In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit. You may also write your own complaint without using a court form.
Filing a Lawsuit (Plaintiffs) When filing a lawsuit, you need to complete the packet “How to File a Complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division – Civil Part”. The packet includes instructions for filing and the complaint form. The complaint needs to name the party or parties you are filing against.
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.
Write your legal argument by stating the rule and explaining how your facts apply to it. Then, add your signature, a Certificate of Service, and a Notice of Hearing. File your motion with the clerk of court overseeing your case. Then, give copies to each defendant.
If you see a potential for a motion to dismiss, this is an opportunity to inform the client how much legal expertise is necessary for such a filing. In other words, they will be facing a daunting challenge trying to represent themselves and will likely need an attorney more than ever.
If you want to file a motion, the process is generally something like this: You write your motion. You file your motion with the court clerk. The court clerk inserts the date and time your motion will be heard by the judge. You “serve” (mail) your motion to the other side.
There are 12 district courts in Middlesex County, with the District Attorney having an office in each of the courts.
There are 94 district courts, 13 circuit courts, and one Supreme Court throughout the country. Courts in the federal system work differently in many ways than state courts. The primary difference for civil cases (as opposed to criminal cases) is the types of cases that can be heard in the federal system.
In New Jersey, there are several different kinds of courts. They include the New Jersey Supreme Court; the Superior Court, which includes the Appellate Division; the Tax Court; and the Municipal Courts. Cases involving criminal, civil and family law are heard in what is known as the Superior Court.