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Form JS 44, Civil Cover Sheet (Revised 03.23.2026), page 1
Complex · 66/100Form Complexity Index

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What this form asks for

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The Form JS 44, Civil Cover Sheet, is a mandatory document filed in United States District Courts at the commencement of any civil action. Its primary purpose is to provide the court clerk with a summary of the case, including information about the parties, the basis for federal jurisdiction, the nature of the suit, and the relief sought. This data is crucial for the court's administrative and statistical tracking, helping to manage case assignments and dockets efficiently. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
Fillable fields158
Pages2
Sections15
Questions that depend on earlier answers24
Form Complexity IndexComplex, 66/100

The AI checks your answers before you download

14 checks built for this form, so a wrong date or a missing answer is caught before anyone else sees it.

Exclusive Basis of Jurisdiction Selection

This check ensures that only one option is selected from the 'Basis of Jurisdiction' section: 'U.S. Government Plaintiff', 'U.S. Government Defendant', 'Federal Question', or 'Diversity'. The basis of jurisdiction is a fundamental legal requirement for the court to hear a case, and selecting more than one creates ambiguity. A validation failure would require the filer to clarify the single, correct grounds for federal jurisdiction before the case can be docketed.

Mandatory Citizenship Information for Diversity Cases

This validation verifies that if 'Diversity' is selected as the basis of jurisdiction, the 'Citizenship of Principal Parties' sections for both the plaintiff and defendant are completed. This information is legally required to establish diversity jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1332. Failure to provide this information when claiming diversity will result in the rejection of the filing, as the court cannot confirm its authority to hear the case.

Logical Consistency for Diversity Jurisdiction

This check performs a logical comparison to ensure the citizenship of the plaintiff and defendant are different when 'Diversity' is the basis of jurisdiction. For example, if the plaintiff is marked as 'Citizen of This State,' the defendant cannot also be 'Citizen of This State.' This is vital because diversity jurisdiction requires complete diversity between opposing parties; a failure indicates a potential lack of jurisdiction and will require correction.

Exclusive Nature of Suit Selection

This validation ensures that exactly one checkbox is selected in the extensive 'Nature of Suit' section. The court uses this single code to categorize the case for statistical reporting, judicial assignment, and case management purposes. Selecting multiple or no options will cause a validation failure, and the form will be returned for correction to ensure proper docketing.

Mutually Exclusive Jury Demand

This check validates that either 'Jury demand: Yes' or 'Jury demand: No' is selected, but not both. A clear indication of whether a jury is requested is fundamental for scheduling, trial planning, and calculating fees. An ambiguous or contradictory selection will halt processing until the filer provides a definitive choice.

Completeness of Party Names

This validation ensures that the 'Plaintiff Name(s)' and 'First Listed Defendant Name' fields are not empty. These fields are the most basic identifiers for the parties involved in the lawsuit and are absolutely essential for creating a case record. A submission with missing party names is fundamentally incomplete and will be immediately rejected.

And 8 more checks
  • Exclusive Origin Selection
  • Mandatory Arbitration Ineligibility Reason
  • Conditional 'Other Reason' for Arbitration Ineligibility
  • Conditional Disciplinary Action Explanation
  • Valid Certification Date Format and Presence
  • Conditional Venue Question Logic
  • Completeness of Cause of Action
  • Conditional Plaintiff County of Residence

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How to Fill Out JS 44 Online for Free in 2026

What the AI walks you through.

  1. Navigate to Instafill.ai and upload your JS 44 Civil Cover Sheet, or select it from their template library.
  2. Provide the full names, residences, and attorney information for all plaintiffs and defendants in the designated sections.
  3. Specify the basis for the court's jurisdiction by selecting Federal Question, Diversity of Citizenship, or U.S. Government as a party.
  4. Select the appropriate code from the 'Nature of Suit' list that best describes the primary cause of action in your lawsuit.
  5. Detail the cause of action, indicate if it's a class action, state whether a jury is demanded, and enter the monetary demand from the complaint.
  6. Complete any required disclosures and certifications, such as the FRCP 7.1 disclosure statement and any local district-specific questions.
  7. Review all the information auto-filled by the AI for accuracy, then electronically sign and date the form to finalize it for filing with the court.

Common Mistakes in Completing JS 44

The ones the AI is built to catch.

