Last amended September 1, 2018 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:103-1 requires CBLP parties, without waiting for a discovery request, to disclose likely witnesses, supporting documents and ESI, a damages computation with backup materials, and relevant insurance agreements -- generally within 14 days of the R. 4:103-2 conference -- based on then-available information, in a signed writing, with sanctions available for noncompliance.
(a)Required Disclosures. Except as otherwise stipulated or ordered by the court, a party must, without awaiting a discovery request, provide to the other parties:
(1)the name and, if known, the address and telephone number of each individual likely to have discoverable information — along with the subjects of that information — that the disclosing party may use to support its claims or defenses, unless the use would be solely for impeachment;
(2)a copy — or a description by category and location — of all documents, electronically stored information, and tangible things that the disclosing party has in its possession, custody, or control and may use to support its claims or defenses, unless the use would be solely for impeachment;
(3)a computation of each category of damages claimed by the disclosing party — who must also make available for inspection and copying as under Rules 4:18 and 4:104-5(a) the documents or other evidentiary material, unless privileged or protected from disclosure, on which each computation is based, including materials bearing on the nature and extent of injuries suffered; and
(4)for inspection and copying as under Rules 4:18 and 4:104-5(a), any insurance agreement under which an insurance business may be liable to satisfy all or part of a possible judgment in the action or to indemnify or reimburse for payments made to satisfy the judgment.
(1)In General. A party must make the initial disclosures at or within 14 days after the parties’ R. 4:103-2 conference unless a different time is set by stipulation or court order, or unless a party objects during the conference that initial disclosures are not appropriate in this action and states the objection in the proposed discovery plan. In ruling on the objection, the court must determine what disclosures, if any, are to be made and must set the time for disclosure.
(2)For Parties Served or Joined Later. A party that is first served or otherwise joined after the R. 4:103-2 conference must make the initial disclosures within 30 days after being served or joined, unless a different time is set by stipulation or court order.
(c)Basis for Initial Disclosure; Unacceptable Excuses. A party must make its initial disclosures based on the information then reasonably available to it. A party is not excused from making its disclosures because it has not fully investigated the case or because it challenges the sufficiency of another party’s disclosures or because another party has not made its disclosures.
(d)Format of Initial Disclosures. Unless the court orders otherwise, all initial disclosures under this rule must be in writing, signed, and served. The requirements of R. 4:104-8 shall apply to initial disclosures. The failure to provide compliant initial disclosures may lead to sanctions in the court’s discretion.
Amendment History
New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “History” note beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; the “R.R.” citations refer to the former Revised Rules numbering the current rules replaced.
Adopted July 27, 2018 to be effective September 1, 2018.
Plain-English Summary
CBLP discovery starts before anyone asks for it. Without waiting for a request, each party must hand over the names and contact information of people likely to have discoverable information relevant to its claims or defenses (unless the use would be purely for impeachment), a copy or description of supporting documents, electronically stored information, and tangible things, a computation of each category of damages claimed along with the backup material it rests on, and any insurance agreement that might cover the judgment.
These disclosures are generally due at or within 14 days after the parties' R. 4:103-2 conference, or within 30 days for a party served or joined later, unless a different time is stipulated or ordered, or a party objects at the conference and the court sets its own schedule. A party can't dodge the deadline by pointing to an incomplete investigation or someone else's shortcomings — disclosures rest on whatever information is then reasonably available. They have to be in writing, signed, and served, following R. 4:104-8's certification requirements, and skipping them can bring sanctions at the court's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are initial disclosures due in a CBLP case?
Generally at or within 14 days after the R. 4:103-2 conference, or within 30 days for a party served or joined later, unless a different time is stipulated or ordered.
Can a party delay its initial disclosures because its investigation isn't complete?
No, a party isn't excused from disclosing because it hasn't fully investigated the case, is challenging another party's disclosures, or another party hasn't disclosed.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:103-1). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey (N.J. Const. art. VI, § 2, ¶ 3). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 7, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as:CBLP initial disclosuresrequired disclosures CBLP