HOW TO SERVE LEGAL PAPERS ON THE NEW JERSEY ATTORNEY GENERAL

The New Jersey Attorney General is a member of the State Executive Cabinet and administers the Ministry of Law and Public Security. The office is designated by the New Jersey Governor, confirmed by the New Jersey Senate, and restricted in duration. In accordance with the New Jersey Constitution, the Attorney General serves the Governor in a parallel term (starting on the third Tuesday of January following the election and ending on the third Tuesday following the next election). Governor Phil Murphy named Andrew Bruck as Acting Attorney General, who is New Jersey’s first out LGBT Attorney General.

Conventional knowledge holds that, except for cause’ by the governor or by route of legislative impeachment, the Attorney General cannot be removed from office. The Lieutenant Governor cannot also serve in the capacity of the Attorney General.

WHAT DOES THE NEW JERSEY ATTORNEY GENERAL DO

The Attorney General serves as head of the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, which is organized into ten divisions charged with overseeing the state’s criminal justice system, consumer protection, regulating certain state-wide industries, among other responsibilities. According to the office of the attorney general’s mission statement, despite these varied duties, ‘the Department is singularly united in protecting the safety and security of all those who live, work, and visit New Jersey.’ 

THE NEW JERSEY ATTORNEY GENERAL’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE DIVISION OF LAW

The Law Division (DOL) acts as the main legal counsel for the State Government of New Jersey. In essence, this job consists of three elements: [A.] to provide legal advice to the departments and agencies of the state, [B.] to defend the State in civil disputes, and [C.] to institute civil proceedings against persons, businesses, and other bodies that breach the law, and who harm New Jersey and its residents. The tasks of DOL, comprised of almost five hundred attorneys, include issues relating to banking, child protection, corrections, education, the environment, finance, health insurance, taxation, and transport.

New Jersey’s current Acting Attorney General is Andrew Bruck. On 30th June 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy nominated him acting Attorney General to replace Gurbir Grewal who resigned on 16 July 2021 as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Director of Enforcement effective 26TH  July that year.

New Jersey is one of seven states where citizens do not choose their Attorney General. The Constitution of New Jersey addresses the office of the Attorney General in Article V, the Executive.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NEW JERSEY ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Legislature has given extensive civil powers and responsibilities to the Attorney General. These include serving as the only legal adviser to all ‘officers, departments, boards, bodies, commissions, and State Government instruments.’ The legal counsel of these Departments and agencies is the duty of the Law Division and it is through this Division that the Attorney General carries out the majority of duties relating to the legal role they have played as Chief Counsel for the State, accountable for exercising and protecting public interests.

The Division of Law has a duty to lawfully represent these departments and agencies and it is via this Division that the Attorney General has most of their statutory obligations as Chief State Counsel, responsible for executing the Public Offerings and the Protection of Public Interest. The Division of Law was established on 7th  March 1944 and has a wide range of activities in carrying out its purpose. The Division is responsible for about thirty thousand pending legal cases in the federal and state courts of appeal and administrative fora.   Furthermore, the Law Division offers the Governor and other ministries, boards, and commissions within State governments with legal guidance and assistance.

Under the direction of the Attorney General, the Director is responsible for managing the Division. The Division has nine practice groups led by Assistant Lawyers General, each consisting of twenty-five sections to which the majority of the attorneys in the Division are appointed. Section chiefs and assistant chiefs oversee the sections.

The Attorney General monitors the criminal justice system, safeguards public safety, and protects the state from prosecution. The Department governs the casino, boxing, alcoholic beverages, and competition sectors. In addition, the Department safeguards customers against fraud. Although these duties are diverse, the Department is unique in safeguarding the safety of all those living, working, and visiting New Jersey

The Attorney General or any person designated to receive the process in writing may be served, with New Jersey Process Service being directed to the Office of the Attorney General.  For an agency, this would mean that personal delivery of Process Service to the officer or the chief executive officer of the agency would have to be committed on a personal delivery basis. However, Process Service on said officer may also be made by [A.] mailing of the Process Service papers by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the officer or chief executive officer of the agency or [B.] personal Process Service on the State. 

Process Service by certified mail cannot be complete until the summons is received in the office of the  Attorney General. This also holds true until personal service upon the state in the manner provided by the office is concluded.  

Service by certified mail must be addressed suitably on the front of the envelope and should bear the legend of the mail being urgent and legal. After this has been completed, the service may be accepted. The Attorney General of every such agency should designate at least one person, not counting themselves, to accept personal service on behalf of the agency. This procedure is held to be true in any state agency. As an alternative to the methods of personal New Jersey Process Service, documents may be served by the plaintiff or any other person by mailing to the person or entity to be served. 

Mail-in this context means that first-class mail must be employed with postage prepaid, a copy of the documents together with two copies of a statement of service by mail and acknowledgment of receipt.

