Rule text
a. Generally. Except as otherwise provided by paragraph
(b) hereof or by any other rule or statute, a defendant in a family action shall file an answer in accordance with R. 4:5-3 or a general appearance and, without filing an answer, be heard on issues of custody of children, parenting time or visitation, alimony, child support, equitable distribution, counsel fees and other issues incidental to the proceeding. A defendant may also file an acknowledgment of service in accordance with R. 4:4-6.
b. Summary Actions. In summary family actions in which the process fixes a hearing date, the defendant may file a responsive pleading no later than 15 days prior to the hearing date. The defendant shall not be required to file a responsive pleading to appear on the hearing date to be heard on issues of custody, parenting time, visitation, child support, and other related issues.
Notes
Note: Source-R. (1969) 4:78-2, 4:79-1; 5:3-2 (second sentence). Adopted December 20, 1983, to be effective December 31, 1983; paragraph (a) amended November 1, 1985 to be effective January 2, 1986; paragraph (b) amended July 13, 1994 to be effective September 1, 1994; paragraph (a) amended July 5, 2000 to be effective September 5, 2000; paragraph (b) amended July 31, 2025 to be effective September 1, 2025.