Persons other than those made parties to the original action may be made parties to a counterclaim or cross-claim in accordance with the provisions of R. 4:28 and 4:29.
Rule 4:7-6.Additional parties may be brought in
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:7-6 allows persons who are not parties to the original action to be brought in as parties to a counterclaim or cross-claim, under the joinder rules of Rules 4:28 and 4:29.
Full Text of Rule 4:7-6
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. 4:13-7.
Plain-English Summary
A counterclaim or cross-claim may need people who are not yet in the case. This rule permits persons other than the original parties to be made parties to a counterclaim or cross-claim.
The mechanics come from the joinder rules. New parties are brought in under Rules 4:28 and 4:29, the same provisions that govern required and permissive joinder generally, so a counterclaim or cross-claim can reach everyone it needs to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can new parties be added to a counterclaim or cross-claim?
Yes. Persons not already in the action may be made parties to a counterclaim or cross-claim under the joinder provisions of Rules 4:28 and 4:29.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:7-6). 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: additional partiesjoinder to counterclaimbringing in new parties