The Civil Case Information Statement (CIS) is a mandatory New Jersey court form that must accompany all initial Law Division Civil Part pleadings, including complaints, counterclaims, and cross-claims. The form is governed by Rule 4:5-1. Failure to properly complete the CIS results in rejection of the pleading by the court clerk under Rule 1:5-6(c).
Both attorneys and self-represented litigants, known as pro se litigants, must complete the CIS. Filing requirements are published by the New Jersey Courts Civil Division. Attorneys provide their name, bar number, firm name, and contact information. Pro se litigants enter their own details in the attorney fields. The form must be signed by the filing party to certify the accuracy of the information provided.
After the initial pleading and CIS are accepted for filing, the court clerk assigns a docket number and routes the case to the appropriate courthouse division. The CIS information is used at this stage to place the case on the correct discovery track. Cases on Tracks I, II, and III receive a standard scheduling order. Track IV cases are assigned to a complex litigation judge who sets a customized discovery and trial schedule at an early case management conference.
The case category on the CIS also determines whether early intervention is scheduled. Cases involving multiple parties, related litigation in other courts, or significant insurance coverage disputes may be called for a conference before discovery begins. At that conference, the assigned judge reviews the CIS, resolves any contested track designations, and issues the initial scheduling order for the case.
The CIS collects detailed information about the nature of the case. The form covers a broad range of civil action types, including:
When professional malpractice is alleged, the form requires confirmation that an affidavit of merit has been filed as required under N.J.S.A. 2A:53A-27. The CIS also asks whether a jury trial is being demanded and the dollar amount of damages claimed.
New Jersey courts assign each case to one of four discovery tracks based on the complexity of the litigation. Track I provides up to 150 days of discovery for straightforward cases. Track II is the standard civil track and provides 300 days. Track III covers complex litigation with up to 450 days. Track IV provides active judicial case management for the most demanding matters, including environmental litigation and mass torts, with discovery timelines set by the assigned judge. Selecting the right track early avoids costly case management disputes later in the litigation.
The CIS also captures special case characteristics. The form asks whether the case requires mediation, whether individual case management is needed, and whether the case qualifies for accelerated disposition. It also asks whether related cases are pending in other courts, whether additional parties may be joined, and whether primary insurance coverage applies to the claim. Disability accommodations and interpreter needs are also noted on the form.
Some civil actions require disclosures beyond the standard CIS fields. Mass tort cases must identify the specific tort cluster. Environmental cases must note whether the site or substance is subject to a state or federal remediation program. Commercial cases may qualify for the Special Civil Part Business Court if the parties consent. Attorneys with cases that may qualify for specialized programs should review the applicable court rules before completing the CIS.
If your case involves a claim subject to the New Jersey Tort Claims Act or any other statutory notice requirement, that notice must be served before the initial pleading is filed. The CIS does not substitute for any pre-suit notice. The court clerk cannot waive or extend notice deadlines based on the CIS alone. Consult counsel or review the applicable statute before filing if you are unsure whether a pre-filing notice applies to your case.
A required certification confirms that all confidential personal identifiers, including Social Security numbers and financial account numbers, have been redacted from all documents submitted to the court. This certification is required under Rule 1:38-7(b) to protect sensitive personal information from public disclosure. Failure to include this certification is grounds for rejection.
Other forms often filed at the start of a New Jersey civil action include the New Jersey Civil Form, the Summons and Complaint Form, and the Civil Case Information Sheet.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Case Information Statement |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 30 sec |
| Other names | civil nj jersey, nj form statement, superior court of new jersey civil case information statement, nj cis |
