How to Fill Out New Jersey Form CN-10510 (w/Examples) + FAQs

New Jersey Form CN-10510 is the New Jersey Judiciary’s Special Civil Part motion packet — the Notice of Motion and Certification in Support of a Motion — that a party uses to ask a Special Civil Part judge to take action in a case, most often to vacate a default judgment entered against them. You file it with the Special Civil Part in the county where your case sits, and you pay a small motion fee to be heard.

If a creditor, landlord, or business won a judgment against you because you missed a court date, this form is how you ask the judge for a second chance. Getting one box wrong — the docket number, the return date, or the service section — can get your motion bounced before a judge ever reads it. The New Jersey Judiciary handles hundreds of thousands of Special Civil Part filings each year, and a large share of pro se motions get delayed for fixable paperwork errors, so the details on this form truly matter.

  • 📝 How to complete every line of the Notice of Motion and the Certification in Support, in plain words.
  • 📅 How to pick a legal return date and serve the other side on time so your motion is not tossed out.
  • 💵 The exact filing fees, payment methods, and fee-waiver option for people who cannot pay.
  • 🧾 Three full filled-out examples that walk real people through the form from top to bottom.
  • ⚠️ The field-level mistakes that get motions rejected and how to dodge each one.

What the Form Is and Who Must File It

New Jersey Form CN-10510 is a self-help motion packet published by the New Jersey Judiciary for use in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Special Civil Part. A “motion” is a written request that asks a judge to do something in a case that is already open. The packet bundles the two papers you must file together: the Notice of Motion (which tells the court and the other side what you want and when the judge will decide) and the Certification in Support of Motion (which is your sworn statement of facts and reasons).

People reach for this form for many reasons, but the most common is to vacate (cancel) a default judgment. A default judgment is a ruling the court enters when one side never answers the complaint or skips the trial date. The legal authority for asking a court to undo that judgment is New Jersey Court Rule 4:50-1, which lets a judge set aside a judgment for reasons like mistake, excusable neglect, or never having been properly served. Special Civil Part motion practice is governed by Rule 6:6-1, which folds in the general motion rule, Rule 1:6-2.

You must file this form if you are a party to a Special Civil Part case — that means a plaintiff or a defendant — and you want the judge to enter an order. Special Civil Part hears cases where the amount in dispute is $20,000 or less, including debt-collection suits, landlord-tenant security deposit claims, and small contract fights. If your case is in the regular Law Division because it is worth more than $20,000, you use a different motion form. The agency that receives this form is the Special Civil Part Office of the Superior Court in your county of venue, not Trenton.

The consequence of not filing when you have grounds is steep. If a default judgment stands, the creditor can move to garnish your wages, levy your bank account, or put a lien on your property. Filing the motion is what pauses that machinery and gives you a hearing. Do not assume the judgment will go away on its own — it will not.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Gather everything below before you open the form. Filling it out with a missing docket number or wrong return date is the top reason pro se motions get returned, and each round-trip costs you weeks.

  • Your docket number. This is the case ID printed on every paper from the court (it starts with your county code and “DC,” “LT,” or “SC”). Without it, the clerk cannot match your motion to your file, and it will be rejected on intake.
  • The exact case caption. You need the plaintiff’s full name and your full name exactly as they appear on the original complaint. A mismatched name can route your motion to the wrong file.
  • The county of venue. This is the county where the case was filed. File in the wrong county and your papers go nowhere.
  • A copy of the judgment or order you want changed. You attach this and reference its date. Missing it leaves the judge with no idea what you are challenging.
  • The reason your motion should be granted. Write down the facts — for example, you were never served, or you were in the hospital on your court date. This becomes your certification, and vague reasons get motions denied.
  • The other side’s current mailing address. You must serve them, so you need a good address. A bad address means failed service and an adjourned motion.
  • A proposed dollar amount or outcome. Know exactly what you are asking the judge to order (vacate the judgment, restore the case, allow you to file an answer).
  • The filing fee or a fee-waiver request. Have the fee ready (typically around $30 to $50 for a Special Civil Part motion) or be ready to ask for a waiver if you cannot afford it.
  • Supporting proof. Bank records, a medical note, a returned envelope, or a receipt that backs up your story. Attaching proof makes a judge far more likely to rule your way.

