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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.
June 2017
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
IN
STRUCTIONS 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 $400.00. 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.
Newark Clerk’s Office Trenton Clerk’s Office
Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Bldg Clarkson S. Fisher Bldg. &
& U.S. Courthouse U.S. Courthouse
50 Walnut St. 402 East State Street, Rm 2020
Camden Clerk’s Office
Mitchell H. Cohen U.S. Courthouse
One John F. Gerry Plaza, P.O Box 2797
Fourth & Cooper Streets, Room 1050
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 400,00.
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. En esta guía de
procedimi e ntos se incluyen formularios que puede usar para
ese fin. Deberá incluir dichos formularios con su demanda.
**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
Glossary
ADVERSARY PROCESS – the method courts
use to resolve disputes; through the
adversary process, each side in a dispute
presents its case as persuasively as possible,
subject to the rules of evidence, and an
independent fact finder, either judge or
jury, decides for one side or the other.
ANSWER - the formal written statement by
a defendant responding to a complaint and
setting forth the grounds for defense.
APPEAL – a request, made after a trial,
asking another court (usually the court of
appeals) to decide whether the trial was
conducted properly. To make such a
request is “to appeal” or “to take an
appeal.”
BENCH TRIAL – a trial without a jury, in
which the judge decides the facts.
BRIEF – a written statement submitted by
the lawyer for each side in an appellate case
that explains to the judges why they should
decide the case in favor of that lawyer’s
client.
CASE LAW – the law as laid down in the
decisions of the courts; the law in cases
that have been decided.
CHAMBERS - the offices of a judge.
CHIEF DISTRICT JUDGE – the judge who has
primary responsibility for the
administration of the district court, but also
decides cases; chief judges are determined
by seniority.
CLERK OF COURT – an officer appointed by
the court to work with the chief judge in
overseeing the court’s administration,
especially to assist in managing the flow of
cases through the court.
COMPLAINT – a written statement by the
person starting a lawsuit; the complaint
states the wrongs allegedly committed by
the defendant.
CONTRACT – an agreement between two or
more persons that creates an obligation to
do or not to do a particular thing.
COUNSEL – a lawyer or a team of lawyers;
the term is often used during a trial to refer
to lawyers in the case.
COURT – an agency of government
authorized to resolve legal disputes. Judges
sometimes use “court” to refer to
themselves in the, third person, as in “the
court has read the pleadings.”
COURT REPORTER – a person who makes a
word-forward record of what is said in court
and produces a transcript of the proceeding
if requested to do so.
COUNTERCLAIM – a counter-demand made
by defendant against the plaintiff. It is not a
mere denial of plaintiff’s allegations, but
rather asserts an independent cause of
action, the purpose of which is to oppose or
deduct from plaintiff’s claim.
COURTROOM DEPUTY or CLERK – a court
employee who assits the judge by keeping
track of witnesses, evidence, and other trial
matters.
CROSS-CLAIM – a pleading which asserts a
claim arising out of the same subject matter
as the original complaint against a co-party.
For example, a co-defendant may file a
cross-claim against another co-defendant
for contribution for any damages assessed
against the cross-claimant.
CROSS (and RE-CROSS) EXAMINATION –
questions asked by lawyers of witnesses
called by their opponents.
DAMAGES – money paid by defendants to
successful plaintiffs in civil cases to
compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
DEFENDANT – in a civil suit, the person
complained against; in a criminal case, the
person accused of the crime.
DIRECT (and RE-DIRECT) EXAMINATION –
questions asked by lawyers of witnesses
they have asked to come to court in order
to bring out evidence for the fact finder.
DISCOVERY – lawyers’ examination, before
trial, of facts and documents in possession
of the opponents, to help the lawyers
prepare for trial.
EVIDENCE – information in testimony or in
documents that is presented to persuade
the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the
case for one side or the other.
GOVERNMENT – as it is used in federal
criminal cases, “government” refers to the
lawyers in the U.S. attorney’s office who are
prosecuting the case.
HEARSAY – evidence that is presented by a
witness who did not see or hear the
incident in question but heard about it from
someone else. Hearsay evidence is usually
not admissible as evidence in trial.
