Revised 09/03/2019, CN 11492 page 1 of 14
Family Chancery
How to
File a Non-Divorce Application for Custody, Child/Spousal Support or Parenting Time (Visitation) - Non-dissolution "FD" Case
Updated 09/03/2019
How to File a Non-Divorce Application for Custody,
Child/Spousal Support or
Parenting Time (Visitation) - Non-dissolution “FD” Case
Superior Court of New Jersey - Chancery Division - Family Part
Who Should Use This Packet?
This packet should only be used the
first time you file for custody, parenting time, paternity, child support, medical
coverage, spousal support or visitation with a minor (grandparent/adult sibling).
Use this packet if you are:
a parent who is not married, or who is married but has not filed for divorce, and you want to establish paternity,
custody, parenting time (visitation), child support, and/or medical support.
married and requesting spousal and/or medical coverage.
a grandparent or adult sibling and you want to file for custody, visitation, child support and/or medical support.
filing a counterclaim or a response to a complaint filed by the other party.
Do NOT use this packet if:
you have filed for divorce or are divorced from the other party.
you have an active domestic violence restraining order with the other party.
you already have a Family court case with the other party that you want to modify.
you want to file an appeal of a court order that was already issued. To file an appeal use 10837 - How to Appeal a
Trial Court, Tax Court or State Agency Decision found on our website at njcourts.gov.
Your case is an emergency. You must file for an emergent hearing at the courthouse. You cannot file for an
emergent hearing through the mail. Only a judge can determine if your case will qualify as an emergency. If you
are denied an emergency hearing, your case will continue under the normal case process.
Note: These materials have been prepared by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts for use by self-represented
litigants. The guides, instructions, and forms will be periodically updated as necessary to reflect current New Jersey statutes and
court rules. The most recent version of the forms will be available at the county courthouse or on the Judiciary’s Internet site
njcourts.gov. However, you are ultimately responsible for the content of your court papers.
Completed forms are to be submitted to the Family Division where the case is filed. A list of Family Division
Offices can be found on njcourts.gov
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Things to Think About Before You Represent Yourself in Court
Try to Get a Lawyer
The law, the proofs necessary to present your
case, and the procedural rules governing cases
in the Family Division are complex. It is
recommended that you make every effort to
obtain the assistance of a lawyer. If you cannot
afford a lawyer, you may contact the legal
services program in your county to see if you
qualify for free legal services. Their telephone
number can be found online under “Legal Aid”
or “Legal Services.”
If you do not qualify for free legal services and
need help in locating an attorney, you can
contact the bar association in your county. Most
county bar associations have a Lawyer Referral
Service.
The County Bar Lawyer Referral Service can
supply you with the names of attorneys in your
area willing to handle your particular type of
case and will sometimes consult with you at a
reduced fee.
There are a variety of organizations of minority
lawyers throughout New Jersey, as well as
organizations of lawyers who handle specialized
types of cases. Ask the Family court staff in
your county for a list of lawyer referral services
that include these organizations.
What You Should Expect If You
Represent Yourself
While you have the right to represent yourself in
court, you should not expect special treatment,
help or attention from the court. The following
is a list of some things court staff can and
cannot do for you. Please read it carefully
before asking 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 can cannot not 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 a
judge.
Keep Copies of All Papers
Make and keep copies for yourself, written
agreements, Case Information Statements, and
other important papers that relate to your case.
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Definitions of Court Terms Used in FD Cases
Arrears - Arrears are unpaid or overdue child support, alimony, or spousal support payments.
Application - An application is a written request in which you ask the court to issue an order or to change an
order that has already been issued.
Bench Warrant - A bench warrant is an order from the court giving legal authority to law enforcement to
arrest a person for failure to appear for a court hearing or failure to comply with a court order.
Certification - A certification is a written statement made to the court when you file papers with the court,
swearing that the information contained in the filed papers is true.
Child Support Number (also referred to as “CS Number”) - The Child Support Number is the identifying
number assigned to your child, spousal, or alimony support case.
