A civil action is commenced by the filing of a complaint. Parties instituting a civil action in a district court are required to pay a filing fee pursuant to Title 28, U.S. Code, Section 1914. The current fee is $350. Complaints may be accompanied by an application to proceed in forma pauperis, meaning that the plaintiff is incapable of paying the filing fee. Proceedings in forma pauperis are governed by Title 28, U.S. Code, Section 1915.

The Clerk's Office will accept case initiating documents (i.e. complaints with civil cover sheets and summons, and notices of removal) sent by e-mail. A party submitting a case initiating document by e-mail for electronic filing must submit those documents in .

In general, there are three levels of the civil trial courts in which an action can be filed. However, there are exceptions to these rules, so seek the advice of an attorney before filing. Superior Court: Actions for over $10,000. Small Claims court is the same as the magistrate's office, usually located in or near the Sheriff's office. (Last updated on 03/10/2005 )

File an original Notice of Appeal with the district court pursuant to Fed. R. App. P. 3(a)(1). The filing fee is $455.

The Administration Building at 595 Newark Avenue or the Old Court House at the corner of Newark and Baldwin Avenues (just up the block from the Administration Building). The document telling you to appear will direct you to the correct location. It will also suggest if you should bring an attorney. It will also tell how You can obtain legal services if you cannot afford to pay.

Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Old Court House at the corner of Newark and Baldwin Avenues (just up the block from the Administration Building). If the amount is $10,000 or less then go to the Law Division, Special Civil, Administration Building, 7th floor, 595 Newark Avenue. If the amount is $1,500 or less then file at the Small Claims Division Special Civil, Administration Building, 7th floor, 595 Newark Avenue.

Civil matters include family law, probate, guardianships, conservatorships, minor’s compromises, civil, small claims and adoptions.

A criminal case is brought by the authority of the state or federal government, represented by the prosecutor (known as the district attorney or United States attorney). Criminal cases seek punishment such as a fine, jail time, or both as the outcome. Civil cases usually are brought by private parties or corporations and seek to collect monetary damages.

Individuals do not file criminal charges in U.S. district courts. A criminal proceeding is initiated by the government, usually through the U.S. attorney's office in coordination with a law enforcement agency. Allegations of criminal behavior should be brought to local police, the FBI, or other appropriate law enforcement agency.

A bankruptcy case is commenced by the filing of a petition. You must also file a statement of your assets and liabilities, and schedules listing your creditors. If you choose to file a bankruptcy petition without the assistance of an attorney, you can obtain the required forms at most stationery stores or at www.uscourts.gov/bkforms/index.html. There is a range of filing fees for bankruptcy cases, depending on the chapter of the bankruptcy code under which you file.

The Court does not provide an interpreter free of charge in a civil suit unless the government is a party. (28 USC 1827) For any other matter, the party requiring the interpreter is responsible for locating and compensating the interpreter. The interpreters office can help with referrals if you need them. Most importantly, plan ahead, or it may be hard to cover your needs.

Attorneys issue subpoenas in civil cases. The clerk may, pursuant to court order, issue subpoenas for pro se litigants. See LR 45.2 and LR 45.4.

Summonses are issued by the court. The summons form needs to be completely filled out by the party requesting the summons prior to it being issued.

Summons are issued by the court. The summons form needs to be completely filled out prior to being issued.

A civil case is a lawsuit, usually seeking the payment of money, filed against someone accused of wrongfully causing some kind of injury to another. The injury involved may be a personal injury, some kind of property damage, or some kind of financial loss. The plaintiff (the person who brings the suit) is the party claiming to have been harmed, and the defendant (the person sued) is the party alleged to have caused the harm. The burden of proof is relatively low in a civil case.

Most civil lawsuits are filed by attorneys on behalf of victims. Many victims find attorneys through friends or relatives, advertisements, or referrals from local bar associations. For more information about filing a civil lawsuit, click on Initiating a Civil Lawsuit. For a, preliminary case evaluation, click on Case Consultation.