Chancery General Equity
How to Apply for Foreclosure MediationNovember 1 2019
Revised Form Promulgated by 11/01/2019 Notice to the Bar, CN 11270 page 1 of 10
How to Apply for Foreclosure Mediation
(Superior Court of New Jersey - Chancery Division - General Equity)
Who Should Use This Packet?
For questions regarding the new housing counselor requirements as of November 1, 2019:
Please contact the New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency at 609-278-7508
You should complete this packet if you wish to participate in the court
-sponsored foreclosure mediation program.
Mediation does
NOT stop a foreclosure action. Despite participating in mediation, the plaintiff can continue to proceed
with the foreclosure
action. Mediation is only available for cases that match the following criteria:
1. Mediation is available for those homes that are residential and have had their financial institutions file a
foreclosure action against them. Mediation is NOT available for commercial mortgages, liens against the
property from a Condominium and Homeowner Association or
resulting from delinquent taxes or other municipal
liens.
2. Foreclosure mediation can be requested up to 60 days after the service of the summons and complaint.
Thereafter, homeowners will only be allowed into the program if they file a motion in the county where the
foreclosure is filed, and a court order is issued permitting them to participate in the Foreclosure Mediation
Program. For more information on filing a motion, see How to File a Motion in a Foreclosure Case Before a
Judge (CN 11899) at njcourts.gov. Note: If you have a court order permitting you to participate in mediation,
attach a copy of the court order with the Mediation Request Statement.
3. The property in foreclosure must be the primary residence of the owner.
4. The mortgaged premises subject to foreclosure must be a one to four family dwelling.
5. All mortgage loan borrowers for the property must request mediation. Mediation is NOT available if all
borrowers are not willing to participate.
6. The borrower is not in bankruptcy.
If your case does
NOT meet all of the above criteria, you are not eligible for foreclosure mediation. Please consult Court
Rule
4:64-1B, which codifies eligibility and participation requirements.
Do NOT use this packet if:
you are an attorney. Attorneys are not permitted to file by mail and must file the Mediation Request Statement
electronically through eCourts.
With limited exceptions, any paper filed with the court can be looked at by the public.
You may only file documents on
behalf of yourself.
You may not file documents for anyone else. A Power of Attorney does not allow you to file on
behalf of anyone els
e. Documents filed on behalf of anyone else will be returned.
Note: These materials have been prepared by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts for use by self-represented
litigants. The 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 on the Judiciary’s Internet site njcourts.gov. However, you are
ultimately responsible for the content of your court papers.
Submit completed forms to Superior Court Clerk’s Office, Attn: Foreclosure Mediation, P.O. Box 971, 25 Market
Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08625.
How to Apply for Foreclosure Mediation
Revised Form Promulgated by 11/01/2019 Notice to the Bar, CN 11270 page 2 of 10
Things to Think About Before You Represent Yourself in Court
Try to Get a Lawyer
CAUTION: Some Foreclosure cases are very
complex, and you should consider getting a lawyer.
The court system can be confusing, and it is a good idea
to get a lawyer if you can. The law, the proofs necessary
to present your case, and the procedural rules governing
cases in the Chancery Division, General Equity Part are
complex. Most likely, your opponent will be
represented by a lawyer. 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.”
A Directory is also located online on njcourts.gov.
If you do not qualify for free legal services and need
help in locating an attorney, you may 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 sometime
consult with you at a reduced fee. There are also
organizations of minority lawyers throughout New
Jersey, as well as organizations of lawyers who handle
specialized types of cases. Ask your county court staff
for a list of lawyer referral services that include these
organizations.
If you decide to proceed without an attorney, these
materials explain the procedures that must be followed
to have your papers properly filed and considered by the
court. Failure to follow procedures can result in a delay
with processing your documents.
These materials do not provide information on the law
governing your claims or defenses; information on how
to conduct pretrial discovery; information on alternative
dispute resolution procedures, such as mediation, that
may be available or required in your case; information
on the kinds of evidence you need to prove your claims
or defense at trial; or information on other procedural
and evidentiary rules governing foreclosure actions.
