Rule 4:83-3.Title of action

Last amended September 3, 2002 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026

In one sentenceRule 4:83-3 requires every paper in a probate, administration, or guardianship action to carry a caption in the form "In the Matter of the Estate of [name], Deceased" or "In the Matter of [name], a Minor," or a similar title.

Full Text of Rule 4:83-3

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In all actions for the probate of a will, for letters of administration or guardianship of a minor or mentally incapacitated person and other actions brought pursuant to these rules, every paper shall be entitled “In the Matter of the Estate of ................, Deceased” or “In the Matter of ........... a Minor” or the like.

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. 4:117-4; caption and text of former R. 4:99-3; amended and rule redesignated June 29, 1990 to be effective September 4, 1990; amended July 12, 2002 to be effective September 3, 2002.

Plain-English Summary

Probate matters don't use the usual plaintiff-versus-defendant caption. Whether the action seeks to probate a will, obtain letters of administration, or establish a guardianship, every paper is titled "In the Matter of the Estate of . . . , Deceased," "In the Matter of . . . a Minor," or something along those lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caption format do probate and guardianship actions use?

A title such as "In the Matter of the Estate of [name], Deceased" or "In the Matter of [name], a Minor," rather than a plaintiff-versus-defendant caption.

Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:83-3). 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: probate captionestate caption format