If any single item is missing, stop and find it first. A complete packet filed once beats three incomplete packets filed over two months.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

You get Form CN-10510 free from the official New Jersey Courts forms catalog. Search the catalog by the form name (“Notice of Motion”) or by the CN number, then right-click the link and choose “Save link as” to download the PDF to your computer. The Judiciary recommends opening these PDFs in Adobe Reader, because some browsers will not display the fillable fields, which can make it look like the form is blank when it is not.

You can complete the form two ways. The first is to type directly into the fillable PDF on your computer, which keeps your entries neat and easy to read. The second is to print the blank form and fill it in by hand in blue or black ink, printing legibly in capital letters. Typed forms cut down on the most common intake problem — a clerk who cannot read your handwriting and returns the packet.

Paper copies are also available at the Special Civil Part Office in your county courthouse. The clerk’s office can hand you the packet, but staff are barred from giving legal advice, so they cannot tell you what to write in the reason section. If you want free help understanding the form, contact your county’s Legal Services of New Jersey office or the court’s ombudsman.

Always confirm you have the current revision of the form. The Judiciary prints a revision date in small type at the bottom corner of each page; if your downloaded copy is older than the version in the online catalog, download the newer one. Filing an outdated form risks rejection if the court has since changed a field or a fee. Marcus, a tenant fighting a security-deposit judgment, learned this the hard way when an old printout he kept in a drawer no longer matched the current return-date rules.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form CN-10510 Line by Line

The packet has two main papers — the Notice of Motion and the Certification in Support of Motion — plus a Certification of Service and a Proposed Order. Work through them in the order below, top to bottom. Do not leave any field blank; if something does not apply, write N/A so the clerk knows you did not skip it.

1. County of Venue

What the field asks in plain English. This top line asks which New Jersey county your case lives in. Your motion must be heard in the same county where the original case was filed.

How to answer it. Write the full county name in capital letters, exactly as it appears on the judgment. Do not abbreviate it.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez fights a debt judgment filed in Essex County, so she writes ESSEX on the county line.

A nuance or edge case. If you moved to a different county after the case started, the venue does not move with you — it stays in the original county. Some counties have more than one Special Civil Part location, so use the courthouse listed on your paperwork.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Filers often write the county where they now live instead of the county on the judgment. That sends the motion to a court with no record of the case, and it gets returned unfiled.

A misconception people hold about this field. Many believe they can ask to “move” the case to a closer county on this line. This line only states the existing venue; changing venue requires a separate request.

2. Case Caption (Plaintiff and Defendant Names)

What the field asks in plain English. The caption is the title block that names who sued whom. It lists the plaintiff (the party who filed the case) and the defendant (the party being sued).

How to answer it. Copy the names exactly as they appear on the complaint or judgment, including any business name spelling or “LLC.” Put the plaintiff’s name in the top blank and the defendant’s name below it.

A specific example answer. Midland Credit Management, Inc. is the plaintiff, so Maria Lopez writes that name on the plaintiff line and MARIA LOPEZ on the defendant line.

A nuance or edge case. If the creditor sold your debt and a new company’s name is on the judgment, use the name on the judgment, not the original lender. If there are multiple defendants, list all of them.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Writing a nickname, a maiden name, or a misspelled company name breaks the match to the court file. The clerk may be unable to locate your case, delaying the motion.

A misconception people hold about this field. People think they should “correct” the spelling of their own name here if the complaint got it wrong. Match the court file first; you can ask the judge to fix the spelling in your certification.

3. Docket Number

What the field asks in plain English. This is the unique case number the court assigned when the case was opened. It is how the court files and finds your matter.

How to answer it. Copy the docket number exactly, including the county code and the letter prefix (such as DC, LT, or SC) and all digits, with no extra spaces.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez copies ESX-DC-004521-25 straight from the top of her judgment.

