Creating a Paper File and Docketing Cases

Creating a Paper File

To establish a case record, TANF staff must use all the information provided by a customer, as recorded on several forms. Refer to your supervisor as a reference. Forms that make up the TANF paper file include, but are not limited to, the following:

• PA1X – Cash Assistance/Food Stamp/Medicaid Application and Registration
• Work First New Jersey Child Support Requirement Affidavit of Cooperation
• Work First New Jersey Child Support Cooperation Requirement Notice of Initial Cooperation with Child Support
• Application for Child Support Services

These documents are not used if the case is initiated through the Family Division.

Docketing Cases

Docket refers to the formal public record, maintained by the court, that includes all pleadings and orders entered. Each case is assigned a docket number in order to track the filings and subsequent proceedings. Docket numbers are assigned in a numeric sequence in accordance with a format promulgated by the Superior Court, Family Division. To prevent multiple docket numbers from being assigned to the same parties in subsequent actions, the Superior Court, Family Division staff member must search the records to avoid duplication. The official court file is maintained in the Family Division.

Institute for Families, School of Social Work  Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey - Child Support Program Manual 2020 Release