A New Jersey Civil Action Summons is a document filed with the court, notifying a defendant that a lawsuit has been filed against them. It requires the defendant to appear in court to answer the allegations in the complaint. There are three types of New Jersey Civil Action Summons: Summons in a Lawsuit, Summons in a Summary Action, and Summons in a Complaint. A Summons in a Lawsuit is used when the plaintiff has a cause of action against the defendant, such as a breach of contract, negligence, or the collection of a debt. A Summons in a Summary Action is used for less complex disputes, such as a landlord-tenant action. Finally, a Summons in a Complaint is used in more complex cases, such as medical malpractice or product liability. Each summons must include the name of the court, the plaintiff's name, the defendant's name, and the date and time the defendant must appear in court.