A nuance or edge case. If you have lost all your paperwork, you can look up your docket number using the NJ Courts case search by your name. The prefix tells you the case type: DC is a regular Special Civil Part case, LT is landlord-tenant, and SC is small claims.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Transposing two digits or dropping the prefix is the single most common error. A wrong docket number means the clerk cannot attach the motion to your file, and it is returned.

A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think the judgment number and the docket number are the same. They can differ; always use the docket number the form asks for, not a separate judgment (“DJ”) number.

4. Type of Motion / What You Are Asking For (Notice of Motion Body)

What the field asks in plain English. This part of the Notice of Motion tells the court and the other side what order you want the judge to sign. It is the headline of your request.

How to answer it. State your request plainly, such as “to vacate the default judgment entered on [date] and to permit the defendant to file an answer.” Keep it to one or two clear sentences.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez writes “for an Order vacating the default judgment entered on 02/10/2026 and restoring this matter to the active trial list.”

A nuance or edge case. You can ask for more than one thing in the same motion — for example, vacating the judgment and staying (pausing) a wage garnishment while the motion is pending. List each request.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Filers describe their whole life story here instead of the specific order they want. A vague ask leaves the judge unsure what to grant, which can lead to a denial. Save the facts for the certification.

A misconception people hold about this field. People think writing “please help me” is enough. The court needs the exact relief named so the judge can sign a matching order.

5. Return Date (Hearing Date)

What the field asks in plain English. The return date is the date the judge will decide your motion. In Special Civil Part, most motions are decided on the papers without anyone appearing, unless you request oral argument.

How to answer it. Choose a Friday motion date that is far enough out to give legal notice. Under Rule 1:6-3, a motion must be served so the other side gets it in time, which generally means filing at least 16 days before the return date and serving it so it arrives at least 8 days before for a non-dispositive motion. Many counties publish their motion calendar; call the Special Civil Part Office to confirm available Fridays.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez files on March 6 and picks a return date of 03/27/2026, a Friday three weeks out, leaving plenty of notice time.

A nuance or edge case. If you want to speak to the judge in person, check the box requesting oral argument; otherwise the judge rules on the written papers alone. Holidays can shift a motion date — confirm with the clerk.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Picking a return date too soon to give proper notice is a frequent error. The court will adjourn (push back) your motion, costing you weeks while a garnishment may continue.

A misconception people hold about this field. Filers believe they must show up in court on the return date. In Special Civil Part, most motions are decided on the papers, and you only appear if oral argument is granted.

6. Movant’s Name, Address, and Phone (Your Contact Block)

What the field asks in plain English. This block identifies you — the “movant,” the person filing the motion — and tells the court how to reach you with its decision.

How to answer it. Print your full legal name, current mailing address, and a daytime phone number. Add an email address if the form provides a line, since many courts now send decisions electronically.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez writes Maria Lopez, 47 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103, (973) 555-0148.

A nuance or edge case. If you use a P.O. Box for mail, you may list it for the mailing address, but the court still wants a way to reach you. If you fear the other side knowing your home address, ask the clerk about confidentiality options before listing it.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Listing an old address means you never receive the court’s order, and you can miss a deadline to act. Always use the address where you actually get mail.

A misconception people hold about this field. People think the court will phone them with the result. The court mails or emails the order, so a correct mailing address matters more than the phone line.

7. Certification in Support of Motion — Statement of Facts

What the field asks in plain English. This is the heart of the packet: your sworn, first-person account of why the judge should grant your motion. It is signed under penalty of perjury.

How to answer it. Write short, numbered paragraphs in plain language. State the facts in order: what happened, why you missed the original date or were never served, and what you will do if given the chance (such as file an answer). Stick to facts you personally know.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez writes: “1. I never received the summons and complaint because I moved in December 2025. 2. I first learned of the judgment on 02/28/2026 when my bank account was frozen. 3. I have a valid defense because the debt is not mine.”

A nuance or edge case. To vacate a default judgment under Rule 4:50-1, courts look for excusable neglect and a meritorious defense — so explain both why you missed the case and why you would win if heard. If your reason is improper service, say exactly how service failed.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Filers vent about how unfair the creditor is without giving a legal reason. Emotion without facts that fit Rule 4:50-1 leads straight to a denial.

