Except as may be more specifically provided by these rules in respect of specific actions, a pleading which sets forth a claim for relief, whether an original claim, counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party claim, shall contain a statement of the facts on which the claim is based, showing that the pleader is entitled to relief, and a demand for judgment for the relief to which the pleader claims entitlement. Relief in the alternative or of several different types may be demanded. If unliquidated money damages are claimed in any court, other than the Special Civil Part, the pleading shall demand damages generally without specifying the amount. If a pleading filed in the Special Civil Part states a demand in excess of the amount cognizable in that court, said pleading shall be filed by the clerk for the full cognizable amount and any amount in excess thereof shall be deemed waived unless the action is transferred pursuant to R. 6:4-1. The clerk of the Special Civil Part shall, in any pleading filed that does not set forth a cognizable amount, consider the demand to be for the maximum amount and the maximum filing fee shall be charged. Upon service of a written request by another party, the party filing the pleading shall within 5 days after service thereof furnish the requesting party with a written statement of the amount of damages claimed, which statement shall not be filed except on court order.
Rule 4:5-2.Claim for relief
Last amended September 1, 1994 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:5-2 sets what a claim for relief must contain — a statement of the facts showing entitlement to relief and a demand for judgment — and directs that unliquidated money damages be demanded generally, without stating a dollar amount, outside the Special Civil Part.
Full Text of Rule 4:5-2
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. 4:8-1. Amended December 20, 1983 to be effective December 31, 1983; amended November 5, 1986 to be effective January 1, 1987; amended July 13, 1994 to be effective September 1, 1994.
Plain-English Summary
This is New Jersey’s notice-pleading standard. Any claim for relief — a complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim — must state the facts on which it rests, show that the pleader is entitled to relief, and demand a judgment for that relief. A party may demand relief in the alternative or of several types.
The rule bars pleading a specific dollar figure for unliquidated damages outside the Special Civil Part; damages are demanded generally instead. A defendant who wants the number can serve a written request, and the claimant must supply a statement of the amount within five days, though that statement is not filed except by court order. The approach spares juries and the public a headline damages figure while still letting the defendant learn the exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a complaint contain in New Jersey?
A statement of the facts on which the claim is based, showing the pleader is entitled to relief, and a demand for judgment for that relief. Relief may be demanded in the alternative or in several forms.
Can a New Jersey complaint state a specific dollar amount of damages?
Outside the Special Civil Part, unliquidated damages are demanded generally, without specifying an amount. A defendant may request a written statement of the amount claimed, which the claimant must furnish within five days.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:5-2). 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: claim for reliefdemand for judgmentnotice pleadingdamages demandad damnumunliquidated damages