Revised 09/03/2019, CN 11492 page 5 of 14
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.