Form CN 10792 at a glance
What it is: CN 10792 is the CIVIL ACTION SUMMONS of the Superior Court of New Jersey: the plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against the defendant, and the attached complaint states the basis.
Where and when to file: If the defendant disputes the complaint, the defendant or the defendant's attorney must file a written answer or motion and proof of service with the deputy clerk of the Superior Court in the county listed on the form within 35 days from the date the defendant received the summons, not counting the date the defendant received it.
A filled-in Form CN 10792 example: an attorney fills out the summons
How to fill out Form CN 10792, box by box
Attorney(s), Office Address, Town, State, Zip Code and Telephone Number
Enter the Attorney(s), the Office Address, the Town, State, Zip Code and the Telephone Number.
County and Division
Enter the County and the Division.
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff and Docket No:
Enter the Attorney(s) for Plaintiff. After Docket No:, enter the number.
Plaintiff(s) and Defendant(s)
Enter the name of the Plaintiff(s) and the name of the Defendant(s).
DATED:
Enter the date after DATED.
Name of Defendant to Be Served: and Address of Defendant to Be Served:
Enter the Name of Defendant to Be Served and the Address of Defendant to Be Served.
If your situation is different
The defendant disputes the complaint
A directory of the addresses of each deputy clerk of the Superior Court is available in the Civil Division Management Office in the county listed on the form and online at http://www.njcourts.gov.
If the complaint is one in foreclosure, then the defendant must file the written answer or motion and proof of service with the Clerk of the Superior Court, Hughes Justice Complex, P.O. Box 971, Trenton, NJ 08625-0971.
The defendant must also send a copy of the answer or motion to the plaintiff's attorney whose name and address appear on the form, or to the plaintiff, if no attorney is named.
The defendant does not file and serve a written answer or motion within 35 days
If the defendant does not file and serve a written answer or motion within 35 days, the court may enter a judgment against the defendant for the relief plaintiff demands, plus interest and costs of suit.
If judgment is entered against the defendant, the Sheriff may seize the defendant's money, wages or property to pay all or part of the judgment.
Common questions about Form CN 10792
Are there fees?
A filing fee payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey and a completed Case Information Statement (available from the deputy clerk of the Superior Court) must accompany the defendant's answer or motion when it is filed. A telephone call will not protect the defendant's rights; the defendant must file and serve a written answer or motion (with fee of $175.00 and completed Case Information Statement) if the defendant wants the court to hear the defense (checked October 19, 2026).
Where to get help with Form CN 10792
A defendant who cannot afford an attorney may call the Legal Services office in the county where the defendant lives or the Legal Services of New Jersey Statewide Hotline at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529).
A defendant who does not have an attorney and is not eligible for free legal assistance may obtain a referral to an attorney by calling one of the Lawyer Referral Services.
A directory with contact information for local Legal Services Offices and Lawyer Referral Services is available in the Civil Division Management Office in the county listed on the form and online at http://www.njcourts.gov.
Sources
[1] Form CN 10792 (Revised 11/17/2014), Civil Action Summons, Superior Court of New Jersey (the Official source link on this page).
