Procedural Guide for
Pro Se Litigants
This information is provided merely as a guide to Pro Se Litigants. You should not rely on this
information alone. Moreover, any complaint may be subject to dismissal on a variety of grounds.
November 2025
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING A CIVIL ACTION BY A NON-PRISONER
__________________________________________________________
INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES
CIVIL COMPLAINT – A civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court. You must
complete and submit an original and two copies of the enclosed complaint form as well as the
Civil Cover Sheet. You should also keep an additional copy of any document filed with the Court
for your own records. All copies of the complaint must be identical to the original.
FILING FEE – The filing fee for a civil complaint is $405.00. We accept Credit Cards, Checks and
Money Orders that should be made payable to: Clerk, United States District Court.
FILING IN FORMA PAUPERIS – If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you may apply to the
Court to allow you to file your complaint without the prepayment of the filing fee. Forms for
your use are enclosed in this procedural guide. These forms must also accompany the
complaint.
**If you are notified that the in forma pauperis application is denied by the court, you will be
required to pay the filing fee in order for the complaint to be filed and your action to be
commenced.**
SUMMONS – Summonses shall be issued electronically and mailed to the plaintiff when, 1) the
Filing fee has been paid or 2) the Judge permits the Plaintiff to proceed in forma pauperis.
There is no need to submit a summons with your complaint. Refer to Rule 4 of the Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure for instructions on how to serve a summons on a defendant.
Camden Clerk’s Office Newark Clerk’s Office Trenton Clerk’s Office
Mitchell H. Cohen U.S. Courthouse Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Bldg Clarkson S. Fisher Bldg. &
One John F. Gerry Plaza, P.O Box 2797 & U.S. Courthouse U.S. Courthouse
Fourth & Cooper Streets, Room 1050 50 Walnut St. 402 East State Street, Rm 2020
Camden, NJ 08101 Newark, NJ 07101 Trenton, NJ 08608
PLEASE DO NOT seek the assistance of an employee of the Clerk’s Office to advise you in this matter.
The Clerk’s Office, under Title 28 U.S.C. § 955, is prohibited from providing any type of legal advice.
The United States District Court, District of New Jersey Website can be found at: www.njd.uscourts.gov
TRIBUNAL FEDERAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA
DISTRITO DE NUEVA JERSEY
INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE – SÍRVASE LEER DETENIDAMENTE
INSTRUCCIONES PARA PERSONAS NO ENCARCELADAS QUE
PRESENTAN UNA DEMANDA CIVIL
INSTRUCCIONES Y PROCEDIMIENTOS
DEMANDA CIVIL – Una acción civil se inicia al presentar una demanda ante el tribunal. Deberá
llenar y entregar el original y dos copias del formulario de demanda adjunto, así como la Carátula
para Acciones Civiles. Deberá, además, guardar una copia de todo documento que presente ante el
tribunal para sus archivos. Las copias de la demanda deben ser idénticas al original.
CUOTA DE REGISTRO– Para una demanda civil, se cobra una cuota de registro de $US 405.00.
Se aceptan tarjetas de crédito, cheques y giros postales, pagables a: Clerk, United States District
Court.
CÓMO PRESENTAR UNA DEMANDA IN FORMA PAUPERIS – Si no cuenta con los
recursos para pagar la cuota de registro, podrá solicitarle al Tribunal permiso para presentar la
demanda sin tener que pagar la cuota de registro de antemano. E n e s t a g u í a d e
procedimientos s e incl uyen form ul arios que puede us ar para
es e fin. Deberá i nclui r di chos form ul arios con su dem and a.
**Si se le notifica que el Tribunal ha denegado su petición in forma pauperis, se le exigirá pagar la
cuota de registro para que la demanda se registre y para que se pueda iniciar su acción.**
ÓRDENES DE COMPARECENCIA – Las órdenes de comparecencia se emitirán
electrónicamente y serán enviadas al Demandante cuando 1) se haya pagado la cuota de registro o
2) el Juez le haya permitido al Demandante proceder in forma pauperis. No es necesario que Ud.
incluya una orden de comparecencia con su demanda. Remítase a la Norma 4 de las Normas
Federales Procesales Civiles para obtener instrucciones acerca de cómo notificar al Demandado.
Camden Clerk’s Office Newark Clerk’s Office Trenton Clerk’s Office
Mitchell H. Cohen U.S. Courthouse Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Bldg. Clarkson S. Fisher Bldg. &
One John F. Gerry Plaza, P.O. Box 1297 & U.S. Courthouse U.S. Courthouse
Fourth & Cooper Streets, Room 1050 50 Walnut St. 402 East State Street, Rm. 2020
Camden, NJ 08101 Newark, NJ 07101 Trenton, NJ 08608
TENGA LA BONDAD DE NO pedir ayuda ni tampoco asesoría a los empleados de la Oficina del
Secretario (Clerk’s Office). Bajo el Título 28 del Código de los Estados Unidos, Artículo 955, se le
prohíbe a la Oficina del Secretario proporcionar asesoramiento legal.
El sitio web del Tribunal Federal de Primera Instancia del Distrito de Nueva Jersey se encuentra en:
www.njd.uscourts.gov
List of Attachments:
1. Glossary of Terms
2. Privacy Notice
3. Civil Case Timeline
4. (JS-44) Civil Cover Sheet
5. Complaint Form
6. (AO-239) Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Court Fees or Costs
7. Consent & Registration Form to Receive Documents Electronically
8. Helpful Hints
9. Motion Guide
10. Appendix K: Schedule of Fees
11. ADS - Pro Se Submission System
decides cases; chief judges are determined
Glossary by seniority.
ADVERSARY PROCESS – the method courts CLERK OF COURT – an officer appointed by
use to resolve disputes; through the the court to work with the chief judge in
adversary process, each side in a dispute overseeing the court’s administration,
presents its case as persuasively as possible, especially to assist in managing the flow of
subject to the rules of evidence, and an cases through the court.
independent fact finder, either judge or
COMPLAINT – a written statement by the
jury, decides for one side or the other.
person starting a lawsuit; the complaint
ANSWER - the formal written statement by states the wrongs allegedly committed by
a defendant responding to a complaint and the defendant.
setting forth the grounds for defense.
