NJ Court Motion Return Date Calculator

NJ Court Motion Return Date Calculator

This NJ Court Motion Return Date Calculator is intended to simplify the process of filing a civil motion. However, this tool is intended as a guide only. Consequently, you should always double-check the court's official website, and review the New Jersey Rules of Court regarding filing deadlines.
Additionally, the New Jersey Court Rules quoted below may be out of date. Always consult the official rules.


Regular Motion

Must be filed by: Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Opposition

Must be filed by: Thursday, December 26, 2024

Reply

Must be filed by: Monday, December 30, 2024

Motions Generally. Other than an ex parte motion and except as otherwise provided by R. 4:6-2(e) (dismissal for failure to state a claim), R. 4:46-1 (summary judgment) and R. 5:5-4(c) (post judgment motions), a notice of motion shall be filed and served not later than 16 days before the specified return date unless otherwise provided by court order, which may be applied for ex parte. Thus, for example, if the return date of the motion is a Friday, the motion must be filed and served not later than the Wednesday, 16 days prior. If a motion is supported by affidavit or certification, the affidavit or certification shall be filed and served with the motion. Except as provided by R. 4:49-1(b) (motion for new trial), any opposing affidavits, certifications or objections filed pursuant to R. 1:6-2 shall be filed and served not later than 8 days before the return date unless the court relaxes that time. Thus, for example, if the return date is on a Friday, any response must be filed and served no later than Thursday of the prior week. Reply papers responding to opposing affidavits or certifications shall be filed and served not later than 4 days before the return date unless the court otherwise orders. Thus, for example, such papers must be filed and served on Monday for a return date of the following Friday. No other papers may be filed without leave of court.
Rule 1:6-3(a) Filing and Service of Motions and Cross-Motions
Cross-Motions. A cross-motion may be filed and served by the responding party together with that party's opposition to the motion and noticed for the same return date only if it relates to the subject matter of the original motion, except in Family Part motions brought under Part V of these Rules where a notice of cross-motion may seek relief unrelated to that sought in the original motion. A cross-motion relating to the subject matter of the original motion shall, if timely filed pursuant to this rule, relate back to the date of the filing of the original motion. The original moving party's response to the crossmotion shall be filed and served as provided by paragraph (a) for reply papers. The court may, however, on request of the original moving party, or on its own motion, enlarge the time for filing an answer to the cross-motion, or fix a new return date for both. No reply papers may be served or filed by the cross-movant without leave of court.
Rule 1:6-3(b) Filing and Service of Motions and Cross-Motions
Completion of Service. For purposes of this rule, service of motion papers is complete only on receipt at the office of adverse counsel or the address of a pro se party. If service is by ordinary mail, receipt will be presumed on the third business day after mailing.
Rule 1:6-3(c) Filing and Service of Motions and Cross-Motions

Summary Judgment Motion

Must be filed by: Friday, December 20, 2024

Opposition

Must be filed by: Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Reply

Must be filed by: Monday, January 13, 2025

A party seeking any affirmative relief may, at any time after the expiration of 35 days from the service of the pleading claiming such relief, move for a summary judgment or order on all or any part thereof or as to any defense. A party against whom a claim for such affirmative relief is asserted may move at any time for a summary judgment or order as to all or any part thereof. All motions for summary judgment shall be returnable no later than 30 days before the scheduled trial date, unless the court otherwise orders for good cause shown, and if the decision is not communicated to the parties at least 10 days prior to the scheduled trial date, an application for adjournment shall be liberally granted. Except as otherwise provided by R. 6:3-3 (motion practice in Special Civil Part) or unless the court otherwise orders, a motion for summary judgment shall be served and filed not later than 28 days before the time specified for the return date; opposing affidavits, certifications, briefs, and cross-motions for summary judgment, if any, shall be served and filed not later than 10 days before the return date; and answers or responses to such opposing papers or to cross-motions shall be served and filed not later than four days before the return date. No other papers may be filed without leave of court.
Rule 4:46-1 Time for Making, Filing, and Serving Motion

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