It must be noted that the Attorney General and the Criminal Justice Division receive many letters seeking that they intervene in civil proceedings or criminal prosecute a person with whom the letter writer files a civil proceeding or disagreement. The office of the Attorney General cannot interfere in legal proceedings or disputes or alter the result of any civil dispute. If the individual is unhappy with the results of a civil lawsuit, it is necessary to consult an attorney of their choice about the option of appealing. To understand the idea further, it is necessary to contact the Clerk of the Appeals Division for assistance with pro-se appeals if one needs information about submitting their own appeal. If the communication involves child support,  through the Administrative Office of the Courts is the easiest way to contact the Child Support Enforcement Services Unit for purposes of Process Service. 

An individual may also raise a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General if they felt that a judge acted misguidedly during their case. For the purposes of identifying said complaint and for New Jersey Process Service in the case, it is necessary to contact the Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct. The purpose of the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct is to make recommendations that would then be applied to the Supreme Court itself when it comes to the conduct of the judges. However, it must be remembered that the action of this Committee cannot make any difference to the case. While its actions have the power of law behind them, it still cannot change to outcome of the case, which would have to be fulfilled upon the pursuance of civil remedies available. 

Furthermore, letters from prisoners or defendants should be addressed with great care to the Attorney General. The Attorney General and the Criminal Justice Division are State representatives in criminal proceedings. Therefore, their legal position in any criminal action in which the defendant is engaged would be identical to that of the prosecutor. This means the Attorney General cannot have contact with the individual except through their lawyer. Any expression of concern for proper handling of the case or if the individual claims that their rights have been infringed or have any issues with respect to their case should be communicated with the attorney for appropriate handling.

The Attorney General and the Criminal Justice Division have received correspondence for them to intervene in civil litigation or to prosecute a party with whom the letters have been brought to trial or dispute. They cannot interfere in civil disputes or conflicts, or in any way alter the result of the civil dispute.

The primary method of obtaining personal jurisdiction over a defendant in this State is by causing the summons and complaint to be personally served within this State in accordance with Process Service parameters.  If Process Service has to be served upon the State of New Jersey, it must then be done by registered, certified, or ordinary mail of a copy of the summons and complaint or alternatively by personal delivery of a copy of the summons and complaint to the Attorney General as Process Service. There is no applicable default for failure to appear unless personal Process Service has been specifically done as such.

It must be known that for action concerning lien or encumbrance held by the state, the notice should be done in lieu of a summons and must be done in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2A:45-2. New Jersey Process Service should then be provided along with a copy of the complaint levied upon the attorney general or their designee. However, if the lien or encumbrance arises by reason of a recognizance entered into in connection with any proceeding in the Superior Court or any criminal judgment rendered in such court, the notice, together with a copy of the complaint, will have to be served on the county prosecutor or the prosecutor’s designee named in a writing filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court for purposes of Process Service.

In Weber  v.  Mayan  Palace  Hotel  &  Resorts,   the court held that a complaint dismissed for lack of prosecution can be served with appropriate New Jersey Process Service before it is reinstated.  Reinstatement Service of a  dismissed complaint,  as a  prerequisite to vacating a  dismissal and restoring the pleading,  is permissible according to Process Service guidelines. 

The Department of Law and Public Safety’s objective is to safeguard the safety, safety, and quality of life of the people of New Jersey via an organized and collaborative legal enforcement and regulatory agency system. The Department defends the rights and interests of the people in all issues of law. The Department has a broad range of duties for the people and divisions, as well as autonomous commissions and boards. As Head of the Department, the Attorney General acts as Chief Enforcement Officer and Legal Counsel of the State and is responsible for the supervision of the Department of Legal Affairs and Public Safety.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

Click the “Place Order” button at the top of this page or call us at (800) 774-6922 to begin. Our team of experienced process servers is ready to assist you with reliable and efficient service of your documents, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements. We offer both comprehensive support and à la carte services tailored to your specific needs:

  • Prompt and professional service of process
  • Accurate completion of affidavits of service
  • Rush service for time-sensitive matters
  • Skip tracing for hard-to-locate parties
  • Detailed reporting on service attempts

Don’t risk case delays or dismissals due to improper service. Let Undisputed Legal’s skilled team handle the important task of serving legal papers for you. Our diligent, professional service helps attorneys, pro se litigants, and parents ensure their papers are served correctly and on time.

Take the first step towards ensuring proper service in your case – click “Place Order” or call (800) 774-6922 now. Let Undisputed Legal be your trusted partner in navigating the critical process of serving your documents.

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives” – Foster, William A

Directions to Our New Jersey Office

For easy access to our New Jersey office, click on the embedded map. Prior to arrival, please call us to be added to building security for access. Ensure you bring all necessary documents and payment for service to expedite the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Serving Legal Papers on The New Jersey Attorney General

How do I find the registered agent for The New Jersey Attorney General in my state?

The registered agent for The New Jersey Attorney General can be found by searching the Secretary of State’s online business entity database for the state where your case is filed. The registered agent is the only party authorized to accept service of process on behalf of the company.

Can I serve The New Jersey Attorney General by mail or email?