CONTRACT – an agreement between two or
APPEAL – a request, made after a trial, more persons that creates an obligation to
asking another court (usually the court of do or not to do a particular thing.
appeals) to decide whether the trial was
COUNSEL – a lawyer or a team of lawyers;
conducted properly. To make such a
the term is often used during a trial to refer
request is “to appeal” or “to take an
to lawyers in the case.
appeal.”
COURT – an agency of government
BENCH TRIAL – a trial without a jury, in
authorized to resolve legal disputes. Judges
which the judge decides the facts.
sometimes use “court” to refer to
BRIEF – a written statement submitted by themselves in the, third person, as in “the
the lawyer for each side in an appellate case court has read the pleadings.”
that explains to the judges why they should
COURT REPORTER – a person who makes a
decide the case in favor of that lawyer’s
word-forward record of what is said in court
client.
and produces a transcript of the proceeding
CASE LAW – the law as laid down in the if requested to do so.
decisions of the courts; the law in cases
COUNTERCLAIM – a counter-demand made
that have been decided.
by defendant against the plaintiff. It is not a
CHAMBERS - the offices of a judge. mere denial of plaintiff’s allegations, but
rather asserts an independent cause of
CHIEF DISTRICT JUDGE – the judge who has
action, the purpose of which is to oppose or
primary responsibility for the
deduct from plaintiff’s claim.
administration of the district court, but also
COURTROOM DEPUTY or CLERK – a court GOVERNMENT – as it is used in federal
employee who assits the judge by keeping criminal cases, “government” refers to the
track of witnesses, evidence, and other trial lawyers in the U.S. attorney’s office who are
matters. prosecuting the case.
CROSS-CLAIM – a pleading which asserts a HEARSAY – evidence that is presented by a
claim arising out of the same subject matter witness who did not see or hear the
as the original complaint against a co-party. incident in question but heard about it from
For example, a co-defendant may file a someone else. Hearsay evidence is usually
cross-claim against another co-defendant not admissible as evidence in trial.
for contribution for any damages assessed
INSTRUCTIONS – the judge’s explanation to
against the cross-claimant.
the jury, before it begins deliberations, of
CROSS (and RE-CROSS) EXAMINATION – the questions it must answer and the law
questions asked by lawyers of witnesses governing the case.
called by their opponents.
JUDGE – a government official with
DAMAGES – money paid by defendants to authority to decide lawsuits brought before
successful plaintiffs in civil cases to courts.
compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
JURISDICTION – (1) the legal authority of a
DEFENDANT – in a civil suit, the person court to hear and decide a case; (2) the
complained against; in a criminal case, the geographic area over which the court has
person accused of the crime. authority to decide cases.
DIRECT (and RE-DIRECT) EXAMINATION – LAWSUIT – an action started by a plaintiff
questions asked by lawyers of witnesses against a defendant based on a complaint
they have asked to come to court in order that the defendant committed a crime or
to bring out evidence for the fact finder. failed to perform a legal duty.
DISCOVERY – lawyers’ examination, before LITIGANTS – see PARTIES.
trial, of facts and documents in possession
MAGISTRATE JUDGE – in federal court, the
of the opponents, to help the lawyers
U.S. magistrate judge is a judicial officer
prepare for trial.
who assists the district judges in getting
EVIDENCE – information in testimony or in cases ready for trial. Magistrates judges
documents that is presented to persuade also may decide some criminal trials and
the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the may decide civil trials when both parties
case for one side or the other. agree to have the case heard by a
magistrate judge instead of a district judge.
More generally, the term "magistrate"
refers to various public officers, often PLAINTIFF – the person who files the
judicial officers with less authority than complaint in a civil lawsuit.
federal magistrates judges.
PLEADINGS – in a civil case, the written
MOTION – an application made to a court statements of the parties stating their
or judge for an order, ruling, or the like position about the case.
OPINION – a judge’s written explanation of PRECEDENT – a court decision in an earlier
a decision in a case. An Opinion of the case with facts similar to a dispute currently
Court explains the decision of the court or before a court.
of a majority of the judges. A Dissenting
PRETRIAL CONFERENCE – a meeting of the
Opinion is an explanation by one or more
judge and lawyers to decide which matters
judges of why they believe the decision or
are in dispute and should be presented to
opinion of the court is wrong. A Concurring
the jury, to review evidence and witnesses
Opinion agrees with the decision of the
to be presented, to set a timetable for the
court but offers further comment.
case, and sometimes to discuss settlement
ORAL ARGUMENT – in appellate cases, an of the case.
opportunity for the lawyers for each side to
PRO SE – a Latin term meaning “on one’s
summarize their position for the judges and
own behalf”; in courts, it refers to persons
answer the judges’ questions.
who try their own cases without lawyers.
PANEL – (1) in appellate cases, a group of
PROSECUTE – to charge someone with a
three judges assigned to decide the case; (2)
crime in a civil violation and seek to gain a
in the process of jury selection, the group of
criminal conviction or a civil judgment.
potential jurors brought in for voir dire.
RECORD – a written account of all the acts
PARTIES – the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s)
and proceedings in a lawsuit.
to a lawsuit and their lawyers.
REMAND – when an appellate court sends a
PETIT JURY (or TRIAL JURY) – a group of
case back to a lower court for further
citizens who hear the evidence presented
proceedings.
by both sides at trial and determine the
facts in dispute. Federal criminal juries REVERSE – when an appellate court sets
consist of 12 persons (sometimes with 1 or aside the decision of a lower court because
2 alternate jurors in case one of the twelve of an error. A reversal is often followed by
cannot continue). Federal civil juries usually a remand.
consist of 6 persons, with alternates. “Petit”
is French for “small”, thus distinguishing the SETTLE – in legal terminology, when the
trial jury from the larger grand jury. parties to a lawsuit agree to resolve their
differences among themselves without WITNESS – a person called upon by either
having a trial. side in a lawsuit
SIDEBAR – a conference between the judge
and lawyers held out of the earshot of the
jury and spectators.
