Before You File: The Paperwork That Actually Starts a New Jersey Divorce
Deciding to end a marriage is difficult enough without wondering which forms belong on your desk before you ever see a courtroom. In New Jersey, filing for divorce involves a specific set of documents, and missing one can slow down a case before it truly begins. Our Somerset County divorce lawyers regularly help clients gather these materials so the process starts on solid footing.
The Document That Opens Your Case
Every New Jersey divorce begins with a Complaint for Divorce filed with the Superior Court, Family Division, in the appropriate county. The complaint identifies both spouses, states the legal grounds for divorce, and outlines what the filing spouse is asking for, whether that involves custody, child support, alimony, or division of property. New Jersey recognizes both no-fault grounds, such as irreconcilable differences lasting at least six months, and fault-based grounds under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2, including extreme cruelty, adultery, and prolonged separation.
Proving You Belong in New Jersey Court
Before a complaint can move forward, one spouse generally must have lived in New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months, with an exception for divorces based on adultery. A Certification of Verification and Non-Collusion accompanies the complaint, confirming the information provided is accurate and that no other related legal proceedings are pending.
Financial and Insurance Disclosures
If the case involves custody, child support, alimony, or dividing marital assets, a Family Part Case Information Statement becomes part of the record, detailing income, expenses, assets, and debts in depth. A Certification of Insurance Coverage is also required, listing any auto, life, health, or renters insurance policies currently in place.
Confidential Forms the Public Never Sees
A Confidential Litigant Information Sheet is filed alongside the complaint and kept separate from the public record, since it contains sensitive details like children’s birth dates and other identifying information. Self-represented filers also submit a certification confirming they were informed about mediation and other dispute resolution options before proceeding.
Getting Organized Before You Walk Into Court
Once the complaint is filed, the filing fee (currently $300, plus a $25 fee for a required parenting workshop if children are involved) becomes due, and a Summons must be prepared to formally notify the other spouse. Gathering these documents early, and understanding which ones apply to your situation, often makes the difference between a smooth filing and a frustrating delay.
Not sure which forms your case requires? Our attorneys at the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC guide clients through every step of the filing process. We proudly serve families in Somerset, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Piscataway, Edison, Somerset County, and Middlesex County. Reach out today to get your case started the right way.
Source:
njcourts.gov/self-help/divorce
