New Jersey § 34:11-59

§ 34:11-59.

An employee may file a written claim for wages against an employer in the wage collection

division of the department which shall be entered in a book to be called the wage

collection docket. Upon the filing of claim, the department shall issue a summons returnable between

the hours of nine o'clock in the forenoon and three o'clock in the afternoon, both

inclusive, which shall also specify a certain time and place for the appearance of

the defendant, not less than five nor more than fifteen days from the date of such

process, which summons shall be served at least five days before the time of appearance

mentioned therein, by reading the same to the defendant and delivering to him a copy

thereof if he shall be found and if not found by leaving a copy thereof in his house

or with some other person of his family over the age of fourteen years. Such persons being served with summons and complaint shall be informed of the contents

thereof and the person serving the summons shall indorse thereon a return of the time

and manner he executed the same, and sign his name thereon. At the time and place specified in the summons, the commissioner shall inquire in

a summary way into the merits of the employee's claim and defenses of the defendant,

if any.