STATUTE – a law passed by a legislature.
SUMMARY JUDGMENT – a decision made
on the basis of statements and evidence
presented for the record without any need
for a trial. It is used when there is no
dispute as to the facts of the case and one
party is entitled to judgment as a matter of
law.
TESTIMONY – evidence presented orally by
witnesses during trials or before grand
juries.
TRANSCRIPT – a written, word-for-word
record of what was said, either in a
proceeding such as a trial or during some
other conversation, as in a “transcript” of a
telephone conversation.
UPHOLD – when an appellate court does
not reverse a lower court decision.
U.S. ATTORNEY – a lawyer appointed by the
President, in each judicial district, to
prosecute cases for the federal
government.
VERDICT – a petit jury’s decision.
VOIR DIRE – the process by which judges
and lawyers select a petit jury from among
those eligible to serve. “Voir dire” is a legal
phrase meaning “to speak the truth.”
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
PRIVACY NOTICE
Please be advised that documents filed in cases pending in the United States District Court for the District of New
Jersey are available to the public via the Court’s electronic access system PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic
Records). PACER is an automated system that, for a fee, allows an individual to view, print and download court
docket information over the internet.
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure require the filer of a document to redact the following personal identifiers
from the document:
1) Social Security Numbers to the last four digits;
2) Financial account numbers to the last four digits;
3) Names of minor children to the initials;
4) Dates of birth to the year; and
5) Home addresses to the city and state – Parties filing pro se must include their complete mailing
address for purposes of sending notices, orders, etc.
The filer of the document has the sole responsibility for redacting this information from the document. The
Clerk will NOT review each filing for redaction.
In compliance with the E-Government Act of 2002, a party wishing to file a document containing the personal data
identifiers listed above may file an unredacted document under seal. Litigants shall file a Notice of Motion to
permit the unredacted documents containing personal identifiers to be filed under seal.
Because filings will be available electronically and may contain information implicating not only privacy but also
personal security concerns, the court encourages counsel and pro se litigants to exercise caution when filing a
document that contains any of the following information:
1) Any personal identifying number, such as a driver’s license number;
2) Medical records, treatment and diagnosis;
3) Employment history;
4) Individual financial information;
5) Proprietary or trade secret information;
6) Information regarding and individuals’ cooperation with the government;
7) Information regarding the victim or any criminal activity;
8) National security information
9) Sensitive security information as described in 49 U.S.C. § 114(s).
It is the responsibility of the filer to be sure that all documents and pleadings comply with the rules of this Court
in connection with the redaction of personal identifiers.
Case is now “ripe” for setting
a trial date
Various Discovery
Motion to
applications filed Final Pretrial
Dismiss or
before Magistrate
Trial
Conference before
Answer Filed
Judge Magistrate Juge
Scheduling
Settlement Trial Date
Conference held
Conference Set
before Magistrate
Judge
Complaint
Notice of Removal
Filed Appeal
Scheduling Order
Filed Setting Dispositive Motions In
Discovery Clock Motions Filed Limine filed
Date for
Scheduling Final Pretrial Order Post Trial
Conference set Filed Motions Filed
before Magistrtate
Judge
Final Pretrial Order
Supersedes the Pleadings.
Includes list of witnesses and
Exhibits
JS 44 (Rev. 04/21) CIVIL COVER SHEET
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as
provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the
purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)
I. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS
(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff County of Residence of First Listed Defendant
(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF
THE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.
(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number) Attorneys (If Known)
II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only) III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff
(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)
1 U.S. Government 3 Federal Question PTF DEF PTF DEF
Plaintiff (U.S. Government Not a Party) Citizen of This State 1 1 Incorporated or Principal Place 4 4
of Business In This State
2 U.S. Government 4 Diversity Citizen of Another State 2 2 Incorporated and Principal Place 5 5
Defendant (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) of Business In Another State
Citizen or Subject of a 3 3 Foreign Nation 6 6
Foreign Country
IV. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an “X” in One Box Only) Click here for: Nature of Suit Code Descriptions.
CONTRACT TORTS FORFEITURE/PENALTY BANKRUPTCY OTHER STATUTES
110 Insurance PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL INJURY 625 Drug Related Seizure 422 Appeal 28 USC 158 375 False Claims Act
120 Marine 310 Airplane 365 Personal Injury - of Property 21 USC 881 423 Withdrawal 376 Qui Tam (31 USC
130 Miller Act 315 Airplane Product Product Liability 690 Other 28 USC 157 3729(a))
140 Negotiable Instrument Liability 367 Health Care/ INTELLECTUAL 400 State Reapportionment
150 Recovery of Overpayment 320 Assault, Libel & Pharmaceutical PROPERTY RIGHTS 410 Antitrust
& Enforcement of Judgment Slander Personal Injury 820 Copyrights 430 Banks and Banking
151 Medicare Act 330 Federal Employers’ Product Liability 830 Patent 450 Commerce
152 Recovery of Defaulted Liability 368 Asbestos Personal 835 Patent - Abbreviated 460 Deportation
Student Loans 340 Marine Injury Product New Drug Application 470 Racketeer Influenced and
(Excludes Veterans) 345 Marine Product Liability 840 Trademark Corrupt Organizations
153 Recovery of Overpayment Liability PERSONAL PROPERTY LABOR 880 Defend Trade Secrets 480 Consumer Credit
of Veteran’s Benefits 350 Motor Vehicle 370 Other Fraud 710 Fair Labor Standards Act of 2016 (15 USC 1681 or 1692)
160 Stockholders’ Suits 355 Motor Vehicle 371 Truth in Lending Act 485 Telephone Consumer
190 Other Contract Product Liability 380 Other Personal 720 Labor/Management SOCIAL SECURITY Protection Act
195 Contract Product Liability 360 Other Personal Property Damage Relations 861 HIA (1395ff) 490 Cable/Sat TV
196 Franchise Injury 385 Property Damage 740 Railway Labor Act 862 Black Lung (923) 850 Securities/Commodities/
362 Personal Injury - Product Liability 751 Family and Medical 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g)) Exchange
