A signed answer must be accompanied by a completed and signed CIS and the
appropriate filing fee. Answers and CIS forms must be signed by a New Jersey licensed
attorney or pro se party, provided that a pro se appearance is permitted by the court rules.
Thus, an answer and CIS submitted on behalf of a corporation must be signed by a New
Jersey licensed attorney. Answers not meeting the paper weight requirements of R. 1:4-9
or not signed or unaccompanied by the proper fee or CIS or submitted after default has
been entered must be returned by the court to the sender stamped “received, but not
filed.”
Answers not complying with other court rules, e.g., does not contain the
certification of service required by R. 4:6-1(d) or signed notices of adoption in lieu of
answer accompanied by the correct filing fee and a completed and signed CIS, are filed
as “non- conforming.” In such instances, the court may, but it is not required to, provide
the filer with notice of the non-conformity as provided by R. 1:5-6(c).
The filing of a non- conforming answer, e.g., without the required certification of
service, will trigger the calculation of the discovery end date and block the generation of
a dismissal notice.
More information can be obtained from “ A PRACTITIONER’S GUIDE TO NEW JERSEY’S CIVIL COURT PROCEDURES”
KENNETH VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC
ATTORNEY AT LAW
2053 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08817
(Phone) 732-572-0500
(Fax) 732-572-0030
Personal Injury Dept.: 732-572-0024
website: www.njpersonalinjurylawcenter.com
