Rule 4:18-2.Copies of documents referred to in pleading

Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026

In one sentenceRule 4:18-2 requires a party who refers to a document in a pleading, without attaching or quoting it, to serve a copy on an adverse party within five days after a written demand.

Full Text of Rule 4:18-2

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When any document or paper is referred to in a pleading but is neither annexed thereto nor recited verbatim therein, a copy thereof shall be served on the adverse party within 5 days after service of his written demand therefor.

End

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. 4:24-2.

Plain-English Summary

A pleading sometimes mentions a document without including it. This rule lets the other side get it: when a document or paper is referred to in a pleading but neither annexed nor recited verbatim, a copy must be served on the adverse party.

The trigger is a written demand, and the deadline is short — the copy is served within five days after the demand. It is a quick way to obtain a document the pleadings themselves put in issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a document mentioned in a pleading?

Yes. If a document is referred to in a pleading but not attached or quoted, a copy must be served on the adverse party within five days after a written demand for it.

Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:18-2). 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: copies of documents referred to in pleadingdocument referred to in pleadingdemand for document