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General FAQs

  • What case records are available in your office?

    Each division has its own case files for all pending cases, as well as case files opened since January 1, 1999 and subsequently closed. The files may be viewed and/or copied in the appropriate office.

    To locate a case number or party name for cases filed since 1990 in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, you may search on a public terminal for pending or archived cases in any divisional office.

    Cases opened before May 1990 may only be searched through microfiche records by party name. Each division has a set of microfiche for the entire district for cases opened prior to May 1990. Cases filed between 1981 and May 1990 are categorized by the type of case (civil, criminal, Magistrate cases, and miscellaneous). You may have to search several sheets of microfiche if you know only the party's name but not the case type.

    If you need to view or copy an archived case file, the Clerk's Office will give you necessary information to contact the Federal Records Center (FRC) in Lee Summit, Missouri (816-478-7079). Please see Federal Records Center information. You may make an appointment with the FRC to view a file or ask to have a pleading faxed or mailed to you. You may also have the Clerk's Office request the file for viewing for a fee of [Click here for current fee ].

  • What are the procedures for Searching a name or case number?

    Each division has its own case files for all pending cases, as well as case files opened since January 1, 1999 and subsequently closed. The files may be viewed and/or copied in the appropriate office.

    To locate a case number or part name for cases filed since 1990 in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, you may search on a public terminal for pending or archived cases in any divisional office. You may also register for internet PACER access at http://www.pacer.uscourts.gov

    Cases opened before May 1990 may only be searched through microfiche records by party name. Each division has a set of microfiche for the entire district for cases opened prior to May 1990. Cases filed between 1981 and May 1990 are categorized by the type of case (civil, criminal, Magistrate cases, and miscellaneous). You may have to search several sheets of microfiche if you know only the party's name but not the case type.

    If you would like the Clerk's Office to perform a name search, please send a written request with a check or money order (made payable to 'Clerk, U.S. District Court') for [Click here for current fee ]. We will need to know the party's name. Any information about the case number, year or division where the case was filed, and/or the name of the Judge assigned to the case will be helpful. You may mail your request to any divisional office. Searches generally go back ten years, unless otherwise requested.

    If you need to view or copy a case file that has been archived, the Clerk's Office will give you necessary information to contact the Federal Records Center (FRC) in Lee Summit, Missouri (816-478-7079). Please see Federal Records Center information. You may make an appointment with the FRC to view a file or ask to have a pleading faxed or mailed to you. You may also have the Clerk's Office request the file for viewing for a fee of [Click here for current fee ].

  • Can the Clerk's Office place or return international calls?

    No. The court is unable to place or return international phone calls.

  • What is the current post judgment interest rate?

    Information on post judgment interest rates can be found here.

  • How does an attorney get admitted to the Court?

    Information on being admitted to the Court can be found under the Attorney Info menu on the main page of the website or click here.

  • When are Motion Days?

    Information on Motion Days can be found under the For Attorneys menu on the main page of the website.

  • What are the Office Filing hours and can I file after hours?
    • Camden : 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m./....DROP BOX until 6:00 p.m.
    • Newark : 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m./....DROP BOX until 7:00 p.m.
    • Trenton : 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m./...DROP BOX until 6:00 p.m.

    A drop box is located in the first floor lobby of each building in the Camden, Newark and Trenton divisions. The hours for each division may vary, as detailed above. Please do not leave any cash in the drop box, and please ensure that your filing is for the District Court before depositing it in the drop box. Pleadings left in the drop box will be stamped with the date they are deposited.

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