Free A GUIDE TO THE - New Jersey

A GUIDE TO THE NEW JERSEY CIVIL COURTS

REVISED EDITION - NOVEMBER 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to The Superior Court of New Jersey ­ Civil Courts ..................................................... 2 Purpose of this Booklet................................................................................................................... 2 Judiciary Mission Statement ........................................................................................................... 2 Statement of Core Values of the New Jersey Court System........................................................... 2 Civil Part ......................................................................................................................................... 4 Case Type Definitions..................................................................................................................... 4 Special Civil Part ............................................................................................................................ 9 General Equity ................................................................................................................................ 9 Probate Part................................................................................................................................... 10 Filing Special Civil Part Complaints ............................................................................................ 10 Filing Probate Matters................................................................................................................... 10 Filing Complaints in the Civil Part ............................................................................................... 11 Special Civil Part Fees* ................................................................................................................ 12 Civil Part Fees*............................................................................................................................. 13 Court Hours................................................................................................................................... 14 Court Holidays .............................................................................................................................. 14 Emergency Closings ..................................................................................................................... 14 General Information...................................................................................................................... 15 Public Access Terminals, Information & Community Relations ................................................. 15 Access for Persons with Disabilities............................................................................................. 15 Interpreting and Translating Services ........................................................................................... 15 Preparing for Your Court Appearance.......................................................................................... 16 Civil Division Addresses & Telephone Numbers......................................................................... 22 What Court Staff May and May Not Do....................................................................................... 25 Forms Available on the Internet ................................................................................................... 26 Important Information to Remember For Your Case(s) ............................................................... 27

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WELCOME TO THE SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY ­ CIVIL COURTS

Purpose of this Booklet
This booklet is a guide to services in the Civil Division.

Judiciary Mission Statement
We are an independent branch of government constitutionally entrusted with the fair and just resolution of disputes in order to preserve the rule of law and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States and this State.

Statement of Core Values of the New Jersey Court System
Required to accomplish our mission are four paramount values representing the core of what we stand for as an organization:

· · · ·

Independence Fairness Integrity Quality Service

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CIVIL DIVISION OVERVIEW The Civil Division consists of three operational parts: Civil Part, Special Civil Part, and Chancery, which includes the General Equity and Probate Parts. The following are parties in civil actions: · · · · Plaintiff - person who sues. Defendant - person who is sued. Guardian - person appointed by the court to represent the interests of another with a disability (e.g., minor, incapacitated person). Executor - person named in a will to carry out the terms of the will, suing or defending on behalf of the estate of a decedent.

· Administrator - person suing or defending on behalf of an estate when the decedent died
without a will.

· John or Jane Doe - fictitious defendant designation used when the true identity of the
defendant or potential defendant is unknown. · ABC Corporation - fictitious defendant designation used when the true identity of a corporate defendant or potential corporate defendant is unknown.

· Crossclaimant - defendant suing another defendant on a crossclaim.
· · · · Counterclaimant - defendant suing a plaintiff on a counterclaim. Intervenor - a third party who voluntarily requests to participate in a lawsuit and is permitted by the court. Interpleader - party suing two or more persons claiming the same thing or fund and requesting that the court determine between or among them which is entitled to recover it. Third Party Plaintiff - party suing a non-party to the original suit on a third party complaint (complaint brought by a defendant against a party not sued by the plaintiff in the complaint).

· Third Party Defendant - party being sued in a third party complaint.
It is recommended that litigants seek the advice of an attorney if they have questions about their civil case. However, forms and instructions for filing a complaint are available on the Judiciary's Web Site at www.judiciary.state.nj.us/prose/pscivcomp.pdf or can be obtained from court staff. A list of the telephone numbers and addresses appears on pages 21-23. Legal Services can help people who cannot afford an attorney, and the County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Programs can provide a referral to an attorney. A list of these offices appears on pages 17-20.

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Civil Part
In the Civil Part, there is no monetary limit on the value of cases that may be filed. Either party in a Civil Part case may request a jury trial. A jury in a civil case typically consists of six persons. There are approximately 95,000 cases filed in the Civil Part each year. A case gets started in the Civil Part by the filing of a complaint and case information statement and the requisite fee with the court. The following types of cases are filed in the Civil Part and the numbers preceding them refer to the case type numbers that must be used when filling out the case information statement.