A misconception people hold about this field. People think a long story helps. Judges want a tight, factual certification — three to ten clear numbered paragraphs beat three rambling pages.

8. Certification Truthfulness Statement and Signature

What the field asks in plain English. Just above the signature line is a sentence swearing that everything you wrote is true. Signing it makes your certification a sworn legal document.

How to answer it. Read the truthfulness language, then sign and date the line. The standard New Jersey certification states that you understand you are subject to punishment if any statement is willfully false. Print your name beneath the signature.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez signs her name in cursive, prints MARIA LOPEZ below it, and dates it 03/06/2026.

A nuance or edge case. A certification under Rule 1:4-4(b) does not need a notary — your signature under the truthfulness statement is enough. Only certain other documents require notarization.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Forgetting to sign or date is shockingly common, and an unsigned certification is legally worthless — the court will reject the entire motion.

A misconception people hold about this field. Many think they must visit a notary. For a Judiciary certification, the sworn truthfulness statement replaces the notary in nearly all cases.

9. Certification of Service

What the field asks in plain English. This page proves you sent a copy of the motion to the other side. The court will not decide a motion unless the opponent had a fair chance to respond.

How to answer it. Fill in the name and address of the person or company you served, the date you mailed or delivered it, and the method (regular and certified mail is the safe choice). Then sign and date the certification of service.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez writes that on 03/06/2026 she mailed a copy to Midland Credit Management, Inc., P.O. Box 60578, Los Angeles, CA 90060 by certified and regular mail, then signs.

A nuance or edge case. If the other side has a lawyer of record, serve the lawyer at the address on the court papers, not the company directly. Keep your certified-mail green card or receipt as proof.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Filing the motion but never serving the other side — or serving the wrong address — is a fatal flaw. The judge cannot rule and will adjourn or deny the motion for lack of proper service.

A misconception people hold about this field. People think the court mails the motion to the other side for them. It does not — you must serve the opponent and prove you did it on this page.

10. Proposed Order

What the field asks in plain English. The proposed order is a ready-to-sign document that spells out the relief you want, so the judge only has to sign and date it if your motion is granted.

How to answer it. Fill in the same caption, docket number, and county, then write the exact order you want, mirroring your Notice of Motion. Leave the judge’s signature and date lines blank.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez drafts an order stating “The default judgment entered on 02/10/2026 is hereby vacated, and defendant may file an answer within 35 days.”

A nuance or edge case. Provide two versions only if the court asks; usually one proposed order is enough. Match the relief word-for-word to your motion so there is no gap.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Leaving out the proposed order forces the judge or clerk to draft one, which slows your case or risks an order that does not say what you wanted.

A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think signing the proposed order themselves makes it valid. Only the judge signs the order; your job is to draft it and leave the signature line empty.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

Below are three of the most common ways New Jersey filers use Form CN-10510. Each follows one person through the key fields from start to finish.

Scenario 1 — Maria Lopez vacates a debt-collection default judgment. Maria was sued by a debt buyer, never got the summons after moving, and found out only when her bank account froze.

Form Section What Maria Enters
County of Venue ESSEX
Plaintiff Midland Credit Management, Inc.
Defendant MARIA LOPEZ
Docket Number ESX-DC-004521-25
What You Are Asking For Order vacating the default judgment entered 02/10/2026 and allowing an answer
Return Date 03/27/2026 (Friday, 3 weeks out)
Certification Facts Never served after moving; learned of judgment when bank froze; debt is not mine
Certification of Service Mailed certified + regular to plaintiff on 03/06/2026
Signature/Date Maria Lopez, 03/06/2026

Scenario 2 — Marcus Bell, a tenant, moves to reopen a security-deposit case. Marcus sued his old landlord for a returned deposit, missed his trial date because of a work emergency, and his case was dismissed.