Mishandling the Basis of Jurisdiction Section
Filers often incorrectly select the basis for jurisdiction or fail to complete the required follow-up sections. For example, they might check 'Diversity' but then neglect to fill out the 'Citizenship of Principal Parties' section, which is essential for establishing diversity jurisdiction. This error can lead to the court questioning its jurisdiction over the case, causing significant delays or even dismissal. To avoid this, carefully determine the correct basis and complete all dependent fields; AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can automatically highlight and enforce these conditional requirements.
Selecting an Inaccurate 'Nature of Suit'
With over 80 options, filers frequently choose a generic 'Nature of Suit' code (e.g., '190 Other Contract') when a more specific one exists (e.g., '196 Franchise'). This happens due to haste or uncertainty about the legal classifications. An incorrect code can lead to improper case assignment, skewed judicial statistics, and delays in routing the case to the appropriate magistrate or specialized docket. Always review the entire list to find the most precise category that describes the primary cause of action.
Confusing Individual and Corporate Citizenship
When asserting diversity jurisdiction, filers often confuse the citizenship rules for individuals versus corporations. They might incorrectly use the 'Incorporated or Principal Place of Business' option for an individual plaintiff or defendant. For diversity purposes, an individual's citizenship is their state of domicile, while a corporation's citizenship is both its state of incorporation and its principal place of business. This distinction is critical, and getting it wrong can defeat diversity jurisdiction and lead to the case being dismissed.
Incomplete or Missing FRCP 7.1 Disclosure Statement
Attorneys representing non-governmental corporate parties frequently leave the 'Disclosure Statement' blank, especially when there are no parent companies to report. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7.1 requires parties to either name parent corporations and publicly held corporations owning 10% or more of its stock, or to affirmatively state that none exist. Leaving this section blank is a compliance failure that can result in an order from the court to correct the filing. Always complete this field by providing the required information or explicitly writing 'None'.
Errors in the Arbitration Ineligibility Certification
Filers often make mistakes when certifying a case is ineligible for arbitration, such as checking 'No' for eligibility but then failing to select a reason. Another common error is checking 'Other reason' but not providing the required written explanation. These omissions make the certification incomplete and can lead to the clerk's office rejecting the filing or the court deeming the certification invalid. Ensure that if you claim ineligibility, you also provide the specific, required justification on the form.
Ignoring Conditional Logic for County of Residence
The form has specific instructions for entering the 'County of Residence' for the plaintiff and defendant, which depend on whether the U.S. Government is a party. Many filers ignore this conditional logic and fill in both fields regardless of the case type. This creates unnecessary and incorrect data on the cover sheet, which may need to be corrected later. Reading the instructions carefully or using a smart form-filling tool like Instafill.ai can prevent this by only showing the relevant fields based on your prior answers.
Providing a Vague 'Brief Description of Cause'
In the 'Cause of Action' section, filers sometimes provide an overly simplistic or vague description, such as 'Personal Injury' or 'Contract Dispute.' While the description should be brief, it must be sufficient for the clerk's office to understand the core legal claim and verify the 'Nature of Suit' selection. A better description would be 'Personal injury claim from motor vehicle accident' or 'Breach of contract for failure to deliver goods.' Providing a clear, concise narrative helps ensure proper case processing from the outset.
Forgetting to Demand a Jury Trial on the Cover Sheet
Even when a jury trial is properly demanded in the complaint document, filers sometimes forget to check the corresponding 'Jury demand: Yes' box on the civil cover sheet. While the complaint is the controlling document, this oversight can cause administrative confusion and may lead to the case being incorrectly flagged as a non-jury matter in the court's case management system. To avoid any ambiguity or potential waiver arguments, ensure all related documents, including the cover sheet, consistently reflect the jury demand.
Incorrectly Answering Division-Specific Questions
This form contains questions (Part D) specific to case assignment within a particular federal district (e.g., regarding Nassau or Suffolk County for the EDNY). Filers, especially those from outside the district, may not understand the purpose of these questions and answer them incorrectly. This can result in the case being assigned to the wrong courthouse or division, causing logistical issues and delays. It is crucial to carefully read and accurately answer these local questions to ensure proper venue and case assignment.
Filling Out 'For Office Use Only' Sections
Inexperienced filers or pro se litigants sometimes mistakenly write information in the sections clearly marked 'For Office Use Only,' such as 'Receipt Number,' 'Judge,' or 'Magistrate Judge.' This happens when filers try to fill every single box on the form without reading the labels. This creates confusion for the clerk's office and makes the form look unprofessional, requiring court staff to disregard or correct the extraneous information. If a form is only available as a flat PDF, tools like Instafill.ai can convert it to a smart, fillable version that can lock or hide these sections to prevent such errors.