Case Type Definitions
The list below contains brief definitions of the various case types contained on the Civil Case Information Statement. Track I -- 150 days' discovery 151 175 name change - action to change an individual's or family's name. forfeiture - action by the government for ownership of property taken during the commission of a crime. tenancy - action arising from any dispute between a landlord and tenant, other than eviction and actions for return of a security deposit that is less than $15,000. real property (other than Tenancy, Contract, Condemnation, Complex Commercial or Construction) - action based on a dispute over real estate, such as a devaluation of property value because of a nuisance. book account - action for the collection of an unpaid bill for goods or services provided. other insurance claim (including declaratory judgment actions) - action involving differing interpretations of an insurance policy or a dispute over insurance coverage. PIP coverage - (PIP means Personal Injury Protection) action brought by an insured or his/her healthcare provider against the insured's automobile insurance company for unpaid medical bills or other insurance benefits. UM or UIM claim - action by an insured against his/her own automobile insurance company seeking damages from that insurance company under either the uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage provision of an insurance policy. The UM policy covers the insured for damages arising from an automobile accident caused by an uninsured driver. The UIM policy covers the insured for damages arising from an automobile accident in which the responsible party does not have enough insurance. action on a negotiable instrument - action against a defendant for failure to honor the obligations of a written instrument. These actions usually involve a bounced check. lemon law - action by the buyer or lessee against the car dealer who sold or leased a new vehicle that is claimed to be faulty. 4

302

399

502 505

506

510

511

512

801

summary action - action based on a special rule or statute that permits the court to rule on an expedited basis. Open Public Records Act (OPRA) ­ appeal from a governmental agency's refusal to provide access to certain government records.

802

Track II -- 300 days' discovery 305 509 construction - action arising out of a construction agreement. employment (other than CEPA or LAD) - action arising out of an agreement between an employer and employee. contract/commercial transaction - action based upon the failure to honor the terms of an oral or written agreement. auto negligence - personal injury - action arising from the negligent use of a motor vehicle, which results in bodily injury. personal injury - action caused by the negligence of another's negligence in the ownership, use or control of property; for example, injury resulting from a slip and fall on someone's driveway. auto negligence - property damage - action arising from the negligent ownership and/or use of a motor vehicle, which results in property damage. tort ­ other - action arising from injuries to a person or property resulting from negligent or deliberate conduct of another; for example, intentional infliction of emotional distress.

599

603

605

610

699

Track III -- 450 days' discovery 005 civil rights - action claiming that the conduct of another has violated certain constitutionally protected rights. condemnation - action also known as eminent domain, brought by a governmental entity seeking to take private real property for a public use. assault and battery - action arising from unlawful physical contact. medical malpractice - action against a healthcare provider for injuries arising from negligence. products liability - action against a manufacturer, distributor or seller of goods for injuries suffered as a result of the use of a product. professional malpractice - action against a provider of professional services, other than a healthcare provider, arising from negligence. toxic tort - action arising from the release of a harmful substance into the environment.

301

602 604

606

607

608

5

609

defamation - action from the publication, either orally (slander) or in writing (libel), of false information concerning another. Whistleblower/Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) - action claiming retaliatory acts by an employer against an employee. inverse condemnation - action for compensation of privately owned real estate taken for a public use. Law Against Discrimination (LAD) - action claiming differential treatment based on race, creed, color, national origin/nationality, ancestry, sex, age, religion, disability or perceived disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, genetic information, status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, or liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States.

616 . 617

618

Track IV ­ Active Case Management by Individual Judge / 450 days discovery 156 environmental/environmental coverage litigation - action by an insured seeking payment from an insurance company for damage to the environment Mt. Laurel - action arising from the allocation of a fair share of affordable housing to lower and moderate income families. complex commercial - action involving unusually complicated business matters. factual

303

508

513 complex construction - construction matters involving unusually complicated or legal issues. 514 insurance fraud - action alleging damages resulting from a fraudulent claim. 701

insurance

Actions in Lieu of Prerogative Writs - appeal from the action or inaction of a local governmental body; for example, review of a determination of a planning board or zoning board of adjustment. Mass Torts (Track IV) - Mass torts are groups of cases that have common facts and legal issues that the state Supreme Court has designated for special consolidated handling by a single judge.

248

Ciba Geigy - actions for damages or medical monitoring arising out of the environmental contamination of the byproducts of chemical manufacturing in Toms River, New Jersey. Accutane ­ actions against the manufacturers of Accutane and others for damages arising from its use. Asbestos - actions against the manufacturers, suppliers, distributors or others for damages arising from the exposure to asbestos.