In most jurisdictions, initial service of process on The New Jersey Attorney General must be made through personal delivery to the registered agent or an authorized representative. Service by mail may be permitted in some states as a follow-up method or for certain document types, but email service is generally not accepted for original process. Always check local court rules for specific requirements.

What happens if I serve papers at a The New Jersey Attorney General branch instead of the registered agent?

Service at an unauthorized The New Jersey Attorney General location may be challenged as improper service, potentially delaying your case. Courts typically require service on the designated registered agent or an authorized corporate officer. Always verify the correct service address before attempting delivery.

Can I serve a subpoena on The New Jersey Attorney General?

Yes. Subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum requiring the production of documents, can be served on The New Jersey Attorney General through the registered agent or authorized representative. Some jurisdictions allow subpoena service on any managing agent or officer of the company.

How long does it take to serve legal papers on The New Jersey Attorney General?

Standard service on The New Jersey Attorney General through Undisputed Legal typically involves a first attempt within 3 to 7 business days. Expedited same-day or next-business-day service is available for urgent matters. Actual timelines depend on the registered agent’s accessibility and the jurisdiction.

What proof of service will I receive after serving The New Jersey Attorney General?

Undisputed Legal provides a sworn affidavit of service with GPS-verified coordinates, timestamp, and details of the person who accepted the documents. This affidavit is court-admissible and satisfies proof of service requirements in all U.S. jurisdictions.

What happens if the registered agent for The New Jersey Attorney General is no longer at the listed address?

If the registered agent for The New Jersey Attorney General cannot be located at the filed address, alternative service methods may be available, including service through the Secretary of State. Undisputed Legal will research the current registered agent information and advise on the best approach for successful service.

How much does it cost to serve legal papers on The New Jersey Attorney General?

Process service fees for serving The New Jersey Attorney General depend on the service location, urgency, and number of attempts required. Undisputed Legal offers competitive flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees. Contact us at 800-774-6922 for a quote specific to your matter.

Can I serve The New Jersey Attorney General in a state where they are not headquartered?

Yes, if The New Jersey Attorney General is registered to do business in that state or has sufficient contacts with the state to establish jurisdiction. Most large corporations maintain registered agents in every state where they operate. Service must be made on the registered agent in the state where the case is filed.

How do I get started with serving legal papers on The New Jersey Attorney General through Undisputed Legal?

Contact Undisputed Legal at 800-774-6922 or submit your service request through our website at undisputedlegal.com. Provide the case details and documents to be served, and we will confirm the registered agent information, provide a quote, and dispatch a process server promptly.

Professional Credentials & Affiliations

Undisputed Legal Inc. maintains active membership and affiliations with the following professional organizations: National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS), United States Process Servers Association (USPSA), National Association of Legal Support Professionals (NAOSP), Better Business Bureau (BBB) A+ Rating, New York State Unified Court System, DCWP Licensed Process Server (NYC), International Association of Professional Process Servers, National Notary Association, American Bar Association (ABA) – Allied Member, New York County Lawyers Association, Brooklyn Bar Association, Queens County Bar Association, Bronx County Bar Association, Staten Island Bar Association, Westchester County Bar Association, and Nassau County Bar Association.

Additional Resources

Coverage Areas

Domestic
International

Office Locations

New York: (212) 203-8001 – One World Trade Center 85th Floor, New York, New York 10007

Brooklyn: (347) 983-5436 – 300 Cadman Plaza West, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11201

Queens: (646) 357-3005 – 118-35 Queens Blvd, Suite 400, Forest Hills, New York 11375

Long Island: (516) 208-4577 – 626 RXR Plaza, 6th Floor, Uniondale, New York 11556

Westchester: (914) 414-0877 – 50 Main Street, 10th Floor, White Plains, New York 10606

Connecticut: (203) 489-2940 – 500 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 400, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

New Jersey: (201) 630-0114 - 101 Hudson Street, 21 Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302

Washington DC: (202) 655-4450 - 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. 10th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20006

Houston, TX: (713) 564-9677 - 700 Louisiana Street, 39th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002

Chicago IL: (312) 267-1227 - 155 North Wacker Drive, 42 Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606

For Assistance Serving Legal Papers

Simply pick up the phone and call Toll Free (800) 774-6922 or click the service you want to purchase. Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to assist you. We can handle all your process service needs; no job is too small or too large!

Contact us for more information about our process serving agency. We are ready to provide service of process to all of our clients globally from our offices in New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington D.C.

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives”– Foster, William A

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does service take?

Routine service is typically completed within 3–7 business days. Rush service is generally attempted within 24–48 hours.

How many attempts are included?

Standard service includes up to three attempts at different times of day when required.

Will I receive proof of service?

Yes. Once service is completed, the signed affidavit will be uploaded to your secure portal.

What documents are required?

You must upload court-stamped documents or finalized copies ready for service.

Can I track the status of my case?

Yes. Log into your account at any time to view your case timeline and attempts.