N.J. Ct. R. 4:100
As amended through April 2, 2024
The Clerk of the Superior Court or, where provided by law or these rules, the deputy clerk of the Superior Court shall enter each action in the Civil Docket. Upon the filing of the first paper in any action the clerk shall assign a docket number to the action and promptly notify plaintiff's attorney of such number. Like notice shall be given to the defendant's attorney upon the filing of the first paper on behalf of the defendant. Thereafter the attorneys shall number every paper to be filed by them in the action with such docket number.
N.J. Ct. R. 4:100