271

601

6

266

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) (266) ­ actions against manufacturers, sellers, distributors or others for damages arising from the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy. Depo-Provera (276) ­ actions for damages or medical monitoring arising out of the use of the contraceptive Depo-Provera. Vioxx ­ actions against the manufacturers, suppliers, distributors or others for damages arising from the use of the drug Vioxx, an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat arthritis and menstrual pain. Bextra/Celebrex - actions against manufacturers of the drugs Bextra and Celebrex and others for damages allegedly caused by ingestion of one or both of these drugs Risperdal/Seroquel/Zyprexa - actions against manufacturers of the drugs Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa and others for damages allegedly caused by ingestion of one or both of these drugs. Ortho Evra - actions against the manufacturer of the Ortho Evra birth control patch and others for damages caused by use of the patch. Tobacco ­ actions against manufacturers and others of tobacco products for damages arising from use and exposure to them.

276

619

272

274

275

241

For purposes of managing the civil caseload, the Civil Part caseload is broken down into discrete categories called "tracks." Cases are assigned to a track upon the filing of the complaint. The track assignment is based on the case type as noted on side 2 of the Civil Case Information Statement and each track provides a specific discovery period. The tracks for each case type and the applicable discovery periods are as follows:

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Track I ­ 150 days discovery 151 175 302 399 502 505 506 510 511 512 801 802 Name Change Forfeiture Tenancy Real Property (other than Tenancy, Contract, Condemnation, Complex Commercial or Construction) Book Account Other Insurance Claim (including declaratory judgment actions) PIP Coverage UM or UIM Claim Action on a Negotiable Instrument Lemon Law Summary Action Open Public Records Act (Summary Action)

Track II ­ 300 days discovery 305 509 599 603 605 610 699 Construction Employment (other than CEPA or LAD) Contract/Commercial Transaction Auto Negligence - Personal Injury Personal Injury Auto Negligence - Property Damage Tort ­ Other

Track III ­ 450 days discovery 005 301 602 604 606 607 608 609 616 617 618 Civil Rights Condemnation Assault and Battery Medical Malpractice Product Liability Professional Malpractice Toxic Tort Defamation Whistleblower/Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) Cases Inverse Condemnation Law Against Discrimination (LAD) Cases

Track IV ­ Active Case Management by Individual Judge/450 days discovery 156 303 508 513 514 701 Environmental Coverage Litigation Mt. Laurel Complex Commercial Complex Construction Insurance Fraud Action in Lieu of Prerogative Writs

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Mass Tort (Track IV) 241 248 266 271 272 274 275 276 601 619 Tobacco Ciba Geigy HRT Accutane Bextra/Celebrex Risperdal/Seroquel/Zyprexa Ortho Evra Depo Provera Asbestos Vioxx.

The discovery process is a mechanism for allowing each side the opportunity to learn about the other side's case. The purpose of the pretrial discovery rules is to ensure that there are no surprises at the time of trial and that the end result of a case is based upon the actual merits of a case. During pretrial discovery, each side learns the evidence that will be used at trial to support either side's case.

Special Civil Part
The Special Civil Part is the civil court of limited jurisdiction. The Special Civil Part is a high volume court that deals with three case types: landlord/tenant matters, small claims lawsuits up to $3,000 and up to $5,000 for actions to recover security deposits and special civil lawsuits up to $15,000. Typical small claims and Special Civil lawsuits include breach of a written or oral contract, return of money used as a down payment, loss or damage of property caused by a motor vehicle accident, back rent, bad checks, return of a tenant's security deposit, payment for work performed, or defective merchandise. Landlord/tenant matters involve disputes between landlords and tenants. A landlord may file a complaint against a tenant for failure to pay rent, continued disorderly conduct, willful destruction of property, habitual lateness in the payment of rent, violation of the rules and regulations after a written notice to comply as outlined in a lease or document, or a tenant's conviction of a drug offense or other offenses.

General Equity
Complaints filed in the Chancery Division, General Equity are for what is known as equitable relief rather than monetary compensation. This usually involves the court's compelling or restricting the actions of one of the parties (such as labor injunctions, foreclosures, and dissolution of a partnership or corporation). General Equity judges have jurisdiction to grant relief in the following areas:

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Enforcing the performance of contracts, trusts and fiduciary obligations; Re-executing or correcting documents lost or erroneously drafted; Setting aside transactions that were illegal, fraudulent, etc.; Executing writs of attachment; Stopping actions that will cause irreparable harm; and Granting the reacquisition of property upon default of mortgage or tax payments in foreclosure actions.

Probate Part
Judges in the Chancery Division, Probate Part hear cases seeking equitable remedies such as execution of a will, appointment of guardians, and distribution of estates. The probate court's jurisdiction is generally over the following areas: Resolving will contests; Distributing estates; Establishing guardianships to protect persons who are mentally incapacitated and children; and Completing gifts of money or property according to the donor's intent.

