Cotter v. Dodd

MILBERG, A.J.S.C.

Plaintiff Frances Cotter by way of a Notice of Motion seeks an extension of time within which to file a motion for trial de novo or in the alternative granting a trial de novo.

The case was arbitrated on April 22, 1985, at which time an award was handed down. R. 10B(1) of the Statewide Rules Governing Automobile Arbitration expressly limits the time for trial de novo motions to 30 days from the date of decision. In accordance with R. 10B(1), plaintiff’s time to file a motion for trial de novo expired on May 22, 1985.

Plaintiff’s motion was filed May 23, 1985, one day out of time. Plaintiff’s counsel states that upon conferring with plaintiff, plaintiff stated that she wanted to consult her doctor before making a decision regarding acceptance of the arbitration award. Since plaintiff was unable to secure an appointment within the time period allowed under the Rule for trial de novo motions, plaintiff now seeks a 30 day extension in which to file the motion or, in the alternative, that a trial de novo be granted.

R. 10B(1) of the Statewide Rules Governing Automobile Arbitration sets forth the time provisions for trial de novo motions in arbitration cases. It provides:

B. The matter shall be subject to automatic dismissal unless:

(1) ... within 30 days of the date of the arbitration decision, either party rejects the decision and moves for a trial de novo. Such motion shall be filed within the Civil Case Manager and shall be accompanied by appropriate proof of service pursuant to B. 1:5-3 indicating service on all parties of interest; ...

This Rule expressly limits the time for trial de novo motions to 30 days from the date of the decision.

The initial question before me is whether or not I have the authority to enlarge the time for trial de novo motions or to grant a trial de novo out of time. I find that I do not.

Since the arbitration program itself is new to the court system, there is no case law directly on point. Consequently, I turn to the pre-existing New Jersey Court Rules for support of my decision. The rule most similar to the arbitration R. 10 for trial de novo is R. 4:49-1. R. 4:49—1(b) contains clear and definite time limitations for motions for new trial in Superior Court. It provides:

(b) Time for Motion, Cross-Motion; Affidavits. A motion for a new trial shall be served not later than ten days after the court’s conclusions are announced in non-jury actions or after the return of the verdict of the jury____

Examining the language of this rule, it should be first noted that an arbitration decision is similar to a non-jury action. The time limit set forth in R. 4:49-l(b) runs from the date the court’s conclusions are announced.

I next consider whether the Court has the power to enlarge the 30 day filing period under R. 4:49-l(b). I find that the Court does not have such power. R. 1:3-4 contains general provisions for enlargement of time.

Paragraph (c) of this rule provides in pertinent part:

(e) Enlargements Prohibited. Neither the parties nor the court may, however, enlarge the time specified by ... R. 4:49-1(b) and (c)____

In Baumann v. Marinaro, 95 N.J. 380, 388 (1984), our Supreme Court noted; “This rule (R.4:49-1(b)) has been strictly enforced.” Citing Moich v. Passaic Terminal & Transportation Co., Inc., 82 N.J.Super. 353, 361 (App.Div.1964), the Court in Baumann explained that “notwithstanding the existence of extenuating circumstances, it has been consistently held that the trial court is without discretion to extend the time given by the rule.” Baumann, supra, 95 N.J. at 388.

The Court added, “The policies of expedition and finality that underlie these time limitations would be defeated by extending the time to file a motion for a new trial under R. 4:49-1. Finality of judgments is essential to the efficient functioning of the court system; a litigant must know when an action is concluded.” Id. at 389.

Following this reasoning, the time to file a motion for a trial de novo under R. 10 cannot be enlarged. Accordingly, plaintiff’s motion for an extension of time or granting trial de novo out of time is denied.