Complaint - A complaint is a formal document filed in court that starts a case. It typically includes the names
of the parties and the issues you are asking the court to decide.
Custodial Parent - the custodial parent is the person with whom the child(ren) live with and has the primary
day-to-day responsibility.
Counterclaim - A counterclaim is a document in which the Defendant states their opposition to the original
claim and may additionally relay to the court why you think you are entitled to relief in the case.
Court Order - A court order is the written decision issued by a court of law. For example, a child support
court order sets forth how often, how much, and what kind of support is to be paid.
Custody - refers to the right to make decisions for the child. Joint, sole, physical custody, refers to where and
by whom the child’s needs are met. Sole custody refers to one person and joint custody refers to sharing by the
parties in the case.
Diligent Search - A diligent search means you made a serious effort to find information about the location of
the other party named in your case, and that you have followed up on any information you have received about
their whereabouts.
Docket Number - The docket number is the identifying number assigned to every case filed in the court.
Exhibits - Exhibits are documents or objects you provide to the court to support what you want the court to
decide.
FD - The letters the court uses to identify a non-dissolution case that involves parents who are not legally
married or other adults filing for court relief on behalf of minor children. FD cases can also include married
people who are separated but need financial support.
File - To file means to give the appropriate forms to the court to begin the court’s consideration of your request.
Income Withholding/Wage Garnishment - Income Withholding/Wage Garnishment is a process where
automatic deductions are made from wages or other income, to pay your support obligation. Income
withholding has been mandatory since the enactment of the Family Support Act of 1988.
Revised 09/03/2019, CN 11492 page 4 of 14
Definitions of Court Terms Used in FD Cases (continued)
New Jersey Child Support Guidelines - Both parents are responsible for the financial and emotional support
of their children. New Jersey has developed a standard method for calculating child support based on the
income of both parents and other factors. The full set of NJ Child Support Guidelines is contained in Rule
5:6A of the New Jersey Court Rules.
NJKiDS (New Jersey Kids Deserve Support) - NJKiDS is the New Jersey Child Support automated computer
system that tracks child support accounts.
Non-Custodial Parent - the non-custodial parent is the parent with whom the child(ren) do not live the
majority of the time with.
Obligor/Payor - An obligor/payor is the person ordered by the court to pay support, also known as the non-
custodial parent (NCP).
Obligee/Payee - An obligee/payee is the person, agency, or institution who receives support, also known as the
custodial parent (CP).
Party - A party is a person, business, or governmental agency involved in a court action.
Petitioner - Petitioner is another name for the person starting the court action by filing the appropriate papers
the court will consider.
Respondent - Respondent is the person who is named as the other party in the court action filed by the
petitioner. This person can respond to the complaint or application filed by the petitioner by filing a cross
application or written response with the court.
Relief - To ask for relief is to ask the court to grant something such as custody, parenting time, or support.
Support Obligation - Support Obligation is the amount of support that the court orders the obligor to pay.
The court order includes how much and how often support has to be paid (i.e., per week, per month, bi-weekly,
etc.).
Child Support Enforcement - The Child Support Enforcement Division is required to enforce court orders
that call for the payment of child support, health care coverage, and/or spousal support/alimony. If support is
not being paid timely, the Child Support Enforcement has many state and federal tools available to enforce
child support orders. These can include, but are not limited to:
Income withholding
Court hearing
Bench warrant
Tax offset - federal and state
Judgment (liens attached to property & assets)
Credit bureau notification
Financial Institution Data Match (FIDM) - seizure of bank accounts
Child Support Lien Network (CSLN) - seizure of proceeds from law suits
Passport denial
License suspension
Lottery interception
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The numbered steps listed below tell you what forms you will need to fill out and what to do with them. Each form should be typed or
printed clearly on 8 ½ “x 11” white paper only. Forms cannot be filed on a different size or color paper. Use only the forms included
in this packet. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.
