File in Bergen County Superior Court: Complete Guide

Filing a case in Bergen County Superior Court requires careful attention to procedures and deadlines. You need to understand court rules before submitting any documents.

Deciding whether to hire an attorney or represent yourself is crucial. Your choice affects how you navigate the entire process.

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General Filing Rules for Bergen County Superior Court

Following these basic rules will help ensure smooth processing of your documents:

Bring at least two copies of every document you file. The court keeps the original and stamps your copies for your records.
Include the correct case number on all documents. New cases won’t have a number yet, but existing cases require accurate numbering.
Use the right case number if you have multiple cases pending. Mixing up numbers creates confusion and delays your proceedings.
Follow New Jersey court rules when creating documents. Check with the court clerk about local filing requirements specific to your case.

Getting these details right from the start saves time and prevents complications.

Filing a Lawsuit in Bergen County

Starting a new case means filing a petition or complaint without a case number. The court clerk stamps a case number on your paperwork during filing.

The court refers to you as the plaintiff or petitioner once you file first. You keep that designation throughout the case, even if the other party later files against you.

After filing your petition and summons, you must serve the defendant. Proper service means delivering copies of all court documents to the other party.

The defendant gets 30 days from service to file a response in Bergen County. Response periods vary by case type, with some requiring faster replies.

Our partner Solo helps you respond to court summons quickly and correctly. You avoid the stress of navigating complex procedures alone.

When defendants miss the response deadline, you can request a default judgment. Default means they lose their right to participate in the case.

The judge decides based only on your information when default is granted. You still must follow procedures to get your court order issued.

Filing an Answer as a Defendant

Receiving a lawsuit requires filing a formal response to participate. Your answer represents your side of the story in court.

Follow these steps when you receive a court summons:

Get Legal Help Immediately

Hiring an attorney as soon as possible protects your interests. Most courts give you 35 days to file a response.

Attorneys understand legal procedures and can achieve better outcomes. They know how to present your defense effectively.

Read and Respond to Court Papers

Read every document carefully if you can’t afford an attorney. Understanding what the plaintiff claims is essential.

Filing an answer with the court clerk is the most common response. Some cases allow motions or special requests instead of standard answers.

Avoid Default Judgment

Failing to respond gives the plaintiff a major advantage. The court can enter default judgment against you without hearing your side.

Default judgment means you lose your chance to participate. Judges typically rule in favor of the plaintiff when defendants don’t respond.

You must act quickly to protect your rights and present your defense.

Methods for Filing Court Papers

Bergen County Superior Court accepts documents through multiple filing methods. Each option has specific advantages and requirements.

Electronic Filing

The Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system operates 24 hours daily. Attorneys use this web-based application to submit documents electronically.

Read the e-filing system rules before using JEDS. Understanding requirements prevents filing errors and rejections.

In-Person Filing

Visit the clerk’s office during regular business hours to file documents. Pay any required filing fees before submitting your papers.

Documents without fees can go in the filing drop box. You can also hand them directly to customer service clerks.

Filing by Mail

Mailing documents is common but carries some risks. Include payment via business check or money order payable to Bergen County Clerk.

Confirm with the court clerk that mail filing suits your case type. Mailing slows the process and isn’t secure for tight deadlines.

Never rely on mail for urgent filings with approaching deadlines.

Filing with Professional Help

Our partner Solo offers fast, reliable, and affordable online filing. You provide case details, and professionals generate your answer.

Attorneys review your answer to ensure legal compliance. The service mails your response to both court and plaintiff.

You save time and gain confidence knowing experts handled your filing.

Understanding Filing Fees and Payment

Most court filings in Bergen County require fees. Check current fee schedules before submitting documents.

Payment methods include business checks and money orders only. Personal checks may not be accepted for court filings.

Some litigants qualify for fee waivers based on income. Request waiver forms from the court clerk if you can’t afford fees.

Serving Documents on Other Parties

Proper service ensures all parties receive required documents. New Jersey law specifies how you must deliver papers.

Service methods include personal delivery, certified mail, and professional process servers. Each method has specific legal requirements.

You must file proof of service with the court. This document confirms you properly delivered papers to other parties.

Improper service can invalidate your entire case. Follow service rules exactly to protect your legal rights.

Meeting Court Deadlines

Courts enforce strict deadlines for filing documents. Missing a deadline can result in dismissal or default judgment.

Calculate deadlines carefully using the date you received documents. Different case types have different response periods.

Request extensions before deadlines expire if you need more time. Courts rarely grant extensions after deadlines pass.

Mark all deadlines on your calendar with reminders. Give yourself extra time to prepare quality responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't respond to a lawsuit in Bergen County?

If you don't respond within the required timeframe (usually 30 days), the plaintiff can request a default judgment against you. Default judgment means you lose your right to participate in the case, and the judge will likely rule in favor of the plaintiff based solely on their information.

How do I get a case number for Bergen County Superior Court?

The court clerk assigns your case number when you file your initial petition or complaint. The clerk stamps this number on your documents during filing, and you must use it on all future documents related to that case.

Can I file court papers electronically in Bergen County?

Yes, Bergen County uses the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system for electronic filing. This web-based application allows attorneys to submit documents 24 hours a day. You should review the e-filing system rules before using JEDS to ensure compliance.

What payment methods does Bergen County Superior Court accept for filing fees?

Bergen County Superior Court accepts business checks and money orders payable to Bergen County Clerk. Personal checks may not be accepted. If you cannot afford filing fees, you can request a fee waiver from the court clerk.

How do I serve court documents to the other party in my case?

You must serve copies of all filed documents to the other party through approved methods including personal delivery, certified mail, or professional process servers. After serving documents, you must file proof of service with the court to confirm proper delivery.

File in Bergen County Superior Court: Your Complete Guide