(a) More Definite Statement. If a responsive pleading is to be made to a pleading which is so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonably be required to frame a responsive pleading, the party may move for a more definite statement before interposing a responsive pleading. The motion shall point out the defects complained of and the details desired. If the motion is granted and the order of the court not complied with within 10 days after notice of the order or within such other time as the court fixes, the court may strike the pleading to which the motion was directed or make such order as it deems appropriate. The statement shall become a part of the pleading which it supplements.
Rule 4:6-4.Motion for more definite statement or to strike or dismiss for impropriety of pleading
Last amended September 1, 1994 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:6-4 provides two pleading-cleanup motions: a motion for a more definite statement when a pleading is too vague to answer, and a motion to strike or dismiss a pleading that is scandalous, impertinent, immaterial, redundant, or abusive.
Full Text of Rule 4:6-4
(b) Impropriety of Pleading. On the court’s or a party’s motion, the court may either (1) dismiss any pleading that is, overall, scandalous, impertinent, or, considering the nature of the cause of action, abusive of the court or another person; or (2) strike any such part of a pleading or any part thereof that is immaterial or redundant. The order of dismissal shall comply with R. 4:37-2(a) and may expressly require, as a condition of the refiling of a pleading asserting a claim or defense based on the same transaction, the payment by the pleading party of attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the party who moved for dismissal.
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. 4:12-5. Caption amended, former rule redesignated paragraph (a) caption provided and paragraph (b) adopted November 2, 1987 to be effective January 1, 1988; paragraph (a); amended July 13, 1994 to be effective September 1, 1994.
Plain-English Summary
Some pleadings need fixing before a case can proceed, and this rule supplies the tools. Paragraph (a) lets a party who must respond to a pleading so vague or ambiguous that a response cannot reasonably be framed move for a more definite statement, pointing out the defects and the detail needed. If the court grants it and its order is ignored, the court may strike the pleading or enter another appropriate order.
Paragraph (b) targets improper content. On motion or its own initiative, the court may dismiss a pleading that is, overall, scandalous, impertinent, or abusive, or strike parts that are immaterial or redundant. A dismissal follows Rule 4:37-2(a) and may condition any refiling on the pleader’s payment of the moving party’s fees and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a motion for a more definite statement?
A motion, made before responding, asking the court to require a party to clarify a pleading so vague or ambiguous that a response cannot reasonably be framed. It must point out the defects and the details desired.
Can a court strike part of a pleading?
Yes. Under paragraph (b) the court may strike immaterial or redundant parts of a pleading, or dismiss a pleading that is overall scandalous, impertinent, or abusive.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:6-4). 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: more definite statementmotion to strikeimpropriety of pleadingscandalous pleading