INSTRUCTIONS – the judge’s explanation to
the jury, before it begins deliberations, of
the questions it must answer and the law
governing the case.
JUDGE – a government official with
authority to decide lawsuits brought before
courts.
JURISDICTION – (1) the legal authority of a
court to hear and decide a case; (2) the
geographic area over which the court has
authority to decide cases.
LAWSUIT – an action started by a plaintiff
against a defendant based on a complaint
that the defendant committed a crime or
failed to perform a legal duty.
LITIGANTS – see PARTIES.
MAGISTRATE – in federal court, the U.S.
magistrate is a judicial officer who assists
the district judges in getting cases ready for
trial. Magistrates also may decide some
criminal trials and may decide civil trials
when both parties agree to have the case
heard by a magistrate instead of a judge.
More generally, the term refers to various
public officers, often judicial officers with
less authority than federal magistrates.
MOTION – an application made to a court
or judge for an order, ruling, or the like
OPINION – a judge’s written explanation of
a decision in a case. An Opinion of the
Court explains the decision of the court or
of a majority of the judges. A Dissenting
Opinion is an explanation by one or more
judges of why they believe the decision or
opinion of the court is wrong. A Concurring
Opinion agrees with the decision of the
court but offers further comment.
ORAL ARGUMENT – in appellate cases, an
opportunity for the lawyers for each side to
summarize their position for the judges and
answer the judges’ questions.
PANEL – (1) in appellate cases, a group of
three judges assigned to decide the case;
(2) in the process of jury selection, the
group of potential jurors brought in for voir
dire.
PARTIES – the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s)
to a lawsuit and their lawyers.
PETIT JURY (or TRIAL JURY) – a group of
citizens who hear the evidence presented
by both sides at trial and determine the
facts in dispute. Federal criminal juries
consist of 12 persons (sometimes with 1 or
2 alternate jurors in case one of the twelve
cannot continue). Federal civil juries usually
consist of 6 persons, with alternates. “Petit”
is French for “small”, thus distinguishing the
trial jury from the larger grand jury.
PLAINTIFF – the person who files the
complaint in a civil lawsuit.
PLEADINGS – in a civil case, the written
statements of the parties stating their
position about the case.
PRECEDENT – a court decision in an earlier
case with facts similar to a dispute currently
before a court.
PRETRIAL CONFERENCE – a meeting of the
judge and lawyers to decide which matters
are in dispute and should be presented to
the jury, to review evidence and witnesses
to be presented, to set a timetable for the
case, and sometimes to discuss settlement
of the case.
PRO SE – a Latin term meaning “on one’s
own behalf”; in courts, it refers to persons
who try their own cases without lawyers.
PROSECUTE – to charge someone with a
crime in a civil violation and seek to gain a
criminal conviction or a civil judgment.
RECORD – a written account of all the acts
and proceedings in a lawsuit.
REMAND – when an appellate court sends a
case back to a lower court for further
proceedings.
REVERSE – when an appellate court sets
aside the decision of a lower court because
of an error. A reversal is often followed by
a remand.
SETTLE – in legal terminology, when the
parties to a lawsuit agree to resolve their
differences among themselves without
having a trial.
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.”
WITNESS – a person called upon by either
side in a lawsuit
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.
Complaint
Notice of Removal
Filed
Motion to
Dismiss or
Answer Filed
Date for
Scheduling
Conference set
before Magistrtate
Judge
Scheduling
Conference held
before Magistrate
Judge
Scheduling Order
Filed Setting
Discovery Clock
Various Discovery
applications filed
before Magistrate
Judge
Settlement
Conference
Dispositive
Motions Filed
Final Pretrial
Conference before
Magistrate Juge
Final Pretrial Order
Filed
Appeal
Final Pretrial Order
Supersedes the Pleadings.
