Seeing a real example of an NJ motion packet helps more than reading rules. This page walks through each document in a complete NJ motion filing so you know exactly what to produce.
Quick Answer
A complete New Jersey motion packet typically contains five documents: (1) Notice of Motion, (2) Moving Brief (legal argument), (3) Certification in Support (sworn facts), (4) Proposed Form of Order, and (5) Certificate of Service. Each document has a specific format and purpose. Courts expect all five. Missing any one of them can get your motion dismissed or denied without a hearing.
Here is what each document does:
1. NOTICE OF MOTION
This is the formal cover document. It identifies: the court, the parties, the docket number, what you are asking for, and the scheduled return date. It is addressed to all parties and tells them when to respond.
Format: Caption at top, "NOTICE OF MOTION" as heading, body stating what you will move for, return date, your name and contact info.
2. MOVING BRIEF
This is your legal argument. It cites statutes, case law, and court rules to explain why the court should grant what you are asking. It is written in third person, like a formal legal memo.
Format: Sections with headings — INTRODUCTION, STATEMENT OF FACTS (by reference to your certification), LEGAL ARGUMENT (with cited authorities), CONCLUSION.
3. CERTIFICATION IN SUPPORT
This is your sworn statement of facts. You tell the court what happened, when, and who was involved — in numbered paragraphs. You sign it under penalty of perjury. Exhibits are attached.
4. PROPOSED FORM OF ORDER
This is a draft of exactly what you want the judge to sign. It is formatted as a court order — judge's name, "IT IS ORDERED that..." — so the judge can sign it immediately if they grant your motion.
5. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
A short statement certifying that you mailed (or hand-delivered) a complete copy of the packet to all other parties, on a specific date, at specific addresses.
FormaPauper's Document Wizard generates all five documents in a single workflow:
You answer plain-English questions about your case, the relief you are seeking, and the facts involved
FormaPauper structures your input into the correct NJ caption format
Each document is generated with the appropriate headings, structure, and language
You review and edit each document before downloading
The final packet is ready to print, sign (where required), and file
FormaPauper generates draft language. You are responsible for reviewing the content for accuracy, signing the certification, and ensuring the documents correctly reflect your facts and legal position.
Know the relief you are seeking
Before drafting anything, write in one sentence exactly what you want the judge to order. This drives every other document.
Identify the legal basis
What rule, statute, or legal principle gives you the right to the relief you want? The Moving Brief needs this.
Draft the Certification first
Start with your facts. The certification grounds everything else. Once you know your facts, the brief argument almost writes itself.
Draft the Moving Brief
Use your certified facts and the legal basis you identified. Structure: Introduction → Statement of Facts (by reference) → Legal Argument → Conclusion and Relief Requested.
Prepare the Notice of Motion
Fill in the return date (check your courthouse calendar), the relief you are requesting, and the docket number. This is the formal notice to the other side.
Draft the Proposed Order
Write exactly what you want the judge to sign. Keep it specific: "IT IS ORDERED that Defendant shall pay Plaintiff $X on or before [date]."
Complete the Certificate of Service
After you serve copies on all parties (by the required deadline), complete the certificate with the date, method, and addresses.
Submitting only a letter or informal request — courts require formal motion documents, not letters.
Including factual argument in the Moving Brief instead of citing to the Certification.
Writing the Proposed Order too vaguely — the judge needs to be able to sign it as-is.
Failing to check the court calendar for available return dates before scheduling your motion.
Not double-checking the docket number on every page of every document.
Printing single-sided when your court requires double-sided printing (check local rules).
Forgetting to sign the Certification.
Generally yes, for contested motions. Some courts have simplified procedures for certain types of motions (e.g., uncontested consent orders), but for any disputed motion, all five documents are typically expected.
No. Courts expect them to be separate. Mixing sworn facts with legal argument confuses the record and can undermine your credibility.
Under R. 1:4-9, briefs must be legible. Most courts expect 12-point font, double-spaced text on 8.5" x 11" paper with standard margins. Check your county's local rules for any specific requirements.
Under R. 1:6-5, briefs in the Civil Part generally cannot exceed 40 pages (15 pages for Family Part motions). Most effective briefs for typical motions are 5–15 pages.
The return date is the date the judge will consider your motion — similar to a hearing date, though for many motions in NJ there is no oral argument; the judge simply decides on the papers. Motions must be filed and served a specific number of days before the return date.
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.