Medical Malpractice Leave Act 864 SSID Title XVI 890 Other Statutory Actions
REAL PROPERTY CIVIL RIGHTS PRISONER PETITIONS 790 Other Labor Litigation 865 RSI (405(g)) 891 Agricultural Acts
210 Land Condemnation 440 Other Civil Rights Habeas Corpus: 791 Employee Retirement 893 Environmental Matters
220 Foreclosure 441 Voting 463 Alien Detainee Income Security Act FEDERAL TAX SUITS 895 Freedom of Information
230 Rent Lease & Ejectment 442 Employment 510 Motions to Vacate 870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff Act
240 Torts to Land 443 Housing/ Sentence or Defendant) 896 Arbitration
245 Tort Product Liability Accommodations 530 General 871 IRS—Third Party 899 Administrative Procedure
290 All Other Real Property 445 Amer. w/Disabilities - 535 Death Penalty IMMIGRATION 26 USC 7609 Act/Review or Appeal of
Employment Other: 462 Naturalization Application Agency Decision
446 Amer. w/Disabilities - 540 Mandamus & Other 465 Other Immigration 950 Constitutionality of
Other 550 Civil Rights Actions State Statutes
448 Education 555 Prison Condition
560 Civil Detainee -
Conditions of
Confinement
V. ORIGIN (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
1 Original 2 Removed from 3 Remanded from 4 Reinstated or 5 Transferred from 6 Multidistrict 8 Multidistrict
Proceeding State Court Appellate Court Reopened Another District Litigation - Litigation -
(specify) Transfer Direct File
Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
VI. CAUSE OF ACTION Brief description of cause:
VII. REQUESTED IN CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION DEMAND $ CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
COMPLAINT: UNDER RULE 23, F.R.Cv.P. JURY DEMAND: Yes No
VIII. RELATED CASE(S)
(See instructions):
IF ANY JUDGE DOCKET NUMBER
DATE SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE
JS 44 Reverse (Rev. 04/21)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS COMPLETING CIVIL COVER SHEET FORM JS 44
Authority For Civil Cover Sheet
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filings and service of pleading or other papers as
required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is
required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. Consequently, a civil cover sheet is submitted to the Clerk of
Court for each civil complaint filed. The attorney filing a case should complete the form as follows:
I.(a) Plaintiffs-Defendants. Enter names (last, first, middle initial) of plaintiff and defendant. If the plaintiff or defendant is a government agency, use
only the full name or standard abbreviations. If the plaintiff or defendant is an official within a government agency, identify first the agency and then
the official, giving both name and title.
(b) County of Residence. For each civil case filed, except U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county where the first listed plaintiff resides at the
time of filing. In U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county in which the first listed defendant resides at the time of filing. (NOTE: In land
condemnation cases, the county of residence of the "defendant" is the location of the tract of land involved.)
(c) Attorneys. Enter the firm name, address, telephone number, and attorney of record. If there are several attorneys, list them on an attachment, noting
in this section "(see attachment)".
II. Jurisdiction. The basis of jurisdiction is set forth under Rule 8(a), F.R.Cv.P., which requires that jurisdictions be shown in pleadings. Place an "X"
in one of the boxes. If there is more than one basis of jurisdiction, precedence is given in the order shown below.
United States plaintiff. (1) Jurisdiction based on 28 U.S.C. 1345 and 1348. Suits by agencies and officers of the United States are included here.
United States defendant. (2) When the plaintiff is suing the United States, its officers or agencies, place an "X" in this box.
Federal question. (3) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1331, where jurisdiction arises under the Constitution of the United States, an amendment
to the Constitution, an act of Congress or a treaty of the United States. In cases where the U.S. is a party, the U.S. plaintiff or defendant code takes
precedence, and box 1 or 2 should be marked.
Diversity of citizenship. (4) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1332, where parties are citizens of different states. When Box 4 is checked, the
citizenship of the different parties must be checked. (See Section III below; NOTE: federal question actions take precedence over diversity
cases.)
III. Residence (citizenship) of Principal Parties. This section of the JS 44 is to be completed if diversity of citizenship was indicated above. Mark this
section for each principal party.
IV. Nature of Suit. Place an "X" in the appropriate box. If there are multiple nature of suit codes associated with the case, pick the nature of suit code
that is most applicable. Click here for: Nature of Suit Code Descriptions.
V. Origin. Place an "X" in one of the seven boxes.
Original Proceedings. (1) Cases which originate in the United States district courts.
Removed from State Court. (2) Proceedings initiated in state courts may be removed to the district courts under Title 28 U.S.C., Section 1441.
Remanded from Appellate Court. (3) Check this box for cases remanded to the district court for further action. Use the date of remand as the filing
date.
Reinstated or Reopened. (4) Check this box for cases reinstated or reopened in the district court. Use the reopening date as the filing date.
Transferred from Another District. (5) For cases transferred under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1404(a). Do not use this for within district transfers or
multidistrict litigation transfers.
Multidistrict Litigation – Transfer. (6) Check this box when a multidistrict case is transferred into the district under authority of Title 28 U.S.C.
Section 1407.
Multidistrict Litigation – Direct File. (8) Check this box when a multidistrict case is filed in the same district as the Master MDL docket.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NOT AN ORIGIN CODE 7. Origin Code 7 was used for historical records and is no longer relevant due to
changes in statute.
VI. Cause of Action. Report the civil statute directly related to the cause of action and give a brief description of the cause. Do not cite jurisdictional
statutes unless diversity. Example: U.S. Civil Statute: 47 USC 553 Brief Description: Unauthorized reception of cable service.
VII. Requested in Complaint. Class Action. Place an "X" in this box if you are filing a class action under Rule 23, F.R.Cv.P.
Demand. In this space enter the actual dollar amount being demanded or indicate other demand, such as a preliminary injunction.
Jury Demand. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether or not a jury is being demanded.