Form Section What Marcus Enters
County of Venue HUDSON
Plaintiff MARCUS BELL
Defendant Riverside Property Management, LLC
Docket Number HUD-DC-009833-25
What You Are Asking For Order restoring the case dismissed 04/15/2026 to the active trial list
Return Date 05/15/2026
Certification Facts Missed trial due to a mandatory overnight work shift; have receipts proving deposit owed
Certification of Service Mailed copy to landlord’s attorney on 04/24/2026
Signature/Date Marcus Bell, 04/24/2026

Scenario 3 — Aisha Khan, a small-claims defendant, asks to stay a garnishment. Aisha lost a small-claims case by default and now faces a wage garnishment she cannot afford while she fights the judgment.

Form Section What Aisha Enters
County of Venue MIDDLESEX
Plaintiff Sunrise Appliances Inc.
Defendant AISHA KHAN
Docket Number MID-SC-001277-26
What You Are Asking For Order vacating the default judgment and staying the wage garnishment pending decision
Return Date 06/12/2026
Certification Facts Was hospitalized on the trial date; attaches discharge papers; goods were defective
Certification of Service Mailed certified + regular to plaintiff on 05/22/2026
Oral Argument Requested — checked the box

How to File the Completed Form

New Jersey gives you several ways to file the motion. Pick one channel and keep proof of whatever you submit.

  • Online through JEDS. The fastest route is the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission system, where you upload the signed PDF, select Special Civil Part and your county, and pay the fee by credit card. JEDS gives you an instant electronic receipt — your proof of filing — and processing usually starts within a few business days.
  • By mail. Mail the signed packet and a check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey to the Special Civil Part Office at your county courthouse. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of the date. Allow extra days for mail processing.
  • In person. Bring the packet to the Special Civil Part Office counter in your county courthouse and pay by the methods that location accepts (often check, money order, or card). Ask the clerk to stamp your copy “filed” as your receipt.
  • Filing fee. A Special Civil Part motion fee generally runs about $30 to $50 depending on the case type; confirm the current amount with your county clerk or the NJ Courts fee schedule. Keep payment proof.

If you cannot afford the fee, file a fee-waiver request with the packet. The court can waive fees for filers who show financial hardship, which keeps the cost from blocking your access to a hearing. Aisha, facing a garnishment, filed a fee waiver along with her motion and paid nothing to be heard.

What Happens After You File

After you file, the clerk dockets your motion and places it on the judge’s list for the return date you chose. The other side has a chance to file written opposition before that date — in Special Civil Part this is usually due a few days before the return date under Rule 1:6-3. If they oppose, the judge weighs both papers.

Most Special Civil Part motions are decided on the papers, meaning no one appears unless the judge granted oral argument. You will receive the judge’s order by mail or email at the address you listed, so watch for it. If your motion to vacate is granted, the default judgment is wiped out, any pending garnishment or levy tied to it should stop, and you typically get a short window — often 35 days — to file your answer and defend the case on its merits.

If the motion is denied, the judgment stands and collection can resume. You may have the option to refile with stronger facts or to appeal, but deadlines are tight, so act fast. Marcus received his order ten days after the return date, learned his case was restored, and immediately called the clerk to schedule a new trial date.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

  • Wrong or missing docket number. The clerk cannot match your motion to your file, so it is returned unfiled.
  • Filing in the wrong county. Venue stays where the case started; filing elsewhere means your papers go nowhere.
  • Picking a return date too soon. You fail to give legal notice, and the court adjourns your motion for weeks.
  • Never serving the other side. The judge cannot rule without proof the opponent got a copy, so the motion stalls.
  • Serving the wrong address. Failed service forces an adjournment and may let a garnishment keep running.
  • Leaving the certification vague. Emotion without facts that fit Rule 4:50-1 leads to a flat denial.
  • Forgetting to sign or date. An unsigned certification is legally worthless and gets the packet rejected.
  • Skipping the proposed order. The judge has nothing ready to sign, which delays or muddles your relief.
  • Using an outdated form version. An old form may miss a current field or fee and bounce on intake.
  • Leaving blanks instead of writing N/A. Clerks read blanks as incomplete and may return the packet.
  • Not keeping proof of filing or service. Without a receipt or green card, you cannot prove you met deadlines.
  • Mismatched relief between the motion and the order. A gap between what you asked and what the order says can shrink what the judge grants.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

  • Do match every name and number to the court file, because mismatches break the link to your case.
  • Do state both excusable neglect and a real defense, since Rule 4:50-1 generally needs both.
  • Do serve the other side early and by certified mail, so you have hard proof of notice.
  • Do attach supporting documents, because proof makes a judge far more likely to rule your way.
  • Do keep a complete copy of everything you file, in case the court asks or papers get lost.
  • Do request a fee waiver if money is tight, so cost never blocks your hearing.