For additional information regarding the above case types, please call the Chancery Division, General Equity part in the particular county. A list of addresses and telephone numbers appears on the Judiciary's Web Site at www.njcourtsonline.com. NOTE: Until a contesting answer is filed, all foreclosure matters are handled by the Foreclosure Unit in Trenton, and all filings should be sent directly there. The Foreclosure Unit forwards all cases in which contested answers are filed (and all subsequent papers involving the contested foreclosure) to the vicinage's General Equity judge. .

Filing Special Civil Part Complaints
Special Civil Part complaints must be filed in the county where at least one defendant lives, or where the defendant's business is located. If there is more than one defendant, the complaint can be filed in the county where any one of the defendants lives. If the defendants do not live in New Jersey, the complaint must be filed in the county where the action originated. Complaint forms are available on the Judiciary's Web Site at www.njcourtsonline.com. Special Civil complaints may be filed by mail or in person. The court will process the documents filed, assign a docket number and serve the defendant(s) with the summons. It is very important that the plaintiff provide the court with the defendant's correct address and that reference is made to the docket number whenever inquiries are made about the case.

Filing Probate Matters
All pleadings involving probate matters should be filed with the Surrogate. A list of the county Surrogates can be found on the Judiciary's Web Site at www.njcourtsonline.com. Fee and other information, as well as sample forms, may be available in the county Surrogate's office.

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Filing Complaints in the Civil Part
Forms and instructions for filing a complaint in the Civil Part are available on the Judiciary's Web Site at www.njcourtsonline.com.

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LAW DIVISION Special Civil Part Fees*
Small Claims - $3,000 Limit and $5,000 for Return of Security Deposits Summons & Complaint $15 + postage Each additional defendant $ 2 + postage Complaint w/counterclaim, cross-claim or third party complaint $32 (maximum demand $3,000, except $5,000 for actions seeking the return of security deposits) Each additional defendant $ 2 Landlord / Tenant Summons & Complaint $25 + mileage** Each additional defendant $ 2 Warrant of Removal $15 + mileage** Special Civil Part - $15,000 Limit Complaint w/ or w/o counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party $32 plus service by mail complaint (up to $3000) fee Complaint w/ or w/o counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party $50 plus service by mail complaint ($3001 - $15,000) fee Each additional defendant $ 2 Filing of appearance or answer to complaint (other than tenancy or $15 small claims) Motion No fee Order to Show Cause No fee Service of Process by Mail (each defendant) $ 7 Writ of Execution $ 5 Advertising property under execution $10 Selling property under execution $10 * Fees are subject to change. ** Mileage rates can be located on the Judiciary Web Site at www.njcourtsonline.com.

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LAW DIVISION

Civil Part Fees*
Complaint Order to Show Cause Answer, Answer w/cross-claim, Motion (if first paper), Amended Answer adding new defendant Answer w/counterclaim or 3rd party complaint Third Party Complaint or Counterclaims (after answer filed) Motion (Pre and Post Judgment) Transfer Case from Civil Part to Special Civil Part CHANCERY DIVISION (GENERAL EQUITY AND PROBATE) Fees Complaint (General Equity, Foreclosure) Order to Show Cause Answer, Answer and Counterclaim Motion (Pre and Post Judgment) Other Fees Filing of Notice of Appeal (Supreme Court and Appellate Division) Notice of Appeal (Trial Court) Warrant of Satisfaction of Judgment Notice of Application for Wage Execution Discharging Lien Jury of six persons *Fees are subject to change. $200 $ 30 $135 $200 $ 65 $ 30 $ 15

$200 $ 30 $135 $ 30 $200 $ 10 $ 35 $ 30 $ 5 $ 50

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COURT HOURS The courthouses are generally open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

COURT HOLIDAYS New Year's Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Lincoln's Birthday Presidents' Day Good Friday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Election Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS Information regarding emergency closings or closings due to weather conditions can be obtained by tuning to your local radio station or visiting the Judiciary Web Site at: www.njcourtsonline.com.

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GENERAL INFORMATION Public Access Terminals, Information & Community Relations
Computers are available in some counties to the public to access civil case information. The computers are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and are used on a firstcome, first-serve basis. In order to obtain Civil Division case information, the researcher must have a case name or docket number.

Access for Persons with Disabilities
The Judiciary is committed to providing equal access to its services and programs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each courthouse has a coordinator responsible for implementing the ADA. Disabled individuals who need an accommodation are encouraged to contact the vicinage ADA coordinator. The Judiciary will make reasonable accommodations for disabled persons in a way that integrates the individual into the mainstream of court activities to the fullest extent possible. The disabled person is responsible for requesting an accommodation and the Judiciary is responsible for providing a reasonable accommodation. Advance notice to the court of the need for auxiliary aids or service is strongly encouraged. The ADA coordinator should be notified at least two weeks in advance of court sessions and hearings. For ongoing services and programs, the ADA coordinator should be notified at least 48 hours in advance. For emergencies or urgent requests, the ADA coordinator should be notified immediately.

