Not sure what your NJ court certification should look like? This page walks through a sample certification structure — the format, language, and what goes in each section.
Quick Answer
An NJ certification has four parts: (1) the caption (court, parties, docket); (2) an introductory paragraph identifying who you are; (3) numbered paragraphs of facts; (4) the closing certification language required by R. 1:4-4. It is signed — not notarized — and exhibits are attached at the end.
CAPTION
At the top of every court document, you need the full caption: the name of the court, the names of all parties (plaintiff v. defendant), the docket number, and the document title (e.g., "CERTIFICATION OF [YOUR NAME] IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION").
OPENING PARAGRAPH
The first paragraph identifies who you are, your relationship to the case, and what the certification is for:
"I, [Your Name], residing at [address], am the Plaintiff in the above-captioned matter. I make this certification in support of my Motion for Reconsideration of the Order dated [date]."
NUMBERED FACT PARAGRAPHS
The bulk of the certification. Each numbered paragraph states one or two related facts:
"1. On [date], Defendant served me with notice of [X].
2. On [date], I responded to that notice by [Y], as evidenced by Exhibit A attached hereto.
3. At no time did Defendant comply with [Z]."
EXHIBIT REFERENCES
When you reference a document, cite it as an exhibit: "...as shown in the email chain attached hereto as Exhibit A."
CLOSING CERTIFICATION LANGUAGE (Required by R. 1:4-4)
"I certify that the foregoing statements made by me are true. I am aware that if any of the foregoing statements made by me are willfully false, I am subject to punishment."
[Your signature, printed name, date]
FormaPauper's Document Wizard produces a properly formatted NJ certification with:
The correct court caption auto-populated with your docket number and parties
Numbered paragraphs structured from your plain-English facts
The required R. 1:4-4 closing certification language
Exhibit labels generated automatically
The signature block properly formatted
You describe your facts in plain language. FormaPauper converts them to a properly structured NJ certification format. You review, print, sign, and file.
Write your facts in plain English first
Before worrying about format, just write down what happened in the order it happened. Use specific dates, dollar amounts, and names.
Organize into numbered paragraphs
One fact (or closely related facts) per numbered paragraph. Aim for clarity — a judge reading quickly should understand each paragraph at a glance.
Identify and label your exhibits
Every document you reference should be physically attached. Label them Exhibit A, Exhibit B, etc., in the order they first appear in your certification.
Write the introduction and closing
The introduction names you and explains the purpose. The closing uses the exact R. 1:4-4 language — do not paraphrase it.
Review for argument vs. fact
Read your certification and ask: is every statement a fact I personally know, or am I arguing? Argument belongs in the brief. Remove any characterizations that are not pure facts.
Sign (do not notarize)
NJ certifications do not need a notary. Just sign and date. The closing language creates the legal oath.
Using adjectives that argue instead of stating facts ("the Defendant's outrageous behavior" vs. "on [date], Defendant stated [exact words]").
Writing in narrative paragraphs instead of numbered paragraphs.
Not numbering the pages.
Forgetting to attach the referenced exhibits — a "see Exhibit A" with no Exhibit A attached is a serious problem.
Using hearsay without identifying it properly — if someone told you something, say "Defendant told me that..." not "It is a fact that Defendant..."
Making legal arguments in the certification — save those for the brief.
Under R. 1:4-9, documents must be legible. Standard practice is 12-point Times New Roman or similar serif font, with standard one-inch margins. Your court's local rules may have specific requirements.
Use "I believe" sparingly and only for genuinely non-certain matters. Courts expect certifications to state facts you know directly. If you are not certain, say what you know and acknowledge the limit of your knowledge.
Describe what the document contained as best you can from memory, note that you no longer have the original, and explain when and why you had it. Courts understand that people do not always have perfect documentation.
Generally only if your court has e-filing via eCourts (ecourts.njcourts.gov) and the matter is set up for electronic filing. Otherwise, certification must be filed in paper form with an original signature.
FormaPauper's Document Wizard helps you build a complete, properly formatted filing packet — step by step, in plain English.
Important: Not Legal Advice
FormaPauper is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and applies specifically to New Jersey courts. Nothing here creates an attorney-client relationship. Court procedures, fees, and rules change — always verify current requirements with your county courthouse or on njcourts.gov before filing. For complex matters, particularly those involving permanent consequences, we strongly recommend consulting a licensed New Jersey attorney. Many counties have free legal aid services available.