In the state of New Jersey, the residency requirement is satisfied if at least one spouse was a resident of the state for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to filing for divorce. The divorce can be filed in any county in which either spouse resides at the time of filing.

New Jersey does not impose a mandatory waiting period after filing for divorce before a judge can grant it. After all of the divorce papers are filed with the court the case can be finalized in about 2-4 weeks before a Judge depending upon the backlog of cases in the particular court.

The average cost for a traditional divorce invloving lawyers is around $7,567 not including the court's filing fee which averages approximately $300.

Note: Spouses seeking an uncontested divorce using LetsGetDivorced.com's online divorce service can enormously reduce divorce costs and get all of their divorce paperwork inexpensively for only $99.

It's possible to get a free divorce in New Jersey, but there are some requirements. First, the plaintiff should file for an uncontested divorce. Second, the plaintiff needs to be able to get their divorce documents and have them filled out for free, or fill them out themself. And lastly, to not be charged the court's filing fee the plaintiff has to file, and have granted by a judge, the court's fee waiver form.

Note: Using LetsGetDivorced.com's online divorce service the plaintiff can obtain and fill out their divorce paperwork for only $99.

The state of New Jersey allows people to file for divorce without using an attorney and permits online divorce services to provide and prepare the divorce forms required to file for a divorce in New Jersey.

Absolutely! Our fee for completing all your divorce forms online and providing access to our customer support team by phone or email is a one-time payment of just $99. We have no hidden fees, no monthly subscription charges, and no document storage fees.

The plain truth is that we've chosen to offer our high-quality online divorce service at a very affordable price, that allows us to make a fair profit while keeping our company operational to assist as many people as we can.

We wish we could include the court's filing fee but it can vary by county. The court can waive the filing fee for plaintiffs who qualify as low-income and file a request to have the filing fee waived.

In the state of New Jersey, these are the most common forms needed to file for an uncontested divorce without minor children. Summons Verified Complaint for Divorce Marital Settlement Agreement Certifications of Notification of CDR Certification of Insurance Coverage Certification of Non-Military Service Defendant Acknowledgment of Service Request to Enter Default Judgment Final Judgment of Divorce Plus, if your divorce involves minor children, additional forms will need to be completed regarding custody, child support and visitation. Note: Using LetsGetDivorced.com, it's easy to prepare your divorce forms online for only $99.

No. Where a divorce can be filed is based on the current residence of the spouses.

No. You only need to provide the date of the marriage and the state and county where it took place.

The cheapest and quickest way to get a divorce in New Jersey is to do it yourself, without a lawyer, by filing an uncontested divorce where you and your spouse agree on all terms. In a DIY divorce, you prepare and file the legal documents yourself, so you avoid hiring a lawyer and paying for their services. You only need to pay the court filing fee, unless you qualify for a low-income waiver.

An uncontested divorce is the most cost-effective and least stressful way to get divorced. It is a legal process in which both spouses agree to dissolve their marriage and also come to an agreement on related issues such as child custody, child support, visitation, property division, alimony, and other matters related to the divorce. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses cooperate and work together amicably to reach a consensus on these issues, and their mutal agreement(s) are then presented to the court for approval by a judge.

In contrast, a contested divorce occurs in situations where spouses cannot reach a mutual agreement on one or more of these issues, which will require legal proceedings in court before a judge. In a contested divorce, each spouse typically hires an attorney to represent them and each spouse provides testimony in court (which can be very stressful) to support their position on any disputed issues. The judge will make binding legal decisions to resolve their disputes. Consequently, an uncontested divorce represents a quicker, more cost-effective, and less emotionally taxing alternative when compared to a contested divorce.

The following is a general outline of how child support is usually calculated and handled in New Jersey:

Child support in the state of New Jersey is typically calculated using the state's child support guidelines established by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts.

1. Determining the Child Support Amount:
Child support in New Jersey is calculated using the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines consider several factors, including:

• The income of both parents.
• The number of children involved.
• The custody arrangement (i.e., whether one parent has sole physical custody or if the custody is shared).
• Health care and child care expenses.
• Other relevant expenses.

2. Income Consideration:
The income of both parents is a crucial factor in determining child support. This includes not just their salaries but also other sources of income, such as bonuses, commissions, rental income, and investments. Imputed income may be considered if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

3. Shared Parenting Time:
If the parents share physical custody of the children, the child support calculation takes into account the number of overnights each parent has with the children. Shared parenting time may lead to a different child support obligation compared to a situation where one parent has sole physical custody.