Steps for Filing a Complaint
STEP 1: Fill out the Verified Complaint or
Counterclaim (Form A)
The Verified Complaint or Counterclaim is a
written request in which you ask the court to
establish a court order on your behalf concerning a
minor child or spouse. The court will establish an
order based on testimony of the parties and written
documentation submitted.
STEP 2: Provide the court with the most recent
address of the other party(ies)
The court will send a Notice to Appear to the
plaintiff, defendant, all listed parties, and
attorney(s) connected to your case when the case is
scheduled for court. Your appearance is
mandatory.
Note: The other party will receive copies of all of
the papers you attach to your complaint with the
Notice to Appear, unless court rules prohibit this
information from being shared.
You must provide the court with the most current
address (that you know of) for the other party and
the name of their attorney (if you know it) when
you file your complaint. Failure to do so may result
in your case being dismissed by the court or delayed
because the other party could not be served with a
Notice to Appear.
STEP 3: Fill out the Certification of Diligent
Search (if necessary)
Every person named in a court action must be given
the opportunity to respond. They must be provided
notice so that they can exercise their right to answer
the complaint. If you are filing for custody or
parenting time/visitation with a minor child, the
court requires that you provide the address of the
other legal parent/guardian, so they can be served
with the complaint and have the opportunity to
respond.
If you do not know the current address of the other
party, you must complete the Certification of
Diligent Search (CN 11490). This packet provides
proof to the court of your efforts to find the other
party. The packet must be completed in its entirety
and mailed or delivered to the court. If you are
unable to send a letter as directed, you must tell the
court why by putting your reason on the letter and
including it in the completed packet you mail or
deliver to the court. Once you have mailed or
delivered your packet to the court, your case will be
filed and scheduled for a hearing. The judge will
decide if your search was sufficient at the hearing.
This process must be completed before your case
can proceed in court. You can find this kit on
njcourts.gov.
Important Note: If you are filing to establish
paternity or child support, a diligent search might
not be required. You can go to your local County
Welfare Office (CWA) and request locate services.
Federal locate services are used only for the purpose
of establishing paternity or child support.
STEP 4: Fill out the Confidential Litigant
Information Sheet
The Confidential Litigant Information Sheet (CN
10486) is to ensure accuracy of court records and
must be completed by the person filing this initial
application. You must complete the entire form and
submit it with your papers to the court. Do NOT
leave any blank spaces. If something does not
apply to you, enter “N/A”. This form is
confidential and will not be shared with the
other party. Each party is required to complete
their own Confidential Litigant Information Sheet
and file it with the court. You can find this form on
njcourts.gov.
Note: Failure to complete the Confidential Litigant
Information Sheet will result in your papers being
returned to you marked “deficient” and will cause a
delay in your case being scheduled for court.
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STEP 5: Fill out the Financial Statement for
Summary Support Actions (if applicable)
The Financial Statement for Summary Support
Actions (CN 11223) must be completed if you are
requesting a child support order in an FD case.
You must complete the entire form. Do NOT leave
any blank spaces. If something does not apply to
you, enter “N/A”. This completed form must be
included in your packet submitted to the court.
This form will be shared with the other party
pursuant to Court Rule 5:5-3. The other party
must complete this same form and file it with the
court. The court will share this information with the
filing party at the court hearing. You can find this
form on njcourts.gov.
STEP 6: Fill out the Family Case Information
Statement (CIS) (if applicable)
The Family Case Information Statement (CN
10482) must be completed only if you are married
but separated and want to establish spousal support.
Spousal support can only be established under FD
when there is no active divorce case.
Pursuant to Court Rule 5:5-2, a spousal support
determination requires the parties to submit a Case
Information Statement to the court. You must
complete the entire form. Do NOT leave any blank
spaces. If something does not apply to you, enter
“N/A”. This completed form must be included in
your packet submitted to the court. This form will
be shared with the other party. The other party
must complete this same form, file it with the court
and send a copy to you. The court will provide
instructions to the other party about sharing this
information with the filing party prior to the court
hearing. This document is confidential pursuant to
Court Rule 1:38-3 and is not available for review by
any other people besides the two parties involved in
the case, their attorneys, and the court. You can
find this form on njcourts.gov.
