How to File for Divorce in New Jersey Without a Lawyer (2026)

New Jersey has no mandatory waiting period — once you file, you can potentially receive a final divorce judgment in a matter of weeks if your case is uncontested and your paperwork is in order.

But New Jersey has two procedural requirements that distinguish it from most states:

The Case Information Statement (CIS) is required in virtually every NJ divorce. The CIS (Form FA-A) is a detailed, multi-page financial disclosure document listing your income, expenses, assets, and debts. It must be completed accurately and submitted with your divorce complaint or very shortly after filing. Courts take incomplete or inaccurate CIS submissions seriously.

A Case Management Conference (CMC) is automatically scheduled after both parties have appeared in the case. The CMC is a court check-in where a judge or judge's designee reviews the status of the case and sets deadlines. Even in an uncontested divorce, you may be required to attend.

Plan for both of these from day one.

Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. New Jersey divorce law is complex, particularly around property, support, and the CIS. Consult a licensed New Jersey family law attorney if you have questions.

New Jersey Divorce Basics

The Ground: Irreconcilable Differences

Most New Jersey divorces use "irreconcilable differences" as the ground. The complaint states that irreconcilable differences have caused the breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least 6 months, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.

You do not need to prove fault. Your spouse cannot contest the ground of irreconcilable differences on the basis that the marriage can be saved.

Other grounds are available (18-month separation, adultery, extreme cruelty, etc.) but irreconcilable differences is the cleanest and most commonly used in DIY filings.

Step-by-Step: New Jersey Divorce

Step 1 — Confirm Residency

At least one spouse must have lived in New Jersey continuously for at least 1 year before filing. The residency must be in New Jersey — the county where you file doesn't have additional residency requirements, but you file in the county where either spouse currently lives.

Step 2 — Begin the Case Information Statement

Before filing, start working on the Case Information Statement (Form FA-A). This is a detailed multi-page financial disclosure form. You will need:

• Your monthly income from all sources (pay stubs, tax returns)
• Your monthly expenses (housing, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, etc.)
• A complete list of all assets: bank accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, vehicles, investments
• A complete list of all debts: mortgage, car loans, credit cards, student loans

The CIS must be filed with the Complaint (or within a short time after filing, depending on your county's schedule). Get started early — it takes time to gather the information accurately.

Step 3 — Choose Your Ground and Complete the Complaint

Download the Complaint for Divorce (Form A) from the New Jersey Courts website (njcourts.gov). Complete it with:

• Your full name (Plaintiff) and your spouse's full name (Defendant)
• Your county of residence
• The ground for divorce (most filers use "irreconcilable differences")
• Date and place of marriage
• Names and dates of birth of any children
• A request for the relief you seek (divorce, equitable distribution, custody if applicable, support if applicable)
• Name restoration request if you want your former name back

Step 4 — File at the Superior Court Family Part

Take or mail your completed Complaint and all required forms to the Family Part of the Superior Court in your county. Pay the filing fee ($300–$325). The court stamps and files your Complaint and assigns a docket number.

Required forms at filing typically include:

• Complaint for Divorce (Form A)
• Case Information Statement (Form FA-A) — or follow your county's deadline for submission
• Summons (issued by the court)
• Confidential Litigant Information Sheet
• Certification of Insurance Coverage (if applicable)

Check your county court's family division website for the complete local filing packet requirements.

Step 5 — Serve Your Spouse

Your spouse must be formally served with the Complaint and Summons.

Service options:

• Process server or sheriff: Personal delivery; most reliable
• Certified mail with return receipt: Acceptable if the spouse signs
• Acknowledgment of Service: Spouse signs a voluntary acknowledgment
• Publication: Last resort if spouse cannot be located (requires court order)

File the Proof of Service with the court after service is complete.

Step 6 — Spouse's Answer and Appearance

Your spouse has 35 days to file an Answer and Appearance after being served. In an uncontested case where both parties agree on all terms, your spouse may file a simple Appearance rather than a full Answer.

Both spouses filing an Appearance triggers the scheduling of the Case Management Conference.

Step 7 — Case Management Conference (CMC)

After both parties have appeared, the court automatically schedules a Case Management Conference. This is a brief court appearance (in person or sometimes by phone/video) before a judge or judge's designee.

At the CMC, the court:

• Reviews the status of the case
• Determines whether the case is uncontested or contested
• Sets deadlines for discovery, settlement discussions, or trial (in contested cases)
• May refer the parties to mediation

In an agreed divorce: If both parties have signed a Property Settlement Agreement (PSA) before the CMC, you may be able to convert directly to an uncontested hearing. In some counties, this can be done quickly and efficiently.

Step 8 — Property Settlement Agreement

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses negotiate and sign a Property Settlement Agreement (PSA) covering all financial issues: property division, debt allocation, alimony, retirement accounts, and (if applicable) custody and child support.

The PSA is submitted to the court and incorporated into the Final Judgment of Divorce.

Step 9 — Final Uncontested Hearing

Once the PSA is signed and all paperwork is in order, the uncontested divorce is placed on the court calendar. At the brief final hearing:

• You testify under oath: your name, residency, the ground for divorce, that irreconcilable differences have existed for at least 6 months
• Your spouse (if present) confirms agreement or the default is entered
• The judge reviews and signs the Final Judgment of Divorce

Step 10 — Certified Copies and Implementation

Request 3–5 certified copies of the Final Judgment. Then: name restoration (SSA → NJ MVC), vehicle title transfers (MVC), deed recording (county Clerk's office), QDRO for retirement plans, beneficiary updates.

Property Division

New Jersey divides marital property equitably — fairly, but not necessarily equally. The PSA is where you document what each spouse keeps.

Equitable distribution in NJ considers factors including: length of marriage, each spouse's economic circumstances, contributions to the marital estate (including homemaking), tax consequences, and more under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1.

See the Property Division page for full details.

Cost Summary

Free Resources

• NJ Courts divorce forms and instructions: njcourts.gov
• NJ Courts self-help center: njcourts.gov/selfhelp
• Legal Services of New Jersey: lsnj.org — free legal help for income-qualified
• NJ State Bar lawyer referral: njsba.com

Last reviewed: March 2026 | NJ divorce forms available free at njcourts.gov

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.