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 the court staff can and cannot do for you. Please
read it carefully before asking the 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 cannot 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 of all completed forms and
documents related to your case.
How to Apply for Foreclosure Mediation
Revised Form Promulgated by 11/01/2019 Notice to the Bar, CN 11270 page 3 of 10
Definitions of Words Used in This Packet
Caption - A caption is the name of the case; it lists the name of both the plaintiff(s) and the defendant(s). For example:
ABC Mortgage Company, Plaintiff v. Mary Smith, Defendant.
Certification - A certification is statement that certain facts are true to the best of the knowledge of the person making
the statement. It is like an affidavit but is not sworn before a notary or other authorized person.
Complaint - A complaint is a document in which the plaintiff tells the court the legal basis for the right to foreclose on
the property.
Contesting Answer - A contesting answer is one that challenges the right of the lender to foreclose on the defendant’s
property. A contesting answer will be sent to a judge for a determination on the lender’s right to foreclose.
Defendant - The defendant is the person being sued.
Docket Number - A docket number is the number the court assigns to a case so that it may be identified and located
easily. You must include the docket number on all your communications regarding your case. Note: Documents
without a docket number cannot be filed.
File - To file means to give the court the appropriate documents, forms and fees.
MotionA motion is an application to the court for a specific order or ruling to be made in favor of the person making
the motion (the movant).
Non-contesting Answer - A non-contesting answer is one that does not challenge with specificity the lender’s right to
foreclose on the defendant’s property. A case with a non-contesting answer will not be sent to a judge for resolution
but will be handled by the Office of Foreclosure in Trenton.
Notice of MotionA Notice of Motion is the form used to inform the court and all opposing parties that the moving
party is seeking a specific ruling or order from the court. A Notice of Motion must identify the courthouse where the
motion will be heard (the courthouse in the county where the case is filed).
Plaintiff - The plaintiff is the person who files a complaint in a lawsuit.
Pro se - Pro se is a Latin term that means “on one’s own behalf.” A plaintiff or defendant in a lawsuit who does not
have an attorney is said to be appearing pro se.
Proof of Mailing - Proof of mailing is the form in which you provide the dates and method you used to give the other
parties copies of the papers that you filed in court.
Redaction - The censoring or obscuring of part of a text for legal or security purposes is called redaction. Note: Any
documents received by the Clerk’s Office will be processed and placed in the case jacket which, with limited
exceptions, is available for public view.
Service - Service refers to the delivery of the complaint or any other paper in a suit to the other parties in the case.
Formal legal service requires that the service be made by an authorized person or by mail or, in limited situations, by
publication in a newspaper.
Summons - A summons is the paper that notifies the defendant that he or she is being sued and briefly explains the
steps they need to take once they have received this notice.
Venue - The venue is the particular county in which a court with jurisdiction may hear and determine a case.
How to Apply for Foreclosure Mediation
Revised Form Promulgated by 11/01/2019 Notice to the Bar, CN 11270 page 4 of 10
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 may not be filed on a different size or color paper.
Steps to Take to Apply for Foreclosure Mediation
STEP 1: Complete the Mediation Request
Statement (Form A).
The Mediation Request Statement lists the name,
property address and docket number of the foreclosure
action. Note: If you have a court order permitting you
to participate in Foreclosure Mediation, attach a copy of
the court order with the Mediation Request Statement.
STEP 2: Prepare your papers for mailing.
Checklist - You will need the following items:
The original Mediation Request Statement (if
you have a court order permitting you to
participate in mediation, be sure to attach it
to the Mediation Request Statement.)
Review your papers to ensure all personal
identifiers are redacted, (unless such personal
identifies are required to be included).
Note: There is no fee to request
foreclosure mediation.
STEP 3: Mail or deliver your papers to the Clerk’s
Office for filing.