VIII. Related Cases. This section of the JS 44 is used to reference related pending cases, if any. If there are related pending cases, insert the docket
numbers and the corresponding judge names for such cases.
Date and Attorney Signature. Date and sign the civil cover sheet.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
(In the space above enter the full name(s) of the plaintiff(s).)
- against -
COMPLAINT
Jury Trial: Yes No
(check one)
(In the space above enter the full name(s) of the defendant(s). If you
cannot fit the names of all of the defendants in the space provided,
please write “see attached” in the space above and attach an
additional sheet of paper with the full list of names. The names
listed in the above caption must be identical to those contained in
Part I. Addresses should not be included here.)
I. Parties in this complaint:
A. List your name, address and telephone number. Do the same for any additional plaintiffs named. Attach
additional sheets of paper as necessary.
Plaintiff Name
Street Address
County, City
State & Zip Code
Telephone Number
B. List all defendants. You should state the full name of the defendants, even if that defendant is a government
agency, an organization, a corporation, or an individual. Include the address where each defendant can be
served. Make sure that the defendant(s) listed below are identical to those contained in the above caption.
Attach additional sheets of paper as necessary.
Defendant No. 1 Name
Street Address
County, City
State & Zip Code
Defendant No. 2 Name
Street Address
County, City
State & Zip Code
Defendant No. 3 Name
Street Address
County, City
State & Zip Code
Defendant No. 4 Name
Street Address
County, City
State & Zip Code
II. Basis for Jurisdiction:
Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. There are four types of cases that can be heard in federal court: 1)
Federal Question - Under 28 U.S.C. § 1331, a case involving the United States Constitution or federal laws or treaties
is a federal question case; 2) Diversity of Citizenship - Under 28 U.S.C. § 1332, a case in which a citizen of one
state sues a citizen of another state and the amount in damages is more than $75,000 is a diversity of citizenship case;
3) U.S. Government Plaintiff; and 4) U.S. Government Defendant.
A. What is the basis for federal court jurisdiction? (check all that apply)
Q Federal Questions Q Diversity of Citizenship
U.S. Government Plaintiff U.S. Government Defendant
B. If the basis for jurisdiction is Federal Question, what federal Constitutional, statutory or treaty right is at
issue?
-2-
C. If the basis for jurisdiction is Diversity of Citizenship, what is the state of citizenship of each party?
Plaintiff(s) state(s) of citizenship
Defendant(s) state(s) of citizenship
III. Statement of Claim:
State as briefly as possible the facts of your case. Describe how each of the defendants named in the caption of this
complaint is involved in this action, along with the dates and locations of all relevant events. You may wish to
include further details such as the names of other persons involved in the events giving rise to your claims. Do not
cite any cases or statutes. If you intend to allege a number of related claims, number and set forth each claim in a
separate paragraph. Attach additional sheets of paper as necessary.
A. Where did the events giving rise to your claim(s) occur?
B. What date and approximate time did the events giving rise to your claim(s) occur?
What
C. Facts:
happened
to you?
Who did
what?
Was
anyone
else
involved?
Who else
saw what
happened?
-3-
IV. Injuries:
If you sustained injuries related to the events alleged above, describe them and state what medical treatment, if any,
you required and received.
V. Relief:
State what you want the Court to do for you and the amount of monetary compensation, if any, you are seeking, and
the basis for such compensation.
-4-
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Signed this day of , 20 .
Signature of Plaintiff
Mailing Address
Telephone Number
Fax Number (if you have one)
E-mail Address
Note: All plaintiffs named in the caption of the complaint must date and sign the complaint.
Signature of Plaintiff:
-5-
Page 1 of 5
AO 239 (Rev. 01/15) Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
for the
__________ District of __________
)
Plaintiff/Petitioner )
v. ) Civil Action No.
)
Defendant/Respondent )
APPLICATION TO PROCEED IN DISTRICT COURT WITHOUT PREPAYING FEES OR COSTS
(Long Form)
Affidavit in Support of the Application Instructions
I am a plaintiff or petitioner in this case and declare Complete all questions in this application and then sign it.
that I am unable to pay the costs of these proceedings Do not leave any blanks: if the answer to a question is “0,”
and that I am entitled to the relief requested. I declare “none,” or “not applicable (N/A),” write that response. If
under penalty of perjury that the information below is you need more space to answer a question or to explain your
true and understand that a false statement may result in answer, attach a separate sheet of paper identified with your
a dismissal of my claims. name, your case's docket number, and the question number.
Signed: Date:
1. For both you and your spouse estimate the average amount of money received from each of the following
sources during the past 12 months. Adjust any amount that was received weekly, biweekly, quarterly,
semiannually, or annually to show the monthly rate. Use gross amounts, that is, amounts before any deductions
for taxes or otherwise.
Income source Average monthly income Income amount expected
amount during the past 12 next month
months
You Spouse You Spouse
Employment
$ $ $ $
Self-employment
$ $ $ $
Income from real property (such as rental income)
$ $ $ $
Interest and dividends
$ $ $ $
Gifts
$ $ $ $
Alimony
$ $ $ $
Child support
$ $ $ $
Page 2 of 5
AO 239 (Rev. 01/15) Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)
Retirement (such as social security, pensions, annuities,
$ $ $ $
insurance)
Disability (such as social security, insurance payments)
$ $ $ $
Unemployment payments
$ $ $ $
Public-assistance (such as welfare)
$ $ $ $
Other (specify):
$ $ $ $
$ $ $ $
Total monthly income:
2. List your employment history for the past two years, most recent employer first. (Gross monthly pay is before taxes or
other deductions.)
Employer Address Dates of employment Gross
monthly pay
$
$
3. List your spouse's employment history for the past two years, most recent employer first. (Gross monthly pay is before
taxes or other deductions.)
Employer Address Dates of employment Gross
monthly pay
$
$
$
4. How much cash do you and your spouse have? $
Below, state any money you or your spouse have in bank accounts or in any other financial institution.