Includes list of witnesses and
Exhibits
Case is now “ripe” for setting
a trial date
Trial Date
Set
Motions In
Limine filed
Trial
Post Trial
Motions Filed
JS 44 (Rev. 06/17)
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/ ’ 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 SOCIAL SECURITY
’ 480 Consumer Credit
of Veteran’s Benefits ’ 350 Motor Vehicle ’ 370 Other Fraud ’ 710 Fair Labor Standards ’ 861 HIA (1395ff) ’ 490 Cable/Sat TV
’ 160 Stockholders’ Suits ’ 355 Motor Vehicle ’ 371 Truth in Lending Act ’ 862 Black Lung (923) ’
850 Securities/Commodities/
’ 190 Other Contract Product Liability ’ 380 Other Personal ’ 720 Labor/Management ’ 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g)) Exchange
’ 195 Contract Product Liability ’ 360 Other Personal Property Damage Relations ’ 864 SSID Title XVI ’ 890 Other Statutory Actions
’ 196 Franchise Injury ’ 385 Property Damage ’ 740 Railway Labor Act ’ 865 RSI (405(g)) ’ 891 Agricultural Acts
’ 362 Personal Injury - Product Liability ’ 751 Family and Medical ’ 893 Environmental Matters
Medical Malpractice Leave Act ’ 895 Freedom of Information
REAL PROPERTY CIVIL RIGHTS PRISONER PETITIONS
’ 790 Other Labor Litigation
FEDERAL TAX SUITS
Act
’ 210 Land Condemnation ’ 440 Other Civil Rights
Habeas Corpus:
’ 791 Employee Retirement ’ 870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff ’ 896 Arbitration
’ 220 Foreclosure ’ 441 Voting ’ 463 Alien Detainee Income Security Act or Defendant) ’ 899 Administrative Procedure
’ 230 Rent Lease & Ejectment ’ 442 Employment ’ 510 Motions to Vacate ’ 871 IRS—Third Party Act/Review or Appeal of
’ 240 Torts to Land ’ 443 Housing/ Sentence 26 USC 7609 Agency Decision
’ 245 Tort Product Liability Accommodations ’ 530 General ’ 950 Constitutionality of
’ 290 All Other Real Property ’ 445 Amer. w/Disabilities - ’ 535 Death Penalty
IMMIGRATION
State Statutes
Employment
Other:
’ 462 Naturalization Application
’ 446 Amer. w/Disabilities - ’ 540 Mandamus & Other ’ 465 Other Immigration
Other
’ 550 Civil Rights Actions
’ 448 Education ’ 555 Prison Condition
’ 560 Civil Detainee -
Conditions of
Confinement
V. ORIGIN (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
’ 1 Original
Proceeding
’ 2 Removed from
State Court
’ 3 Remanded from
Appellate Court
’ 4 Reinstated or
Reopened
’ 5
Transferred from
Another District
(specify)
’ 6 Multidistrict
Litigation -
Transfer
’
8 Multidistrict
Litigation -
Direct File
VI. CAUSE OF ACTION
Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
Brief description of cause:
VII. REQUESTED IN
COMPLAINT:
’
CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION
UNDER RULE 23, F.R.Cv.P.
DEMAND $
CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
JURY DEMAND:
’ Yes ’ No
VIII. RELATED CASE(S)
IF ANY
(See instructions):
JUDGE DOCKET NUMBER
DATE SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE
Save As...
Reset
JS 44 Reverse (Rev. 06/17)
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.
When the petition for removal is granted, check this box.
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 statue.
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.
G
G
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
Q
Q
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)
Federal Questions 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?
C.
Facts:
Who did
what?
What
happened
to you?
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
I am a plaintiff or petitioner in this case and declare
that I am unable to pay the costs of these proceedings
and that I am entitled to the relief requested. I declare
under penalty of perjury that the information below is
true and understand that a false statement may result in
a dismissal of my claims.
Instructions
Complete all questions in this application and then sign it.