STEP 7: Fill out the Additional Information
Sheet (if needed)
Use this form if you need additional space to
explain to the court what you want the court to
consider or your position on a particular issue stated
in the complaint. Type or write legibly and be as
specific as possible.
STEP 8: Check your completed forms and
make copies
Check your forms and make sure they are complete.
Remove all instruction sheets. Make sure you have
signed all the forms wherever necessary.
In Step 9 you will be directed to mail or deliver
your documents to the court. The following
checklist will help insure your package is complete:
Checklist
Make sure you have all the following items:
Verified Complaint or Counterclaim
(Form A)
Confidential Litigant Information Sheet
Additional forms if applicable:
Certification of Diligent Search (CN
11490)
Financial Statement for Summary
Support Actions (CN 11223)
Family Case Information Statement
(CIS) (CN 10482)
Federal Child Support Services
Application (IV-D Child Support
Program)
Certification in Support of
Establishing Paternity
Certificate of Parentage (COP)
Additional Information Sheet
STEP 9: Mail or deliver your completed
paperwork
Mail or deliver your completed packet to the
courthouse in the county where the child of the
custodial parent resides. When mailing, make sure
you specify the “Family Division” and “Non-
dissolution Intake” in your address to insure your
papers arrive at the correct department in the court.
Sample Address:
(Name of County) Courthouse Family Division
Non-Dissolution Intake 1234 Street
PO Box #
City, State, Zip code
All courthouse addresses can be found on
njcourts.gov.
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Additional Information on Child Support and Paternity
Note that if your case involves paternity, child support or spousal support, you might need to provide
additional information to the court. Read the next section carefully and include any documents that
apply to your case. Failure to complete certain required documents will result in your application being
returned as “deficient” which will delay you getting your day in court.
Federal Child Support Services Application (IV-D Child Support Program)
You should complete this application if you are applying to establish paternity or child support.
Applying for support services under the federal child support program insures your case will be enforced
through the court’s Probation Division. Go to NJchildsupport.org, fill out the application, print, sign and
mail or deliver with your court papers. The Federal Child Support Program costs $6.00. Include a
money order or check for that amount along with the application with the papers you are filing with the
court. This application is in addition to the other court papers you must file to establish your child
support order.
Child support services include: locating the parent who has a duty to support your child(ren), legally
determining if a person is the biological parent of your child, obtaining an order for child support and
medical support services (if available at a reasonable cost), collecting support payments, keeping
accurate records of payments and enforcing the support order.
Certification in Support of Establishing Paternity
This form must be completed if you are the unmarried biological mother of a child seeking paternity or
child support and legal paternity of the father that has not been established by a Certificate of Parentage
(COP) or a previous court order. This form must also be completed by the biological father filing for
legal paternity or the legal caretaker of the child who wants child support, but where the legal father has
not been identified by the court. Only answer the questions about which you have personal knowledge.
Put “n/a” if the questions do not apply to you. This form will be shared with the alleged biological
father/mother when they receive the notice to appear.
Certificate of Parentage (COP)
This is only required if you are filing to establish paternity for one or more of the children listed in the
complaint. Include a copy of the “Certificate of Parentage”, if available, with the papers you file with
the court. Check the box only if the form is attached. Make sure you keep a copy for your own records.
Revised 09/03/2019, CN 11492 page 8 of 14
Instructions for Completing a Verified Complaint or Counterclaim
Important Notice: This form can be used to request multiple reliefs from the court. Make sure to check
the boxes for all the reliefs you are requesting, as only the ones you check will be considered on the day
of your hearing.
A. If you are filing a Verified Complaint enter your name on the line marked “Plaintiff”. If you are
filing a Counterclaim enter your name on the line marked “Defendant”.