4. Health Care and Child Care Costs:
Health insurance and child care costs are typically divided between the parents based on their income percentages. The non-custodial parent may be required to contribute to these costs in addition to the basic child support obligation.

5. Deviation from Guidelines:
In some cases, the court may deviate from the standard child support guidelines. This can occur if the child has special needs, if the parents have an unusually high income, or if there are other factors that justify a deviation.

6. Enforcement and Collection:
Child support orders are enforceable by law in New Jersey. The non-custodial parent may be required to make payments through income withholding, where the child support amount is automatically deducted from their paycheck. Failure to pay child support can result in various legal consequences, such as wage garnishment, suspension of driver's licenses, or even imprisonment.

7. Modifications:
Child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances. This can include changes in income, custody arrangements, or the child's needs. Either parent can request a modification through the court.

Courts and Agencies:
Child support cases in New Jersey may be handled through the Family Division of the Superior Court or through the New Jersey Child Support Program, which is a state agency responsible for child support enforcement and collection.

Note: Child Support in an Uncontested Divorce:

In an uncontested divorce in New Jersey, the spouses can agree to use the amount of child support that is calculated using the child support guidelines; and they are also allowed to agree to use a different amount for child support that is higher or lower than the guideline amount.

New Jersey has "fault" and "no-fault" divorce grounds (legally acceptable reasons) to end a marriage.

"NO FAULT" GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE IN NEW JERSEY:

Irreconcilable Differences. This new ground for divorce allows either spuse to file a Complaint for divorce without any specific reason. The only statements the party filing for divorce must make are: 1) there has been a breakdown of the marriage for a period of six months; which makes it appear that the marriage should be dissolved; and 2) there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.

18 Month Separation. Neither spouse is required to offer evidence of fault or wrongdoing. The Complaint must state that you and your spouse have lived in different residences for 18 months or more and that the months have been consecutive. You must state that there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Living in the same residence in different bedrooms does not fulfill the requirement. You do not have to file any documents to start the running of the 18 months. At the end of 18 months you will file a sworn statement that you and your spouse have been separated, living separate and apart, in different residences for 18 months or more and you do not expect to reconcile.

"FAULT" GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE IN NEW JERSEY:

Mental Illness. If your spouse has been in an institution for 24 months or more, you are entitled to a divorce. The institutionalization must be for 24 consecutive months and the entire 24 months must be after the wedding ceremony.

Imprisonment. If your spouse has been in a prison for 18 months or more consecutive months. The entire 18 months must be after the marriage began. The Complaint for divorce should be filed while your spouse is in prison. If your spouse is released and you resume living together, you no longer qualify for a divorce under this ground.

Willful And Continued Desertion, Physical. If your spouse moved out of the marital home and your spouse has been gone for at least 12 months. The desertion must be for 12 consecutive months. If you and your spouse agree that you will separate and that your spouse will move out, you may still file a Complaint based on desertion.

Willful And Continued Desertion, Sexual. Sexual desertion is a persistent refusal by your spouse to engage in sexual relations with you for a period of 12 months or more. This type of desertion cannot be by mutual consent. Your spouse must refuse to engage in relations you desire and would engage in if your spouse were willing.

Voluntarily Induced Addiction. If your spouse is an alcoholic or drug addict and the alcoholism or drug abuse must be for 12 consecutive months or more.

Adultery. If your spouse is having an affair and you know the name and address of the "other spouse" you may file for a divorce based on adultery.

Extreme Cruelty. This is the most commonly used fault-ground for divorce. This ground includes all acts of physical violence and acts of mental cruelty which endanger your safety or health or which make continued living together unreasonable or improper. There is no waiting period.

In New Jersey, the basic steps to file for an uncontested divorce without a lawyer begin by determining if you meet the New Jersey residency requirement. The next step is to fill out the "Verified Complaint for Divorce". Then, file the complaint with the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where your divorce is being filed and pay the required filing fee. Notify your spouse about the divorce filing by serving them with a copy of the divorce papers. If you and your spouse both agree on all of the issues concerning your divorce, you can draft a "Final Judgment of Divorce" and file it with the court. Attend a scheduled court hearing, with all of your divorce paperwork, to have the judge review it. The spouse who is the defendant is not required to attend the hearing. If everything is in order, the judge can approve and grant your divorce, and sign the Final Judgment of Divorce.