Interpreting and Translating Services
If any of the parties or their witnesses do not speak English, the court should be promptly notified so that an approved interpreter can be provided. This service is provided at no cost to the parties. Please note that the court will not permit a non-approved individual, e.g., a friend or relative of a party, to serve as an interpreter.

Judiciary Anti-Discrimination Policy It is the policy of the Judiciary not to permit discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability or any other basis prohibited by law.

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Preparing for Your Court Appearance
Whenever you contact or appear in court, it is important to have the information notifying you of your docket number, date to appear, and the location of the courtroom that you are scheduled to appear in. If you have an attorney, you should meet with him/her to discuss your case. If you need an an accommodation for a disability, you must notify the court as soon as possible. Information about the availability of special services and assistance can be obtained by calling the civil division in the county in which your case is pending. You can learn more about the rules governing the practice, procedure and administration of the state's courts in the New Jersey Rules of Court, which can be found in public libraries, law libraries and on the Judiciary Web Site at www.njcourtsonline.com in the "Legal Reference Desk" section.
On the day of your court appearance.....

Arrive on time. If you are late, the judge may postpone, dismiss or decide your case in your
absence. When entering the courtroom, remove your hat and turn off all cell phones and pagers. Bring your court notice with you; it contains your case information. Do not bring any food or beverages into the courtroom. If you need additional time to prepare your case, you may ask the judge to grant you an adjournment. An adjournment is the postponement of a session, hearing, trial or other proceeding to another day or time. It is within the judge's discretion to grant or deny an adjournment. While addressing the court, you must use appropriate language. Address the judge as "Your Honor" and speak directly to the judge and not to the other party. You should not interrupt the opposing party while he or she is speaking. After the other party has finished speaking, you or your lawyer may request an opportunity from the judge to respond. An opportunity to respond is left to the judge's discretion. After each party has presented his or her side, the judge or jury will make a decision. In some cases, the court may refer your case to a settlement program on the day scheduled for your trial. Although you will have to participate in such programs, you are not obligated to settle your case. If your case does not settle, a judge will hear your case on that day.



IMPORTANT If the plaintiff does not appear, the case may be dismissed. If the defendant does not appear, the court may find him or her in default. If judgment is awarded and the defendant refuses to pay or cannot pay immediately after the court proceedings, the plaintiff should contact court staff, who can provide information on collecting the judgment.

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LAWYER REFERRAL AND LEGAL SERVICES

Education Law Center 60 Park Pl., Suite 300 Newark, NJ 07102 973-624-1815 (Education matters) Fort Dix Legal Assistance Office Office of the Staff Judge Advocate 5418 Delaware Ave. Fort Dix, NJ 08640-5054 609-562-3043 Fort Monmouth-Legal Services Program Office of the Staff Judge Advocate Semaphore Ave., Bldg. 1105 Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703 732-532-4371 (Services military members, retirees and their dependents) Legal Services of New Jersey 100 Metroplex Dr. at Plainfield Avenue Suite 402 P.O. Box 1357 Edison, NJ 08818-1357 732-572-9100 N.J. Department of the Treasury/OMB State Office of Legal Services 50 W. State Street P.O. Box 211 Trenton, NJ 08625-0211 609-292-6262

New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc. 210 S. Broad St., 3rd Floor Trenton, NJ 08608 800-922-7233 (Legal advocacy for clients with disabilities) Pro Bono Partnership 160 Littleton Rd., Suite 205 Parsippany, NJ 07054 973-968-7043 Rutgers University School of Law Newark Center of Law and Justice 123 Washington St. Newark, NJ 07102 973-353-3000 Legal clinics:
Animal Rights Urban Legal Environmental Special Education Women & AIDS Constitutional Law Women's Rights Federal Tax Community Law Pro Bono Program

Seton Hall University School of Law Center for Social Justice 833 McCarter Highway Newark, NJ 07102 973-642-8700 Seven legal clinics:
Family Law Fair Housing Immigration Homelessness

National Legal Aid & Defender Association Appellate Litigation (NLADA) Civil Litigation Washington Office Juvenile Justice 1140 Connecticut Ave., Suite 900 Pro Bono Service Washington, DC 20036 202-452-0620 (Civil and defender law)