B. Enter the name of the other party in your case on the remaining line.
C. On the right side of the form, enter the County where you are filing the application.
D. Leave the Docket Number and CS Number lines blank. The court will provide these numbers for
you.
E. Select whether you are filing a Verified Complaint or Counterclaim.
F. Enter your name on the line between the words “I …..by way of verified complaint”.
G. In item #1, select whether you are the Plaintiff, Defendant or the Attorney (for either the Plaintiff or
Defendant) in the case. Enter your birth name (if different than what you entered for item A).
H. In item #2, enter the address for the plaintiff. Make sure to include the apartment number or floor, if
applicable. Enter the plaintiff’s relationship to the child(ren) in this matter.
I. In item #3, enter the address for the make sure to include the apartment number or floor, if
applicable. Enter the defendant’s relationship to the child(ren) in this matter.
J. In item #4, enter the attorney’s name, firm name, attorney ID number and firm address that is
representing a party in this matter.
K. In item #5, list the children that are part of your case. Enter each child’s date of birth, gender and the
relationship of the person with whom the child currently resides.
L. In item #6, list any other interested parties and their address that should be noticed to appear in court
regarding the children.
M. For item #7, select whether you have had previous Family Court activity related to any of the parties
listed in this complaint. If you select “Yes”, enter the title of the case, the docket number and the
state or country that has jurisdiction of that case.
N. For item #8, select whether (to your knowledge) a child protection agency (i.e., DCPP or similar
agency in another state) has been involved with the child(ren) or listed parties. Select whether (to
your knowledge) the children are recipients of public assistance.
O. For item #9, select the boxes for all the reliefs you want the court to consider in your case (you can
select more than one). Note that only those that are selected will be considered during your court
hearing.
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Q. Only fill out item #10 if the relief you are seeking is not contained in any of the numbered items in
the form. Write in your own words the relief you are seeking for the court in the space provided. Be
as specific as possible. Attach additional pages if needed.
R. In the Required Attachments section, select the appropriate box(es) for those forms that you have
attached to your packet.
S. In the Additional Attachments section, select the box if you are attaching any additional information
to your packet.
T. Select whether you will need Interpreting services or ADA accommodations, and list the language
and/or accommodation.
U. The form must have the signature of the party filing the complaint along with the signature of the
attorney that is filing the complaint on behalf of the party.
Revised Form Promulgated by Directive #20-19 (09/03/2019), CN 11492 page 10 of 14
Superior Court of New Jersey
Chancery Division - Family Part
Plaintiff
Docket Number: FD -
vs.
CS Number:
CIVIL ACTION
Verified Complaint
Counterclaim
Defendant
I,
by way of verified complaint/counterclaim, certify the following:
1.
I am the Plaintiff Defendant Attorney for in the
above
-captioned matter.
Birth Name (if applicable) .
2.
Plaintiff resides OR is incarcerated at:
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Relationship to the child(ren)
Plaintiff resides OR is incarcerated at:
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Relationship to the child(ren)
3.
Defendant resides OR is incarcerated at:
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Relationship to the child(ren)
Defendant resides OR is incarcerated at:
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Relationship to the child(ren)
4.
Attorney
Name
Firm Name
ID Number
Address
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Save
Print
Clear
Revised Form Promulgated by Directive #20-19 (09/03/2019), CN 11492 page 11 of 14
5.
The child(ren) involved in this complaint are:
Name
Date of Birth
M/F
Residing with (relationship)
6.
Other interested parties’ name(s) and address(es):
7.
I have previously been involved in the following New Jersey family court actions or
other State/Country litigation
involving at least one of the parties or children listed
above. (If yes, give the title of case and docket number.)
Yes
No
Title of Case
Docket Number
State/Country
a.
vs.
b.
vs.
c.
vs.
8.
A Child Protection Agency (i.e. the Division of Child Protection and Permanency or a
similar agency in another State) has been involved or is currently involved with the with
the child(ren) or listed parties.