Do not leave any blanks: if the answer to a question is “0,”
“none,” or “not applicable (N/A),” write that response. If
you need more space to answer a question or to explain your
answer, attach a separate sheet of paper identified with your
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
amount during the past 12
months
Income amount expected
next month
You Spouse You Spouse
Employment
$$$$
Self-employment
$$$$
Income from real property
(such as rental income)
$$$$
Interest and dividends
$$$$
Gifts
$$$$
Alimony
$$$$
Child support
$$$$
Page 2 of 5
AO 239 (Rev. 01/15) Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)
Retirement (such as social security, pensions, annuities,
insurance)
$$$$
Disability
(such as social security, insurance payments)
$$$$
Unemployment payments
$$$$
Public-assistance
(such as welfare)
$$$$
Other
(specify):
$$$$
Total monthly income:
$$$$
2. List your employment history for the past two years, most recent employer first.
(Gross monthly pay is before taxes or
other deductions.)
Employer Address Dates of employment Gross
monthly pay
$
$
3. List your spouse's employment history for the past two years, most recent employer first.
(Gross monthly pay is before
taxes or other deductions.)
Employer Address Dates of employment Gross
monthly pay
$
$
$
4. How much cash do you and your spouse have? $
Below, state any money you or your spouse have in bank accounts or in any other financial institution.
Financial institution Type of account Amount you have Amount your
spouse has
$
$
$$
$$
If you are a prisoner, you must attach a statement certified by the appropriate institutional officer showing all receipts,
expenditures, and balances during the last six months in your institutional accounts. If you have multiple accounts,
perhaps because you have been in multiple institutions, attach one certified statement of each account.
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Page 3 of 5
AO 239 (Rev. 01/15) Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)
5. List the assets, and their values, which you own or your spouse owns. Do not list clothing and ordinary
household furnishings.
Assets owned by you or your spouse
Home
(Value) $
Other real estate
(Value)
$
Motor vehicle #1
(Value) $
Make and year:
Model:
Registration #:
Motor vehicle #2 (Value) $
Make and year:
Model:
Registration #:
Other assets (Value) $
Other assets
(Value) $
6. State every person, business, or organization owing you or your spouse money, and the amount owed.
Person owing you or your spouse
money
Amount owed to you Amount owed to your spouse
$$
$$
$$
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:
0.00
0.00
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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)(D) 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: _________________________
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 I T E D S T A T E S D I S T R I C T C O U R T
D I S T R I C T O F N E W J E R S E Y
O F F I C E O F T H E C L E R K CAMDEN OFFICE
M A R TI N LU TH ER KING JR . F ED ER A L B UIL D IN G AND U.S . C OUR T HOUS E M I TCH E LL H. C OHE N
50 W AL N UT S TR EET U. S. C O UR T HO US E
NEW AR K, N EW J ER S E Y 07101 1 J OHN F. G E RRY P LA ZA
C AM DE N, NJ 08101
W IL L IAM T. W AL SH
Cler k TRENT ON OFFICE
C L AR KS ON S. FISH ER
U. S. C O UR T HO US E
402 E AS T S TA TE S TR E E 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 and must be filed at least
24 days prior to the motion date. (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 1
st
and 3
rd
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 writ of habeas corpus
Filing fee - $350 plus $50 Administrative Fee (inapplicable to IFP) $ 400.00
Application for a 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) 505.00
Filing a Notice of Appeal to District Judge from a Judgment of Conviction
by a Magistrate Judge in a Misdemeanor Case 38.00
Certificate of Search, per name or item 31.00
Certification of any document 11.00
Exemplification of any document 22.00
Filing miscellaneous paper (any document not related to a pending case or proceeding) 47.00
Registration of foreign judgment 46.00
Admission of Attorney to Practice (including certificate) 200.00
Duplicate Attorney Certificate of Admission 20.00
Certificate of Good Standing to Practice 19.00
Admission to Appear Pro Hac Vice (each case) 150.00
Paper copies made by Clerk (not including certification), per page .50
Reproduction of audio recording of a court proceeding 31.00
Retrieval of first box of records from Federal Records Center or National Archives 64.00
Retrieval of additional boxes from Federal Records Center or National Archives, per box 39.00
Any payment into the Court which is returned or denied for insufficient funds 53.00
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
(LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (This fee is in addition to the fee for commencing
a civil action.) 6,548.00
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
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Procedural Guide for Pro Se Litigants (US Courts)

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