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Atlantic County South Jersey Legal Services, Inc. 26 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Atlantic City, NJ 08404 609-348-4200 Bergen County Bergen County Community Mental Health Law Project 327 E. Ridgewood Ave. Paramus, NJ 07652-3761 201-634-2761 Legal Services of Northeast New Jersey Bergen County Division 61 Kansas St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-2166 Burlington County South Jersey Legal Services, Inc. 107 High St. Mt. Holly, NJ 08060 609-261-1088 Camden County Community Health Law Project Station House Office Bldg. 900 Haddon Ave., Suite 400 Collingswood, NJ 08108 856-858-9500 Camden County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 1040 Kings Highway, Suite 201 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 856-482-0618 Cape May County South Jersey Legal Services, Inc. 1261 Route 9 Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210 609-465-3001

Atlantic County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service Atlantic County Courthouse 1201 Bacharach Blvd. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-345-3444 Bergen County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 15 Bergen St. Hackensack, NJ 07601

Burlington County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 45 Grant St Mt. Holly, NJ 08060 609-261-4862 South Jersey Legal Services Administrative Offices 745 Market Street Camden, NJ 08102 856-964-2010 (Also serves counties of Burlington, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem)

Cape May County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service Cape May County Route 9, Main Street P.O. Box 425 Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210 609-463-0313

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Cumberland County South Jersey Legal Services, Inc. 411 Fayette St.. Bridgeton, NJ 08302-1933 856-451-0003 Essex County Community Health Law Project 185 Valley Street South Orange, NJ 07079 973-275-1175 Essex-Newark Legal Services 5 Commerce St., 2nd Floor Newark, NJ 07102 973-824-3000 (Family, Consumer, Government Benefits, Elder Law and Housing Law Units) Gloucester County South Jersey Legal Services, Inc. 47 Newton Ave. Woodbury, NJ 08096 856-848-5360 Hudson County Northeast New Jersey Legal Services Hudson County Division 574 Summit Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07306 201-792-6363 Hunterdon County Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey Hunterdon County Division 82 Park Ave. Flemington, NJ 08822-1168 908-782-7979

Cumberland County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service P.O. Box 2374 Vineland, NJ 08362 856-453-7000 Essex County Legal Aid Association Hall of Records, Room 118 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102 973-622-0063 Essex County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 354 Eisenhower Parkway, Plaza II Livingston, NJ 07039 973-533-6775

Gloucester County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service Justice Complex P.O. Box 338 Woodbury, NJ 08096 856-848-4589 Hudson County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 583 Newark Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07306 201-798-2727

Hunterdon County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service P.O. Box 573 Annandale, NJ 08801 908-236-6109

Mercer County Central New Jersey Legal Services, Inc. Mercer County Division 198 W. State St. Trenton, NJ 08608-1103 609-695-6249 Mercer County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 1245 Whitehorse Mercerville Rd., Suite 420 Hamilton, NJ 08619-3894 609-585-6200 Middlesex County Central New Jersey Legal Services, Inc. Middlesex County Division 317 George Street, Suite 201 New Brunswick, NJ 08901-2006 732-249-7600 Monmouth County Legal Aid Society of Monmouth County P.O. Box 86 Ocean, NJ 07712 732-869-5619 Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services, Inc. Monmouth County Office 303 W. Main Street Freehold, NJ 07728 732-866-0020 Morris County Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey Morris County Division 30 Schuyler Pl., 2nd Fl., P.O. Box 900 Morristown, NJ 07963-0900 973-285-6911 Ocean County Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services, Inc. 599 Route 37 W Toms River, NJ 08755 732-341-2727

Community Health Law Project 225 E. State St. Trenton, NJ 08608 609-392-5553

Middlesex County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 87 Bayard St. New Brunswick, NJ 08901 732-828-0053

Community Health Law Project 601 Grand Ave., Suite 505 Asbury Park, NJ 07712 732-502-0059 Monmouth County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service Courthouse Freehold, NJ 07728 732-431-5544 Morris/Sussex Co. Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 28 Schuyler Place Morristown, NJ 07960 973-267-5882 Ocean County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service Courthouse, P.O. Box 381 Toms River, NJ 08753 732-240-3666

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Passaic County Legal Services of Northeast New Jersey Passaic County Division 152 Market St. Paterson, NJ 07505 973-523-2900 Salem County Salem County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 856-935-5629 Somerset County Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey Somerset County Division 34 W. Main St., Suite 301 Somerville, NJ 08876 908-231-0840 Sussex County Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey Sussex County Division 4 Park Place Newton, NJ 07860 973-383-7400 Union County Central Jersey Legal Services, Inc. 60 Prince St. Elizabeth, NJ 07208 908-354-4340 Warren County Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey Warren County Division 91 Front St., P.O. Box 65 Belvidere, NJ 07823 908-475-2010

Passaic County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service Courthouse, 77 Hamilton St. Paterson, NJ 07505 973-278-9223