Mail or deliver the original Mediation Request
Statement to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office at the
address below. (Include a copy of the Order for
participation in foreclosure mediation, if applicable).
All papers sent to the Clerk’s Office must have a have an
original, ink signature.
Superior Court Clerk’s Office
Attn: Foreclosure Mediation
P.O. Box 971
25 Market Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
If you mail the papers, we recommend that you use
certified mail, return receipt requested.
STEP 4: You will be notified as to the result of
the filing.
Once you file the Mediation Request Statement, the
Clerk’s Office will review and determine whether the
property is eligible for mediation. You will be
notified of the outcome from the Clerk’s Office.
If you are approved for Foreclosure Mediation, a
letter will be sent from the Superior Court Clerk’s
Office advising you that the case has been accepted
into the mediation program.
The Superior Court Clerk’s Office will schedule the
date and time of your first mediation session. The
date and time of your first mediation will appear
in your acceptance letter.
All mediations are conducted by telephone.
You can have an attorney on the call if you want to,
however attorney representation is not required.
Notify the Superior Court Clerk’s Office with as
much notice as possible if you require translation
services or any other accommodation. Email
scco.mailbox@njcourts.gov or call 609-421-6100
between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday
through Friday.
Note: If the property qualifies for mediation and
you have received a letter from the Superior Court
Clerk’s Office, continue to STEP 5. If the property
does NOT qualify for mediation, follow the
instructions in STEP 6.
STEP 5: What steps do I take if the property
has been approved for foreclosure mediation?
Important: Once you have been approved for
mediation, you will no longer be working with the
Superior Court Clerk’s Office. Instead you will be
working directly with the plaintiff’s attorney.
If the case has been accepted, you must complete
the Foreclosure Mediation Checklist (CN 11655) as
well as the Foreclosure Mediation Financial
Worksheet (CN 11269). Both of these forms can be
found on the Office of Foreclosure web page, listed
under Foreclosure Mediation Resources/Foreclosure
Mediation Forms.
After completing all of the steps and additional files
with the above forms, the completed mediation
packet should be mailed to the plaintiff’s attorney.
Note: Do not send sensitive financial documents
to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. Items on
the Foreclosure Mediation Checklist and the
Foreclosure Mediation Financial Worksheet should
be sent to the plaintiff’s attorney, not to the court.
Upon review, the plaintiff’s attorney may request
additional or updated information from you. It is
your obligation and responsibility to supply the
plaintiff’s attorney with any additional requested
documents in a timely manner. Failure to provide
the requested documents to the plaintiff’s
attorney may result in your removal from the
How to Apply for Foreclosure Mediation
Revised Form Promulgated by 11/01/2019 Notice to the Bar, CN 11270 page 5 of 10
mediation program. The address for the plaintiff’s
attorney is located on the Complaint that was
initially served upon you.
STEP 6: What can I do if the property does NOT
qualify for mediation?
If the property does not qualify for mediation, the
Superior Court Clerk’s Office will send a letter
informing you that the case does not qualify, and
the mediation request is denied.
If you still wish to participate in mediation, you will
be required to file a motion in the county where the
property is located, requesting to be permitted to
participate in mediation.
Motion packets can be found on the Office of
Foreclosure web page, listed under Foreclosure
Mediation Resources/Foreclosure Mediation Forms.
Use the packet entitled How to File a Motion in a
Foreclosure Case Before a Judge (CN 11899).
Important: If you are using this packet to request
permission to participate in Foreclosure Mediation,
you must return the motion to:
The Superior Court Clerk’s Office
P.O. Box 971
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
The fee to file a motion is $50. Please include a
check or money order for $50 made payable to
Treasurer, State of New Jersey.
Keep copies of all papers you provide to the
court or any other party. Make and keep for
yourself if copies of all completed forms and any
canceled checks, money orders; receipts, bills,
contract estimates, letters, leases, photographs and
other important papers that relate to your case.
