Form A (CN 10554) at a glance
What it is: How to File an Answer to a Complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Civil Part, Law Division. This kit includes: Form A - Answer.
Where and when to file: STEP 5: Mail or deliver the forms to the court You can file your papers electronically through JEDS, by mail or in person at your local courthouse.
You can use this package if you have received a summons, complaint, civil case information statement (CIS), and track assignment notice (TAN) notifying you that you are being sued in the law division of the Superior Court of New Jersey.
What to bring and attach to Form A (CN 10554)
The following checklist will help ensure that your package is complete: The original and two copies of the Answer and CIS The filing fee of $175 (checked October 31, 2026).
It must be a money order or check made out to Treasurer, State of New Jersey or, if filing electronically through the Judiciary Electronic Document System (JEDS), you can use a credit card.
A stamped, self-addressed envelope One copy of the CIS and Answer to serve on each party; or, if the party has an attorney, on the attorney for that party.
Make at least six copies of the completed forms.
Each form should be typed or printed clearly on 8.5” x 11” white paper only. Forms cannot be filed on a different size or color paper.
A filled-in Form A (CN 10554) example: a defendant with no lawyer answers a complaint
How to fill out Form A (CN 10554), box by box
Defendant or Filing Attorney Information
Enter the Defendant or Filing Attorney Information: Name, NJ Attorney ID Number and Address.
Enter the Email Address and Telephone Number, with ext.
County, Docket Number, Plaintiff and Defendant(s)
Enter the County of the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, the Docket Number, the Plaintiff and the Defendant(s).
Answers to the complaint
State whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the plaintiff's complaint.
You must respond to each numbered paragraph in the complaint and either admit the allegation, deny the allegation, or state that you do not have enough information to know whether the statement is true.
Affirmative Defense(s)
State the reasons why you disagree with plaintiff's complaint or why what you did or did not do is not a matter for court. If additional room is needed, attached a separate sheet.
In the area for affirmative defenses, you can list the facts that defend your action or inaction.
For example: The plaintiff was negligent (explain how). You, the defendant, fulfilled your obligation (explain).
Certification of No Other Actions and Certification Regarding Filing and Service
Certification of No Other Actions I certify that this dispute is not the subject of any other action pending in any other court or a pending arbitration proceeding to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Also, to the best of my knowledge and belief, no other action or arbitration proceeding is contemplated. Further, other than the parties set forth in this complaint, I know of no other parties that should be made a part of this lawsuit. In addition, I recognize my continuing obligation to file and serve on all parties and the court an amended certification if there is a change in the facts stated in this original certification.
Certification Regarding Filing and Service The undersigned hereby certifies that a copy of this pleading was served and filed within the time permitted by the court rules.
Sign and date on the line Signature.
Sign and date the remaining statements on the continuation of Form A.
Demand for Trial by Jury
OPTIONAL: If you would like to have a judge decide your case, do not include the following paragraph in your complaint. If you would prefer to have a jury to decide your case, please sign your name after the following paragraph. Demand for Trial by Jury TAKE NOTICE that the defendant demands a trial by jury on all issues.
Common mistake: Do not sign the demand for a trial by jury unless you want to have a jury hear your case.
More rules for Form A (CN 10554)
STEP 1: Fill out the Answer (Form A) The Answer tells the court in short and simple terms whether you admit or deny the statements made by the plaintiff in the complaint and sets forth every defense you could have to the plaintiff's claims.
Your answer should contain any defenses you have to the claims made in the complaint and any dispute you have with the facts as stated in the complaint.
If you do not file your answer and CIS within the 35 days, a default judgment can be entered against you, and the county sheriff could seize your money, wages, or property to pay all or part of the judgment.
STEP 6 Mail CIS and Answer to all parties Within 35 days of the date that you received the summons and complaint, you must send a copy of your answer and CIS to each party or, if the party has an attorney, to the attorney for that party.
You must send a copy of everything you send to the court to every party.
If your situation is different
You file the CIS with the answer
The completed CIS must be filed with the answer.
Common mistake: Failure to file this required document could result in your answer being returned to you.
You want to countersue or you have a claim against another defendant
Note: If you believe you have a claim against the plaintiff and want to countersue, you must file a counterclaim with your answer and CIS. If you believe you have a claim against another defendant, you must file a cross-claim with your answer and CIS. For information on the procedure for filing a cross-claim or counterclaim, consult staff in the civil division clerk's office.
Your papers contain a personal identifier
If the Answer (Form A) or any of the copies of papers that you attach to the Answer contain a Social Security number, driver's license number, vehicle plate number, insurance policy number, active financial account number, active credit card number, or information as to an individual's military status, you must redact (black out) this information so that it cannot be seen, unless any such personal identifier is required to be included by statute, rule, administrative directive or court order.
NOTE: Do not redact (black out) this information in the original papers that you are keeping (such as a police accident report) since you might have to show them to the court at some point.
Common questions about Form A (CN 10554)
Does it need a notary?
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.
Is there a deadline?
To avoid having the other party win the case against you automatically, you must file an answer to the complaint along with aCIS and the appropriate fee within 35 days from the date that you receive the summons.
Where do I file it?
Mail or deliver to the court the original and 2 copies of the Answer and CIS.
Are there fees?
STEP 3: Make a check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey. The fee for filing an answer is $175 (checked October 31, 2026).
Sources
[1] CN 10554, Kit Revised 03/2026, New Jersey Judiciary (the Official source link on this page).