Somerset County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 10 N. Bridge St., P.O. Box 1095 Somerville, NJ 08876 908-685-2323

Union County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service Courthouse, 1st Floor Elizabeth, NJ 07207 908-353-4715 Warren County Bar Association 413 Second Street Belvidere, NJ 07823 908-387-1835

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IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR COURT OFFICES

Civil Division Addresses & Telephone Numbers
Atlantic Civil Division Case Management Office Atlantic County Civil Courthouse 1201 Bacharach Blvd. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-345-6700 x 3579 Bergen Civil Division Case Management Office Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main St., Room 415 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-527-2601 Burlington Civil Division Case Management Office Burlington County Courts Facility 1st Floor 49 Rancocas Road, P.O. Box 6555 Mt. Holly, NJ 08060 609-518-2815 Camden Civil Division Case Management Office Hall of Justice 101 S. 5th St., Suite 110 (with fee) Suite 150 (no fee) Camden, NJ 08103-4001 856-379-2202 x2234 Cape May Civil Division Case Management Office Cape May Court House DN-203 Central Mail Room 9 N. Main Street Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 609-463-6514 Cumberland Civil Division Case Management Office Cumberland County Courthouse P.O. Box 10 Broad & Fayette Sts. Bridgeton, NJ 08302 856-453-4330 Essex Civil Customer Service Hall of Records 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102 973-693-6521

Special Civil Part Information Atlantic County Civil Courthouse 1201 Bacharach Blvd. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Landlord/Tenant: 609-343-2382 Small Claims: 609-343-2355 Special Civil Part Information Justice Center 10 Main St., Room 427 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-527-2730 Special Civil Part Information County Administration Building 49 Rancocas Rd., 3rd Floor Mt. Holly, NJ 08060 609-518-2865 Special Civil Part Information Hall of Justice 101 S. 5th St., Suite 110(with fee) Suite 150 (no fee) Camden, NJ 08103-4001 856-379-2000 x3033 Special Civil Part Information Cape May Courthouse DN-203 Central Mail Room 9 N. Main St. Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 609-463-6522 Special Civil Part Information Cumberland County Courthouse P.O. Box 10 Broad & Fayette Sts. Bridgeton, NJ 08302 856-453-4350 Special Civil Part Information Essex County Hall of Records 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102 973-693-6531 22

Gloucester Civil Division Case Management Office Gloucester County Courthouse Attn: Intake 1 N. Broad St., First Floor, Court House P.O. Box 750 Woodbury, NJ 08069 856-853-3392 Hudson Civil Division Case Management Office Brennan Courthouse 583 Newark Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07306 201-217-5162, 5163 Hunterdon Civil Division Case Management Office Hunterdon County Justice Center 65 Park Ave. Flemington, NJ 08822 908-237-5820 Mercer Civil Division Case Management Office Mercer County Civil Courts Building 175 S. Broad St., P.O. Box 8068 Trenton, NJ 08650-0068 609-571-4460 Middlesex Civil Division Case Management Office Middlesex County Courthouse 2nd Floor Tower 56 Paterson Street P.O. Box 2633 New Brunswick, NJ 08903-2633 Phone: 732-981-3056 or 3057 Monmouth Civil Division Case Management Office Monmouth County Courthouse 71 Monument Park P.O. Box 1269 Freehold, NJ 07728-1269 732-677-4240 Morris Civil Division Case Management Office Morris County Courthouse P.O. Box 910 Morristown, NJ 07963-0910 973-656-4110

Special Civil Part Information Gloucester County Courthouse 1 N. Broad St., 1st Floor, P.O. Box 881 P.O. Box 750 (no fee), P.O. Box 881 (with fee) Woodbury, NJ 08069 856-853-3392 Special Civil Part Information 595 Newark Ave., Room 711 Jersey City, NJ 07306 201-795-6680

Special Civil Part Information Hunterdon County Justice Center 65 Park Ave. Flemington, NJ 08822 908-237-5820 Special Civil Part Information Mercer County Civil Courts Building 175 S. Broad St., P.O. Box 8068 Trenton, NJ 08650-0068 609-571-4490 Special Civil Part Information Middlesex County Courthouse Tower, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 1146 New Brunswick, NJ 08903-1146 Civil Actions: 732-981-2072 Small Claims: 732-981-2070 Landlord/Tenant: 732-981-2075

Special Civil Part Information Monmouth County Courthouse P.O. Box 1270 Freehold, NJ 07728 Civil Actions: 732-677-4223 Small Claims: 732-677-4292 Landlord Tenancy: 732-677-4285 Special Civil Part Information Morris County Courthouse Washington & Court Sts. Morristown, NJ 07963 973-656-4125 23

