(a) Originally Named Parties. Except for proceedings under R. 4:11 (depositions before action or pending appeal), and R. 4:22 (request for admissions) and except as otherwise provided by R. 5:5-1(e) (civil family actions), all proceedings referred to in R. 4:10-1 to R. 4:23-4 inclusive shall be completed within the time for each Track as hereafter prescribed counting from the date the first answer is filed or from 90 days after the first defendant is served, whichever occurs first: Track I -- 150 days; Track II -- 300 days; and Tracks III and IV, except as otherwise provided by R. 4:69-4 -- 450 days. If an originally named party has been unable to be timely served, an extension of discovery may be sought pursuant to paragraph (c) of this rule.
(b) Added Parties. A party filing a pleading that joins a new party to the action shall serve a copy of all discovery materials on or otherwise make them available to the new party within 20 days after service of the new party's initial pleading. If a new party is joined, the scheduled discovery end date shall be extended for a 60-day period, unless reduced or enlarged by the court for good cause shown.
(c) Extensions of Time. The parties may consent to extend the time for discovery for an additional 60 days by stipulation filed with the court or by submission of a writing signed by one party and copied to all parties, representing that all parties have consented to the extension. A consensual extension of discovery must be sought prior to the expiration of the discovery period. If the parties do not agree or a longer extension is sought, a motion for relief shall be filed with the Civil Presiding Judge or designee in Track I, II, and III cases and with the designated managing judge in Track IV cases, and made returnable prior to the conclusion of the applicable discovery period. The movant shall append to such motion copies of all previous orders granting or denying an extension of discovery or a certification stating that there are none. On restoration of a pleading dismissed pursuant to Rule 1:13-7 or Rule 4:23-5(a)(1) or if good cause is otherwise shown, the court shall enter an order extending discovery. Any proposed form of extension order shall describe the discovery to be completed, set forth proposed dates for completion, and state whether the adverse parties consent. Any order of extension may include such other terms and conditions as appropriate. No extension of the discovery period may be permitted after an arbitration or trial date is fixed, unless exceptional circumstances are shown.
(d) Applicability. This rule shall be applicable to all actions commenced on or after September 5, 2000. In all actions commenced prior to said date, the time for completion of discovery shall be 150 days from the date of service of the complaint on each defendant or as otherwise prescribed by the applicable differentiated case management rule in effect when the complaint was filed or by court order. In any pending action, however, the parties may agree and, in appropriate cases, the court may on notice direct sua sponte that further discovery shall be limited or extensions granted consistent with this amended rule.
No motion for the relief provided by the following rules may be granted in any action unless it is returnable before the expiration of the time limited for discovery unless on notice and motion, for good cause shown, the court otherwise permits: R. 4:8 (motion for leave to file a third-party complaint); R. 4:7-6, 4:28-1, or 4:30 (motion for joinder of additional parties); R. 4:38-1 (motion for consolidation); and R. 4:38-2 (motion for separate trials). Unless the court otherwise permits for good cause shown, motions to compel discovery and to impose or enforce sanctions for failure to provide discovery must be made returnable prior to the expiration of the discovery period.
The provisions of R. 4:24 shall not preclude the further use of discovery proceedings, on motion and order of the court, after the entry of judgment.