Financial institution Type of account Amount you have Amount your
spouse has
$ $
$ $
$ $
If you are a prisoner, you must attach a statement certified by the appropriate institutional officer showing all receipts,
expenditures, and balances during the last six months in your institutional accounts. If you have multiple accounts,
perhaps because you have been in multiple institutions, attach one certified statement of each account.
Page 3 of 5
AO 239 (Rev. 01/15) Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)
5. List the assets, and their values, which you own or your spouse owns. Do not list clothing and ordinary
household furnishings.
Assets owned by you or your spouse
Home (Value) $
Other real estate (Value)
$
Motor vehicle #1 (Value) $
Make and year:
Model:
Registration #:
Motor vehicle #2 (Value) $
Make and year:
Model:
Registration #:
Other assets (Value) $
Other assets (Value) $
6. State every person, business, or organization owing you or your spouse money, and the amount owed.
Person owing you or your spouse Amount owed to you Amount owed to your spouse
money
$ $
$ $
$ $
7. State the persons who rely on you or your spouse for support.
Name (or, if under 18, initials only) Relationship Age
Page 4 of 5
AO 239 (Rev. 01/15) Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)
8. Estimate the average monthly expenses of you and your family. Show separately the amounts paid by your
spouse. Adjust any payments that are made weekly, biweekly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually to show the
monthly rate.
You Your spouse
Rent or home-mortgage payment (including lot rented for mobile home)
Are real estate taxes included? ’ Yes ’ No $ $
Is property insurance included? ’ Yes ’ No
Utilities (electricity, heating fuel, water, sewer, and telephone) $ $
Home maintenance (repairs and upkeep) $ $
Food $ $
Clothing $ $
Laundry and dry-cleaning $ $
Medical and dental expenses $ $
Transportation (not including motor vehicle payments) $ $
Recreation, entertainment, newspapers, magazines, etc. $ $
Insurance (not deducted from wages or included in mortgage payments)
Homeowner's or renter's: $ $
Life: $ $
Health: $ $
Motor vehicle: $ $
Other: $ $
Taxes (not deducted from wages or included in mortgage payments) (specify):
$ $
Installment payments
Motor vehicle: $ $
Credit card (name): $ $
Department store (name): $ $
Other: $ $
Alimony, maintenance, and support paid to others $ $
Page 5 of 5
AO 239 (Rev. 01/15) Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)
Regular expenses for operation of business, profession, or farm (attach detailed $ $
statement)
Other (specify): $ $
$ $
Total monthly expenses:
9. Do you expect any major changes to your monthly income or expenses or in your assets or liabilities during the
next 12 months?
’ Yes ’ No If yes, describe on an attached sheet.
10. Have you spent — or will you be spending — any money for expenses or attorney fees in conjunction with this
lawsuit? ’ Yes ’ No
If yes, how much? $
11. Provide any other information that will help explain why you cannot pay the costs of these proceedings.
12. Identify the city and state of your legal residence.
Your daytime phone number:
Your age: Your years of schooling:
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
Pro se (Non Prisoner)
Consent & Registration Form to Receive Documents Electronically
Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(b), and Fed. R. Civ. P. 77(d), Local Civil Rule 5.2 and the
Court’s Electronic Case Filing Policies and Procedures, documents may be served through the
court’s transmission facilities by electronic means. Documents that are not permitted to be
served electronically are pleadings that are to be served with process under Fed.R.Civ.P. 4.
I __________________________________ hereby consent to receive service of
documents and notice of electronic filings via the Court’s electronic filing system to the extent
and in the manner authorized by the above rules and waiving the right to receive notice by first
class mail pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 5(b)(2) and Fed.R.Civ.P. 77(d).
Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 10.1, I will promptly notify the Court if there is a change in
my personal data, such as name, address, and/or e-mail address. I will promptly notify the Court
to request cancellation of electronic service.
Litigants who have consented to receive documents electronically will be sent a Notice
of Electronic Filing via e-mail. Upon receipt of the notice, they are permitted one “free look”
at the document by clicking on the hyperlinked document number. The one “free look” will
expire 15 days from the date the notice was sent. After the “free look” is used or expires, the
document can only be accessed through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records.) It
is recommended that litigants establish a PACER account. This can be accomplished by visiting
the PACER web site at http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov. PACER is an automated system that
allows an individual to view, print, and download documents for a fee.
My e-mail address is: ___________________________________________________________
My case number is: _____________________________________________________________
___________________________________
Signature of Litigant
___________________________________
Mailing Address
___________________________________
City, State, Zip Code
___________________________________
Telephone Number
Date: _________________________
DNJ-ProSe-011 (11/2025)
Helpful Hints:
~ All original papers submitted for consideration to the Court are to be filed with the Clerk of this
Court. Copies of papers filed in this Court are to be served upon counsel for all other parties (or
directly on any party acting pro se). Proof that service has been made is provided by a
certificate of service. This certificate should be filed in the case along with the original papers
and should show the day and manner of service.
Example: “I, (name), do hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing (name
of pleading or other paper) has been served upon (name(s) of person(s) served)
by placing the same in the U.S. Mail, properly addressed this (date) day of
(month), (year).”
_________________________
(Signature)
~ Any request for court action shall be set forth in a motion, properly filed and served. (Please see
the Motion Guide included in this packet.)
~ No direct communication is to take place with the District Judge or United States Magistrate
Judge with regard to this case. All relevant information and papers are to be directed to the
Clerk.
~ The parties should notify the Clerk’s office when there is an address change. Failure to do so
could result in court orders or other information not being timely delivered, which could affect
the parties’ legal rights.
U N IT E D S T AT E S D IS T R IC T C O U R T
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
OFFICE OF THE CLERK CAMDEN OFFICE
M AR TI N LU TH ER KING JR . F EDER A L BUIL D IN G AND U.S. C O UR T H O US E M ITCH E LL H. COHE N
50 W AL N UT S TR EET U. S. C O UR T HO US E
NEW AR K, NEW JERSEY 07101 1 JOHN F. GERRY PLAZA
C AM DEN, NJ 08101
Cler k TRENT ON OFFICE
C LARKS ON S. FISH ER
U. S. C O UR T HO US E
402 EAS T S TATE STREE T
R OOM 2020
TR E N TO N , NJ 08608
REPLY TO:
MOTION GUIDE
(Please note, these instructions are being provided as a guide only and you should consult the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as well as the Local Rules for the District of New Jersey prior
to filing a Notice of Motion.)