Don’ts

  • Don’t pick a return date without checking notice rules, or the court will adjourn your motion.
  • Don’t leave any field blank, since clerks treat blanks as an incomplete packet.
  • Don’t write your life story in the certification, because judges want tight, numbered facts.
  • Don’t forget to sign and date, as an unsigned certification is rejected.
  • Don’t assume the court serves the other side for you, because that duty is yours.
  • Don’t file an outdated form, since a changed field or fee can get it returned.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Many filers complete Form CN-10510 themselves, but a lawyer or legal-aid advocate can help in close cases. Weigh the trade-offs below.

Filing on Your Own (Pro Se) Filing With Professional Help
Costs only the small motion fee, so it is far cheaper. Costs attorney fees, which can exceed the judgment itself.
You control the timing and file as soon as you are ready. A lawyer may take time to review before filing.
The Judiciary’s self-help materials are written for non-lawyers. A pro frames the Rule 4:50-1 argument for the best odds.
You learn your own case deeply by doing it. A pro spots defenses and procedural traps you might miss.
Free help is available through Legal Services of New Jersey. An advocate can handle opposition and oral argument for you.
Mistakes can cause delays you must fix yourself. Professional help lowers the chance of a fatal paperwork error.

FAQs

Is New Jersey Form CN-10510 used to vacate a default judgment?

Yes. It is the most common use. The packet lets a Special Civil Part party ask a judge to cancel a default judgment under Rule 4:50-1 and reopen the case.

Is there a filing fee for this motion?

Yes. A Special Civil Part motion fee generally runs about $30 to $50, though you can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay it.

Do I need a notary to sign the certification?

No. A Judiciary certification under Rule 1:4-4(b) is signed under penalty of perjury, so your signature under the truthfulness statement replaces a notary in nearly all cases.

Do I write the county where I live now in the County of Venue box?

No. Write the county where the case was originally filed, exactly as it appears on the judgment, even if you have since moved away.

Do I use the docket number or the judgment number on the form?

No, do not confuse them. Use the docket number the form asks for, including the county code and letter prefix, not a separate “DJ” judgment number.

Do I have to appear in court on the return date?

No. Most Special Civil Part motions are decided on the written papers. You only appear if you checked the box requesting oral argument and the judge grants it.

Do I serve the other side myself or does the court do it?

No, the court does not serve it for you. You must mail a copy to the other side and prove it on the Certification of Service page.

Do I write my whole story in the Certification in Support box?

No. Use short, numbered facts that show excusable neglect and a real defense. A tight certification beats a long, emotional one.

Can I ask to stop a wage garnishment with this motion?

Yes. You can request a stay of garnishment in the same motion while the judge decides whether to vacate the judgment.

Will the judgment go away if I just ignore it?

No. A default judgment stays on record and lets the creditor garnish wages or levy your account until a judge vacates it.

Can I file this motion online?

Yes. You can upload the signed packet through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission system (JEDS), pay by card, and get an instant electronic receipt.

Is there a deadline to file a motion to vacate a default judgment?

Yes. File as soon as you learn of the judgment. Motions based on certain grounds under Rule 4:50-1 must be filed within a reasonable time, and some within one year.

Can I list more than one defendant on the form?

Yes. If the case names multiple defendants, list all of their full names in the caption exactly as they appear on the complaint.

Do I leave the judge’s signature line on the proposed order blank?

Yes. You draft the proposed order and leave the signature and date lines empty, because only the judge signs the order if your motion is granted.