Preparing for Your Court Appearance
Whenever you contact or appear in court, it is important to have the information notifying you of
your docket number, date to appear, and the location of the courtroom that you are scheduled to appear
in. If you have an attorney, you should meet with him/her to discuss your case.
If you need an an accommodation for a disability, you must notify the court as soon as possible.
Information about the availability of special services and assistance can be obtained by calling the civil
division in the county in which your case is pending.
You can learn more about the rules governing the practice, procedure and administration of the
state’s courts in the New Jersey Rules of Court, which can be found in public libraries, law libraries and
on the Judiciary Web Site at www.njcourtsonline.com in the “Legal Reference Desk” section.
On the day of your court appearance.....
√ Arrive on time. If you are late, the judge may postpone, dismiss or decide your case in your
absence.
√ When entering the courtroom, remove your hat and turn off all cell phones and pagers.
√ Bring your court notice with you; it contains your case information.
√ Do not bring any food or beverages into the courtroom.
√ If you need additional time to prepare your case, you may ask the judge to grant you an
adjournment. An adjournment is the postponement of a session, hearing, trial or other
proceeding to another day or time. It is within the judge’s discretion to grant or deny an
adjournment.
√ While addressing the court, you must use appropriate language. Address the judge as “Your
Honor” and speak directly to the judge and not to the other party.
√ You should not interrupt the opposing party while he or she is speaking. After the other
party has finished speaking, you or your lawyer may request an opportunity from the judge to
respond. An opportunity to respond is left to the judge’s discretion.
√ After each party has presented his or her side, the judge or jury will make a decision.
√ In some cases, the court may refer your case to a settlement program on the day scheduled
for your trial. Although you will have to participate in such programs, you are not obligated
to settle your case. If your case does not settle, a judge will hear your case on that day.
IMPORTANT
If the plaintiff does not appear, the case may be dismissed. If
the defendant does not appear, the court may find him or her in
default. If judgment is awarded and the defendant refuses to
pay or cannot pay immediately after the court proceedings, the
plaintiff should contact court staff, who can provide
information on collecting the judgment.
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