The New Jersey uncontested divorce checklist

One page, in order. Print it or keep it open. Each item links to the fuller explanation elsewhere on this site; none of it is advice about your case.

Before you start

• One of you has lived in New Jersey for 12 months.
• Your differences have existed for 6 months or more.
• You both want the divorce.
• You agree on all property and debts — and it is simple: no house, pension or business to divide, or a lawyer has drafted that piece.
• You agree on spousal support, including agreeing there will be none.
• If you have children: you agree on custody, the parenting schedule and support.
• Nobody in the household is in danger. If that is not true, this path is not for you: 1-800-572-7233.

What you will need to hand

• Both full legal names as on your IDs, and the name on the marriage certificate.
• Date and place of marriage; the date your differences began.
• Current addresses; the county where at least one of you lives.
• Social Security numbers and dates of birth (for the Confidential Litigant Information Sheet, which the court keeps out of the public file).
• Employer names; health, auto, home and life insurance carriers and policy numbers.
• Vehicle, account and retirement details as you agreed to divide them.
• Children's names and dates of birth, if any.
• A prior name to restore, if either of you is taking one back.

The documents

• Complaint for Divorce with the Certification of Verification and Non-Collusion.
• Certification of Insurance Coverage (R. 5:4-2(f)).
• Confidential Litigant Information Sheet — one each (CN 10486).
• CDR Alternatives Certification — one each (CN 10889).
• Summons.
• Acknowledgment of Service — signed by the defendant.
• Appearance (or, if the defendant does not respond, a Request to Enter Default).
• Marital Settlement Agreement — signed by both, notarised.
• Certification in Support of Judgment — one each (CN 12620).
• Proposed Final Judgment of Divorce.
• Parenting plan, if there are children.
• Judgment for Name Change (CN 13146), if a name is being restored.

The fees

• $300 to file the complaint.
• $175 if the defendant files an Appearance or Answer.
• $25 per parent for the Parents' Education Program, when there are minor children.
• A fee waiver exists for genuine hardship — ask the county Family Division or read our guide.
• Certified copies of the judgment afterwards, per copy.

Filing day

• The settlement agreement is signed by both and notarised.
• Every page reviewed; every signature present; dates consistent.
• File through JEDS (njcourts.gov/self-help/jeds) or at the county Family Division.
• Pay the fee, or file the waiver application.
• Record the filing date on your dashboard — the clock runs from it.

After filing

• Serve your spouse, or have them sign the Acknowledgment; record the date.
• 35 days for their response; then the Appearance is filed, or default is requested.
• Both parents complete the Parents' Education Program, if it applies.
• The judgment package goes in; two to four months is typical under Directive #01-25.
• Record the judgment date when it arrives. Order certified copies.

After the divorce

• Social Security first, then the MVC, if a name changed.
• Beneficiaries on every account and policy — divorce does not change them.
• A new will and powers of attorney.
• Deed and mortgage, if a home transferred; the retirement order, if one was needed.
• Taxes: your filing status changed.

Clear Parting Docs is not a law firm and this is general legal information, not legal advice about your situation. For advice you can rely on, talk to a New Jersey attorney — any one you choose.