*****Any request for court action shall be set forth in a motion, properly filed and served*****
In order to have any motion listed before the Court, it must comply with Local Civil Rules
7.1, 37.1, and/or 78.1 of this Court:
(1) At the time of filing your motion with the Court, you must also serve your motion
papers on the opposing parties by serving their counsel, if so represented. You must file a
certification indicating the method of service.
(2) Each Notice of Motion must have a motion date an d m u s t b e fi l ed a t l e as t
2 4 d a ys p ri o r t o t h e m o t i o n d at e . (Motion days are the first and third Monday of
each month and can be found on our website at - www.njd.uscourts.gov.)
(3) A Brief must be submitted in support of each motion, or a Statement that a Brief
is not necessary and the reason therefore. (Briefs are submitted as separate documents, and
should not have affidavits, certifications, or exhibits attached.)
THE LOCAL RULES MAY BE ACCESSED AT NO CHARGE ON THE COURT’S WEBSITE
- www.njd.uscourts.gov
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
(Title of Action)
:
Plaintiff, : Civil Action No.
v. : NOTICE OF MOTION
:
Defendant.
:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
(Name of Moving Party)
will move before the Honorable , U.S.D.J. on
(Motion days are the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month)
for an Order .
(describe type of relief being sought)
In support of my motion, I will rely on the attached brief (if necessary).
Name
Address
Date:
CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I, , certify that a copy of my motion was served
(Name of Moving Party)
by on upon:
(Mail, Personal Service, etc.) (Date)
(Name of Opposing Party)
(Address of Opposing Party)
Name (Signature)
APPENDIX K. SCHEDULE OF FEES
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
Office of the Clerk
Schedule of Fees
The Clerk of the District Court is required to collect the following fees:
Commencing any civil action or proceeding other than an application for a writ of habeas corpus
Filing fee - $350.00 plus $55 Administrative Fee (inapplicable to IFP) $ 405.00
Application for writ of habeas corpus 5.00
Filing a Notice of Appeal in any case
Fee includes $5 district court fee (28 U.S.C. § 1917) 605.00
Filing a Notice of Appeal to District Judge from a Judgment of Conviction
By a Magistrate Judge in a Misdemeanor Case 41.00
Certificate of Search, per name or item 34.00
Certification of any document 12.00
Exemplification of any document 24.00
Issuance of an apostille 50.00
Filing miscellaneous paper (any document not related to a pending case or proceeding) 52.00
Registration of foreign judgment 52.00
Admission of Attorney to Practice (including certificate) 225.00
Duplicate Attorney Certificate of Admission 21.00
Certificate of Good Standing to Practice 21.00
Admission to Appear Pro Hac Vice (each case) 250.00
For reproducing any record and providing a copy in paper form, which includes original documents .50 per page
or microfiche or microfilm reproduction of the original records
For reproducing and transmitting in any manner a copy of an electronic record stored outside of the 33.00
Court’s electronic case management system, including but not limited to, document files,
audio recordings, and video recordings, per record provided.
For reproducing an audio recording of a court proceeding 34.00
Retrieval of first box of records from Federal Records Center or National Archives 70.00
Retrieval of additional boxes from Federal Records Center or National Archives, per box 43.00
Any payment into the Court which is returned or denied for insufficient funds, or reversed due to a 53.00
chargeback
Processing fee for a petty offense charged on a federal violation 25.00
Commencing a civil action under Title III of Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity 7,202.00
(LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (This fee is in addition to the fee for commencing a civil action.)
CHECKS AND MONEY ORDERS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO:
CLERK, UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
May 1, 1987
Amended effective December 18, 1996; April 1, 1997; January 1, 1998; February 1, 2001; July 1, 2001; October 1, 2002;
November 1, 2003; June 1, 2004; February 7, 2005; March 22, 2005; April 9, 2006; November 1, 2011; June 1, 2012; May 1, 2013;
December 1, 2013, December 1, 2014, December 1, 2016, September 26, 2018; October 1, 2019, December 1, 2020, July 15, 2021,
July 20, 2021, December 1, 2023, March 1, 2024.
Alternate Document Submission
(ADS)
What is Alternate Document Submission?
Alternate Document Submission (ADS) is a District of New Jersey service that may be used by self-
represented litigants without CM/ECF privileges for filing a new civil case or for filing documents in existing
civil, criminal or miscellaneous cases, as an alternative to mailing or bringing the documents to the
courthouse. Using ADS is the electronic equivalent of mailing your document(s) to the Court for filing on
CM/ECF. You are not required to use ADS. You may continue to elect to submit documents by one of the
other filing methods provided for self-represented litigants: by mail; by placing them in the drop box in one
of the courthouse lobbies; or delivering them in person at the Clerk’s Office. Clerk’s Office and drop box
hours are located on the Court’s website. Court holidays and designated administrative leave days are also
posted on the Court’s website.
As with any document submitted in federal court, documents submitted through ADS must comply with all
relevant local and federal rules. Please remember to sign your documents in compliance with Federal Rule
of Civil Procedure Rule 11 before submitting them to the Court. For additional guidance, please refer to the
Procedural Guide for Pro Se Litigants.
If you are submitting documents using ADS, do not mail additional copies of those documents to the Clerk’s
Office. If submitting courtesy copies, they shall be clearly marked “courtesy copy” and mailed or delivered
for Chambers ONLY if indicated in the assigned Judicial Officer’s Judicial Preferences.
The ADS system is provided for your convenience. The privilege of submitting a document through ADS
may be revoked due to continuous non-compliance of the ADS filing guidelines.
A technical failure with ADS will not constitute an excuse for missing a filing deadline. In the event of a
technical failure of ADS, users must submit documents by one of the other filing methods provided for self-
represented litigants as indicated above.