How to Apply for Foreclosure Mediation
Revised Form Promulgated by 11/01/2019 Notice to the Bar, CN 11270 page 6 of 10
Additional Information
Mediation does not stop a foreclosure action. This means that, despite participating in mediation, the plaintiff can
proceed with the foreclosure action.
There is no fee for foreclosure mediation.
There are several possible solutions that you and your lender can explore. Many of your initial questions can be
answered by accessing the NJ Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation Program website.
For further information, please contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office by calling (609) 421-6100 between the hours
of 8:30 am - 4:30 pm or sending an email to SCCO.Mailbox@njcourts.gov.
Housing Counselors
Housing counselors are available for homeowners involved in foreclosure. Housing counselors assist homeowners in
reviewing their financial information, preparing their documentation for mediation and evaluating all available
options to help you retain your home, including loan modification.
To speak with a counselor, please call 609-278-7508 and ask for the number of a housing counselor in your area
certified by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) or visit the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage
Finance Agency (NJHMFA) website at http://www.njhousing.gov.
Starting November 1, 2019, homeowners are required cooperate with a housing counselor to participate in
mediation. If you do not provide housing counselor information with your mediation request form, you will
automatically be referred to NJHMFA.
For questions regarding the new housing counselor requirements as of November 1, 2019, please contact the
New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency at 609-278-7508.
How to Apply for Foreclosure Mediation
Revised Form Promulgated by 11/01/2019 Notice to the Bar, CN 11270 page 7 of 10
Instructions for Completing the Mediation Request Statement (Form A)
1. After County, enter the county where the case is filed.
2. In the spaces following Docket No: enter the docket number. This information can be found in the complaint that was
served on you.
3. On the line labeled Plaintiff(s) Name, enter the plaintiff’s name.
4. On the line labeled First Defendant’s Name, enter the name of the first defendant listed on the complaint.
Section A - Homeowner-Borrower’s Certification
This section requires that the borrowers certify to the information contained in the numbered statements. Additionally,
certain information must be filled in by the borrowers.
1. On the line under Section A - Homeowner-Borrower’s Certification, enter name(s) of every borrower on the note.
2. In item #1, write the full property address, city, state and zip on the line provided. The property must be the primary
residence and be a residential (one to four-family home).
3. In item 4, select the appropriate response for the statement have have not filed an answer to the foreclosure
complaint...
4. In item 5, select the appropriate response for the statement am/are am not/are not currently in bankruptcy.
5. For item 6, enter the date that you were served with a copy of the complaint (mm/dd/yyyy format).
6. In item 7, select the appropriate response for the statement have have not spoken with a housing counselor.
7. In item 8, select the appropriate response for the statement do do not wish to request an interpreter for the
mediation.
8. Each borrower on the note must print, sign and date the certification. Sign your name on the line marked Signature of
Borrower and enter the date on the line marked Date. Print your name on the line provided. Use the Co-Borrower
signature area for any additional defendants.
Note: when you fill out this form, you are certifying that the statements made on the form are true. If you willfully
make false statements, you may be subject to punishment.
Section B - Housing Counselor’s Certification*
Your housing counselor should sign and date this certification. If you fail to provide housing counselor information with
your request form, you will automatically be referred to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to be
assigned a housing counselor.
1. Have the Housing Counselor enter their name on the line provided.
2. Have the Housing Counselor sign and date the form and print their name on the lines provided.
Section C - Housing Counselor Contact Information*
1. Enter the housing counselor’s name, email address, office phone and cell phone.
2. Enter the housing counselor’s full address (street, city, state and zip).
3. Failure to provide housing counselor information will result in referral to NJHMFA.
How to Apply for Foreclosure Mediation
Revised Form Promulgated by 11/01/2019 Notice to the Bar, CN 11270 page 8 of 10
Section D - Attorney Contact Information (If you are not represented by an attorney, skip this section.)