Yes
No
Is any party in this case currently receiving public assistance? (Governed by
41 U.S.C.A. 602 (A)(26),
N.J.S.A. 44:10-1.1, et seq.)
Yes
No
9.
I request the following:
Establish Paternity (Certification in Support of Establishing Paternity is required when requesting Paternity)
Were parents of the child married at the time of birth?
Yes
No
Disestablish Paternity
Were parents of the child married at the time of birth?
Yes
No
Establish Maternity
Child Support (A Certificate of Parentage is required if available)
(Pursuant to Court Rule 5:5-3, you are required to complete a Financial Statement for Summary Support
Actions
to serve on the other party. At the hearing you must have your most recent federal income tax return or
your three most recent pay stubs.)
Spousal Support
(Pursuant to Court Rule 5:5-2, you are required to complete a Case Information Statement to serve on the other
party. At the hearing you must have your most recent federal income tax return
or your three most recent pay stubs)
College Expenses
Custody
Revised Form Promulgated by Directive #20-19 (09/03/2019), CN 11492 page 12 of 14
Establish visitation/parenting time arrangements
Parenting Time
Grandparent Visitation
Sibling Visitation
Other
Medical Support Requested
Health benefits for myself
Health benefits for the child(ren) named in this complaint
Reasons for your request: (explain in detail)
10.
The relief I am requesting is not listed above. I am requesting the following from the court. (Use additional
information sheet if necessary)
Revised Form Promulgated by Directive #20-19 (09/03/2019), CN 11492 page 13 of 14
Required Attachments (Check all appropriate boxes)
Confidential Litigant Information Statement.
Certificate of Parentage (if available). (Please note that this is not the Birth Certificate.)
Certification in Support of Establish Paternity (when requesting establishment of paternity).
Financial Statement for Summary Support Actions (when requesting child support only).
Case Information Statement (when requesting spousal support only).
Additional Attachments
Check this box if you are attaching any additional information (a certification, exhibits)
At
the hearing:
Will you require an interpreter?
Yes
No
If yes, indicate language:
Will you require an accommodation for a disability?
Yes
No
If yes, indicate requested
accommodation:
I/we certify that the foregoing statements made by
me/us are true. I am/We are aware that if any of the
foregoing statements made by me/us are willfully false, I am/We are subject to punishment.
Date
Signature
Plaintiff
Defendant
Date
Signature
Plaintiff
Defendant
Date
Signature
Plaintiff Attorney
Defendant Attorney
Note that the signature of the party filing the complaint is required along with the signature of the
attorney that is filing the complaint on behalf of the party.
COURT APPEARANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PERSON FILING THIS APPLICATION:
Your appearance is mandatory. You should bring to court any other documentation or proof that supports your case. If you
are filing for child or spousal support, bring any information about your finances with you to your court appearance such as
your last three pay stubs and your most recent W-2 statement. You may bring an attorney, although an attorney is not
required. If you require assistance in selecting an attorney, you may contact your County Bar Association. If you cannot
afford an attorney, you may contact Legal Services of New Jersey at www.lsnj.org.
COURT APPEARANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PERSON RECEIVING THIS APPLICATION:
Your appearance is mandatory. If you fail to appear at the hearing an order granting the relief requested by the filing party
may be granted. If the filing party’s request is for child or spousal support, bring any information about your finances with
you to your court appearance such as your last three pay stubs and your most recent W-2 statement. You may bring an
attorney, although an attorney is not required. If you require assistance in selecting an attorney, you may contact your
County Bar Association. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may contact Legal Services of New Jersey at www.lsnj.org.
Revised Form Promulgated by Directive #20-19 (09/03/2019), CN 11492 page 14 of 14
Additional Information Sheet
.
Full Name
Date
Docket Number
CS Number
I certify that the foregoing statements made by me are true. I am aware that if any of the foregoing statements
made by me are willfully false, I am subject to punishment.
Date
Signature of Plaintiff/Counterclaimant