The court may make such orders as will prevent a party from being embarrassed, delayed or put to expense by the inclusion of another party where there are no claims made by either against the other, and may order separate trials or make other orders to prevent delay or prejudice.
Rule 4:29-2.Separate trials
Last amended September 1, 1994 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:29-2 lets the court enter orders — including separate trials — to prevent a party from being embarrassed, delayed, or put to expense by the joinder of another party against whom it has no claims.
Full Text of Rule 4:29-2
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. 4:33-2; amended July 13, 1994 to be effective September 1, 1994.
Plain-English Summary
Broad joinder can sweep in a party who has nothing to do with part of the case. This rule is the counterweight: the court may make orders to prevent a party from being embarrassed, delayed, or put to expense because another party was joined where there are no claims between them.
The available tools include ordering separate trials or other measures to prevent delay or prejudice, so joinder serves efficiency without unfairly burdening an unrelated party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the court separate improperly joined parties?
Yes. To prevent embarrassment, delay, or expense from the joinder of a party against whom no claims are made, the court may order separate trials or make other orders to prevent delay or prejudice.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:29-2). 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: separate trialsprevent prejudice from joinderprotective joinder order