(a) Objections to Questions; Motions. A party upon whom interrogatories are served who objects to any questions propounded therein may either answer the question by stating “The question is improper” or may, within 20 days after being served with the interrogatories, serve a notice of motion, to be brought on for hearing at the earliest possible time, to strike any question, setting out the grounds of objection. The answering party shall make timely answer, however, to all questions to which no objection is made. Interrogatories not stricken shall be answered within such unexpired period of the 60 days prescribed by R. 4:17-4(b) as remained when the notice of motion was served or within such time as the court directs. The propounder of a question answered by a statement that it is improper may, within 20 days after being served with the answers, serve a notice of motion to compel an answer to the question, and, if granted, the question shall be answered within such time as the court directs.
Rule 4:17-5.Objections to interrogatories
Last amended September 1, 1994 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:17-5 sets the procedure for objecting to interrogatories — answering that a question is improper or moving to strike within 20 days — and for compelling answers or the production of requested papers, with costs available for a frivolous or dilatory motion.
Full Text of Rule 4:17-5
(b) Objections to Request for Copies of Papers. A party served with interrogatories requesting copies of papers who objects to the furnishing thereof shall, in lieu of complying with the request, either state with specificity the reasons for noncompliance or invite the propounder to inspect and copy the papers at a designated time and place. The propounder of a request for a copy of a paper which is not complied with, may, within 20 days after being served with the answers, serve a notice of motion directing compliance with the request or for other appropriate relief.
(c) Interrogatory Motions; Form. Motions to strike interrogatories or to compel more specific answers thereto shall include a short statement of the nature of the action and shall have annexed thereto the text of the questions and answers, if any, objected to.
(d) Costs and Fees on Motion. If the court finds that a motion made pursuant to this rule was made frivolously or for the purpose of delay or was necessitated by action of the adverse party that was frivolous or taken for the purpose of delay, the court may order the offending party to pay the amount of reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees incurred by the other party in making or resisting the motion.
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.
Source-R.R. 4:23-8 (first, second, third, fourth and seventh sentences). Paragraph (c) adopted July 14, 1972 to be effective September 5, 1972; paragraphs (a) and (b); amended July 13, 1994 to be effective September 1, 1994.
Plain-English Summary
A party who objects to an interrogatory has two paths. It may answer the specific question by stating “The question is improper,” or, within 20 days of service, move to strike the question and state the grounds. Either way, the party must timely answer every question it does not object to. The propounder of a question met with an “improper” response may move to compel an answer.
The rule handles requests for copies of papers and motion mechanics too. A party objecting to furnishing a paper states its reasons or offers inspection, and interrogatory motions must annex the questions and answers at issue. If the court finds a motion was frivolous or brought for delay — or was made necessary by the other side’s frivolous conduct — it may order the offending party to pay reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you object to an interrogatory in New Jersey?
Either answer the specific question by stating that it is improper, or, within 20 days of service, serve a motion to strike the question stating the grounds. All non-objected questions must still be answered on time.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:17-5). 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: objections to interrogatoriesmotion to strike interrogatoriesmotion to compel interrogatory answersimproper question