Ocean Civil Division Case Management Office Ocean County Court Complex Room 119 118 Washington Street Toms River, NJ 08754 732-929-2042 Passaic Civil Division Case Management Office Passaic County Courthouse 77 Hamilton St. Paterson, NJ 07505 973-247-8176 Salem Civil Division Case Management Office Salem County Courthouse 92 Market St. Salem, NJ 08079 856-935-7510 x8213 Somerset Civil Division Case Management Office Somerset County Courthouse 40 N. Bridge St., P.O. Box 3000 Somerville, NJ 08876-1262 908-231-7055 Sussex Sussex County Judicial Center 43-47 High St. Newton, NJ 07860 973-579-0918 Union Civil Division Case Management Office Union County Courthouse 2 Broad St., 1st Floor Elizabeth, NJ 07207 Case Management (Room 107) 908-659-4178 Assignment (Room 105) 908-659-3844 Warren Civil Division Case Management Office Warren County Courthouse 413 2nd St., P.O. Box 900 Belvidere, NJ 07823 908-475-6140

Special Civil Part Information Ocean County Courthouse 118 Washington St., Room 121 Toms River, NJ 08754 732-929-2016

Special Civil Part Information Passaic County Courthouse 77 Hamilton St. Paterson, NJ 07505 973-247-8261 Special Civil Part Information Salem County Courthouse 82 Market St. Salem, NJ 08079 856-935-7510 x8213 Special Civil Part Information Somerset County Courthouse 40 N. Bridge St., P.O. Box 3000 Somerville, NJ 08876-1262 908-231-7014 Special Civil Part Information 43-47 High St. Newton, NJ 07860 973-579-0918 Special Civil Part Information Union County Courthouse 2 Broad St., 3rd Floor Elizabeth, NJ 07207 908-659-3638

Special Civil Part Information Warren County Courthouse 413 2nd St., P.O. Box 900 Belvidere, NJ 07823 908-475-8140

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WHAT COURT STAFF MAY AND MAY NOT DO
We will be happy to help you if we can. However, we are allowed to help you only in certain ways. This 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 the judge. We look forward to helping you in accordance with these guidelines.

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FORMS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET
The following forms are available on the Judiciary's Web Site at www.njcourtsonline.com or may be obtained in hard copy from the Civil Division manager of each county. A list of the county civil offices appears on page 21. A list of civil presiding judges is available on the Judiciary's Web Site at www.njcourtsonline.com. All mentions of appendices refer to the appendix to the New Jersey Rules of Court. Materials for Individuals Who Wish to Represent Themselves in Court Small Claims (under $3000) Small Claims: A Guide to the Court How to Sue for an Amount of Money under $3,000 - Auto How to Sue in Small Claims Court ­ Non-Auto (English) Special Civil Part (under $15,000) Special Civil: A Guide to the Court How to Sue for an Amount of Money Under $15,000 How to Answer a Complaint in the Special Civil Part How to File a Motion in the Special Civil Part How to Request a Judgment or Dismissal Without a Trial (Summary Judgment) How to Request a Default Judgment in the Superior Court of New Jersey Special Civil Part (Small claims and Regular Special Civil Part Case) How to File a Motion to Dismiss the Complaint or to Strike the Answer for Failure to Answer Interrogations in the Special Civil Part How to Apply for the Return of Your Personal Property or to Return to Your Rental Premises Collecting after You Win in Small Claims or the Special Civil Part Collecting a Money Judgment How to Get Financial Information about Someone Who Owes You Money How to Ask the Court to Order a Bank to Turn Over Funds that Have Been Frozen How to Ask the Court to Order a Wage Execution in a Special Civil Part Case Landlord/Tenant Information for Landlords Information for Tenants Law Division ­ Civil Part How to File a Complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey ­ Law Division How to File an Answer to a Complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey ­ Law Division How to File a Motion in the Superior Court of New Jersey ­ Law Division Name Change How to ask the Court to Change Your Name (Minor ­ under age 18) How to ask the Court to Change the Name (Adult)

Copies of any of the above forms can be obtained on request from court staff. A list of the court staff in each county appears on page 22-24

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO REMEMBER FOR YOUR CASE(S)
Docket Number(s):

Judge(s):

Arbitrator or Mediator:

Hearing Date(s):

Notes:

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This brochure is published by the Administrative Office of the Courts Civil Practice Division Stuart Rabner Chief Justice Philip S. Carchman, P.J.A.D. Acting Administrative Director of the Courts Jane F. Castner Assistant Director, Civil Practice Michelle V. Perone Chief, Civil Division Programs www.njcourtsonline.com (Fall 2007)

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