Rule 5:15-3.Filing and Service, Notice of Hearing
Last amended December 31, 1983 · Current through September 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of Rule 5:15-3
Amendment History
New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “Note” beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; a “Source” line names the former rule the current one grew out of, and “R. (1969)” citations refer to the earlier numbering it replaced.
Note: Source--new. Adopted December 20, 1983, to be effective December 31, 1983.
Plain-English Summary
Speed first, formality second. The petition is filed with the clerk, who must — to the extent possible — notify by telephone everyone listed in it of the date, time and place of the hearing. In a crisis, a phone call reaches a family faster than anything a process server can do.
The telephone call does not replace service. In addition to it, a copy of the petition together with a summons in the form the civil rules prescribe is served on all parties named in the petition, under the civil service rules, as soon after filing as is practicable.
The distinction matters at the hearing: Rule 5:17-1 allows a warrant to compel a non-appearing person, but expressly not for a failure to appear after telephonic notification alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are family members told about a crisis hearing?
The clerk notifies by telephone, to the extent possible, all persons listed in the petition of the date, time and place of the hearing — and in addition the petition and a summons are formally served as soon after filing as is practicable.
Is a phone call enough?
Not on its own for every purpose. Formal service still follows, and no warrant may issue under Rule 5:17-1 for a failure to appear pursuant to telephonic notification.