Frequently Asked Questions About JS 44

 

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This plan is for your JS 44: your own AI agent fills it as often as 5 times a month. To fill other forms and upload your own, choose a Professional plan from your account.
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How does the AI fill out JS 44?
You answer a few questions in plain words, or upload a document you already have. The AI reads what you give it and puts each answer into the right field of JS 44, on every page, in seconds. It checks the answers against the form's own rules, and you review and change anything before you download, print or sign.
What happens to my information?
It is encrypted in transit and at rest, and it is never used to train AI.
How complex is JS 44 to fill out?
JS 44 has a Form Complexity Index of 66 out of 100, in the complex tier: 158 fillable fields across 2 pages. Instafill.ai's AI fills it in under a minute, with every field there for you to review before you download.
What is the purpose of this form?
This form, a Civil Cover Sheet, is used to provide the court with a summary of a new civil lawsuit being filed. It helps the clerk's office with case management, statistical reporting, and assigning the case to the correct judge.
Who needs to fill out this form?
The plaintiff or their attorney must complete and file this form when initiating a new civil case in federal court. It is submitted along with the complaint.
What's the difference between 'Federal Question' and 'Diversity' for the basis of jurisdiction?
Select 'Federal Question' if your case is based on a U.S. law, treaty, or the Constitution. Select 'Diversity' if the plaintiff and defendant are citizens of different states and the amount in controversy meets the legal requirement.
How do I choose the correct 'Nature of Suit' code?
Review the extensive list of options and select the one that most accurately describes the primary legal claim in your complaint. If your case involves multiple claims, choose the code that represents the main cause of action.
I'm filing a diversity case. How do I fill out the 'Citizenship of Principal Parties' section?
You must indicate the citizenship for both the plaintiff and the defendant by checking the appropriate boxes for individuals or corporations. This information is required to establish diversity jurisdiction.
What if I don't know the defendant's attorney information?
The form indicates that the defendant's attorney information should be provided 'If Known.' If you do not have this information at the time of filing, you can leave that section blank.
What are the 'Part D' questions about Nassau and Suffolk County for?
These questions are specific to the Eastern District of New York and help determine the proper courthouse division for your case. Your answers will be based on where the parties reside, where the events occurred, or where property is located.
Do I need to fill out the 'For Office Use Only' section?
No, this section is reserved for the court clerk's office to enter information like the assigned judge, receipt number, and filing fee amount. You should leave these fields blank.
What is the 'Arbitration Ineligibility Certification'?
This section is used to certify why your case is not eligible for the court's compulsory arbitration program. Common reasons include the amount of damages sought exceeding $150,000 or the request for non-monetary relief.
What is the 'Related Case Statement' in Part B?
In this section, you must disclose any other cases filed in the same court that are related to the one you are filing. This helps the court determine if the cases should be assigned to the same judge for efficiency.
Can AI tools help me fill out this form?
Yes, services like Instafill.ai use AI to accurately auto-fill form fields from your existing case documents. This can save significant time and help reduce errors.
How can I fill this form out online?
You can use a service like Instafill.ai to upload the form and fill it out interactively online. The platform helps you navigate the fields and ensures all necessary information is completed correctly.
What should I do if my PDF version of this form is not fillable?
If you have a flat, non-fillable PDF, you can use a tool like Instafill.ai. It can convert the static PDF into an interactive, fillable form that you can complete, sign, and save online.
What is a 'class action' and when do I check that box?
A class action is a lawsuit brought by one or more individuals on behalf of a larger group with similar claims. You should check the 'Class action' box only if the complaint is being filed as a class action under Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
What is the difference between 'Original Proceeding' and 'Removed from State Court'?
Select 'Original Proceeding' if you are filing a brand new case directly in this federal court. Select 'Removed from State Court' if the case was initially filed in a state court and is now being moved to this federal court.
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