On motion by a party the court may, upon reasonable notice and on terms, permit that party to serve a supplemental pleading setting forth transactions or occurrences which took place after the date of the pleading sought to be supplemented. A motion for leave to file a supplemental pleading shall have annexed thereto a copy of the proposed pleading. The court may require the opposing party to plead thereto, specifying in its order the time therefore.
Rule 4:9-4.Supplemental pleadings
Last amended September 1, 1994 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:9-4 lets the court, on motion and terms, permit a party to serve a supplemental pleading setting out transactions or occurrences that happened after the date of the pleading being supplemented.
Full Text of Rule 4:9-4
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. 4:15-4; amended July 13, 1994 to be effective September 1, 1994.
Plain-English Summary
Events that occur after a pleading is filed can still matter to the case. This rule lets the court, on motion and reasonable notice, permit a party to serve a supplemental pleading covering transactions or occurrences that took place after the date of the pleading being supplemented.
The mechanics are routine: the motion must attach the proposed supplemental pleading, and the court may direct the opposing party to respond within a time it sets. Unlike an amendment, which revisits the original pleading, a supplemental pleading adds what has happened since.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a supplemental pleading?
A pleading that sets out transactions or occurrences that happened after the date of the pleading it supplements. The court may permit it on motion, and the proposed pleading must be annexed to the motion.
How is a supplemental pleading different from an amendment?
An amendment revises or corrects the original pleading; a supplemental pleading adds events that occurred after the original was filed. Amendments are governed by Rule 4:9-1.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:9-4). 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: supplemental pleadingpost-pleading eventslater occurrences