How much time do I have to answer a foreclosure complaint in New Jersey?

A foreclosure action starts when the lender files a complaint in the Superior Court, Chancery Division, in the county in which your home is located.

The Defendant (homeowner) has 35 days from when they are served with the summons and complaint to file a written answer to the foreclosure complaint.

In the answer you must state the reasons why you believe that the lender does not have the legal right to foreclose on your home. It can be difficult to answer a foreclosure complaint because there are many requirements for doing so. For instance, the answer must be filed with the Court and served upon the Plaintiff’s attorney. The Plaintiff is the party who filed the foreclosure lawsuit. The Defendant is the party who is being sued.

If you do not file an answer, it will be treated as if you admitted the claims in the foreclosure complaint. The Plaintiff’s attorney can seek to have a default entered against the Defendant and then seek a final judgment of foreclosure.