Please review the information below before submitting a document through ADS.
Filings that May Not Be Submitted by Alternate Document Submission
• Attorneys/individuals represented by attorneys cannot file using ADS and must file documents
electronically using CM/ECF. Any documents submitted through ADS by attorneys will not be
docketed and the attorney will not receive any response to the submission.
• Sealed documents may not be filed using ADS.
• USM-285 Forms
• Rule 26 Discovery
• Settlement position statements and/or other ex parte submissions
• Documents prohibited by a confidentiality order
• Unredacted documents that are not in compliance with Federal Rule Civil Procedure 5.2
• Unflattened fillable forms
• Courtesy copies or other documents intended for submission to Chambers only
Consent to Use Email for Service
You may complete the Notice of Consent & Registration to Receive Documents Electronically to provide
your consent to receive service of documents and Notice of Electronic Filings via the Court’s electronic filing
system to the extent and in the manner authorized by Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(b), and Fed. R. Civ. P. 77(d), Local
Civil Rule 5.2. By and through your consent, you also waive the right to receive notice by first class mail
pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(b)(2)(D) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 77(d). This means that you will receive notice of
court documents, as well as documents filed by other parties in the case, at the e-mail address you provide.
The Court would no longer send paper copies of documents that were sent to you by e-mail.
Date of Filing
The date the Clerk’s Office receives a document submitted through ADS will be considered the date of filing.
Please allow time for processing. Generally, filings are processed within one full business day of receipt;
however, occasionally, there are times processing may take longer.
How Do I Know Which Vicinage My Filing Belongs?
For existing cases, you can determine the vicinage by looking at the first digit in the case number.
1: - Camden
2: - Newark
3: - Trenton
Review the number listed before the colon, i.e., case number 1:24-cv-00001 would be a civil Camden case
because the number before the colon is a 1.
If your case is a new filing and you do not have an assigned case number, please be advised that allocation
of new civil cases is guided by Local Rule 40.1(a). Cases are assigned based on the location of the first-
listed defendant, where the incident took place, or based on any listed related cases. For cases involving real
estate, the location of the property is used to determine the allocation. For motor vehicle accidents, cases are
assigned based on the county where the accident took place. Please review the vicinage lines for case
assignment located on the Court’s website to assist you in selecting the proper vicinage for submission of
your filing. Upon receipt of your initiating case document(s), a member of the Clerk’s Office will review
your submission to determine the proper vicinage.
REMINDER: All initiating filings, i.e., Complaints and Notices of Removal, must be accompanied by
a completed, flattened civil cover sheet. When filing a Notice of Removal, be sure to also include a
copy of all state court pleadings.
How Will I Know When My Submission is Docketed?
The Clerk’s Office will enter the documents submitted through ADS into CM/ECF. Once entered, you will
receive a Notice of Electronic Filing.
2
If you have consented to receive documents electronically, you will receive a notice from the CM/ECF
docketing system at the e-mail address you provided to the Court. You will be granted one “free look” to
view the filed document at no cost. You are strongly encouraged to save or print the document for your
records. After this free view is used or expires after 15 days, the filed document may only be accessed through
Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) or obtained through the Clerk’s Office for the
applicable copy work fee. You may obtain a PACER account by registering online at
https://pacer.uscourts.gov.
If you have not consented to receive documents electronically, you will receive a Notice of Electronic Filing
via first class mail at the address you listed on your pleadings.
How Can I Pay the Filing Fee for a New Case?
For new cases, the Clerk’s Office will assign a case number. Once the case is processed, you will receive a
Notice of Electronic Filing either electronically or via first class mail as indicated above. Once you have
received your case number you can pay by credit card, check or money order.
Credit card payments can be made by calling our finance department:
Camden: (609) 989-0468 Newark: (973) 622-4810 Trenton: (609) 989-0468
Checks or money orders shall be made payable to “Clerk, U.S. District Court” and mailed to the office where
the case was opened:
Camden: Newark: Trenton:
Clerk, U.S. District Court Mitchell H. Clerk, U.S. District Court Martin Clerk, U.S. District Court Clarkson
Cohen Building Luther King Building S. Fisher Building
& U.S. Courthouse & U.S. Courthouse & U.S. Courthouse
P.O. Box 2797 50 Walnut Street 402 E. State Street
Camden, NJ 08101 Newark, NJ 07102 Trenton, NJ 08608
856-757-5021 973-645-3730 609-989-2065
If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you may apply to the Court to allow you to file your complaint without
the prepayment of the filing fee by submitting an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. This application
must also accompany the complaint.
**If you are notified that the in forma pauperis application is denied by the court, you will be required to
pay the filing fee in order for the complaint to be filed and your action to commence.**
Technical Requirements for Using ADS
• File Size and Type: The Court will only accept files in PDF format with a size that does not exceed
35 MB. If your document exceeds 35 MB, you must split your document into smaller files and label
them accordingly. If your documents do not meet these requirements, you must file by mail; by
placing them in the drop box in one of the courthouse lobbies; or delivering them in person at the
Clerk’s Office. Documents that do not meet these criteria will not be filed.
3
• Filing Multiple Documents: You can submit up to 20 documents for filing in the same case as long
as no individual document exceeds 35 MB.
• How to Know If Your Submission Was Successful: If your submission is successful, you will see the
following screen:
If you do not see this screen, your documents were not submitted to the Court. If you cannot successfully
file using ADS, you must submit documents by one of the other filing methods provided for self-
represented litigants: by mail; by placing them in the drop box in one of the courthouse lobbies; or
delivering them in person at the Clerk’s Office.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is not legal advice. All parties using this website remain
responsible for complying with all applicable Court rules of procedure. If there is any conflict between the
information on this website and the applicable rules, the rules govern. This website may contain links to
other sites. The links on these pages are provided for your convenience. The Court makes no endorsement
or warranty of quality of services by linking to an organization from this website. The Court cannot and
does not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, reliability, or completeness of the information you find on
other sites.
Click here to submit your documents to the District of New Jersey.
4