1. Enter the Attorney’s name, ID number, office phone and cell phone.
2. Enter the attorney’s full address (street, city, state and zip).
3. Have your attorney sign and date the form and print their name under the signature.
Section E
1. Enter the name, e-mail address, home phone and cell phone of the first borrower. Note: the phone number and e-mail
address are required.
2. Enter the borrower’s full address (street, city, state and zip).
3. Enter the name, e-mail address, home phone and cell phone of the co-borrower (if applicable). Note: the phone
number and e-mail address are required.
4. Enter the co-borrower’s full address (street, city, state and zip).
Do not include personal and confidential information such as social security numbers, active loan or account
numbers or driver’s license numbers.
If you are accepted to participate in Foreclosure Mediation, items on the Foreclosure Mediation Checklist
and the Foreclosure Mediation Financial Worksheet should be sent directly to the plaintiff’s attorney, not
to the court. (See: Step 5)
Revised Form Promulgated by 11/01/2019 Notice to the Bar, CN 11270 page 9 of 10
NOTICE: This is a public document, which means the document as submitted will be available to the public upon request. Therefore, do not enter
personal identifiers on it, such as Social Security number, driver’s license number, vehicle plate number, insurance policy number, active financial
account number, or active credit card number.
Mediation Request Statement
Homeowner-Borrower(s) Request for Court Sponsored Foreclosure Mediation
County
v.
Plaintiff’s Name
First Defendant’s Name
Section A: Homeowner-Borrower’s Certification
hereby certifies and says:
1.
I/We am/are the owner and mortgagor of the property subject to foreclosure in the above captioned foreclosure
action, which property is known
as .
2.
The complaint is to collect a mortgage debt and I/We am/are the borrowers of the mortgage loan.
3.
I/We live in the above-described residential property. The property is my/our principal residence.
4.
I/We have have not filed an answer to the foreclosure complaint filed by my lender.
5.
I/We am/are am not/are not currently in bankruptcy.
6.
I/We were served with a copy of the complaint on .
7.
I/We have have not spoken with a housing counselor.*
8.
I/We do do not wish to request an interpreter for the mediation.
I/We certify that the statements made above are true. I/We am/are aware that if any of the statements made by me/us
are willfully false, I/We am/are subject to punishment.
Signature of Borrower
Date
Signature of Co-Borrower
Date
Type or Print Name
Type or Print Name
Section B: Housing Counselor’s Certification*
hereby certifies and says:
1.
I am a trained foreclosure prevention and default mitigation counselor.
2.
I verify that the above-mentioned borrower/s is/are cooperating with me
Signature of Housing Counselor (Required after November 1, 2019)
Date
Type or Print Name
*Note: Failure to submit this certification will result in automatic referral to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance
Agency. Your participation in mediation will be contingent upon receiving a certification from the housing counselor.
Section C: Housing Counselor Contact Information*
Name
Email Address
Office Phone
Cell Phone
Address
City
State
Zip
Note: Effective November 1, 2019, homeowners are required to cooperate with a certified housing counselor to participate
in mediation. If you do not provide housing counselor information, we will automatically refer you to the New Jersey Housing and
Mortgage Finance Agency.
Save
Print
Clear
Ext.
Revised Form Promulgated by 11/01/2019 Notice to the Bar, CN 11270 page 10 of 10
Section D: Attorney Contact Information (if applicable)
Name
Attorney ID
Office Phone
Cell Phone
Address
City
State
Zip
Signature of Attorney
Date
Type or Print Name
Section E: Homeowner Contact Information (Provide contact information for all parties listed on the mortgage)
Borrower’s Name
Email Address*
Home Phone*
Cell Phone*
Address
City
State
Zip
Co-Borrower’s Name
Email Address*
Home Phone*
Cell Phone*
Address
City
State
Zip
*Note: Email address and phone number are required for all borrowers.
Completed Mediation Request Statements must be sent to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office:
Attention: Foreclosure Mediation
P.O. Box 971
25 Market Street
Trenton NJ, 08625
Attorneys must submit the Mediation Request Statement via eCourts.
Ext.