afford an attorney can contact the Legal Services office or the Statewide Hotline for assistance.
Consequences of Non-Response If a defendant fails to respond within the specified timeframe, a judgment may be entered against them, allowing for potential seizure of assets.
Contact Information A directory of local Legal Services Offices and Lawyer Referral Services is available online and through the Civil Division Management Office.
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