New Jersey Divorce Checklist (2026) — Complete Phase-by-Phase Guide

Work through each phase in order. New Jersey has no mandatory waiting period after filing — your timeline is driven by how quickly you complete the paperwork and reach agreement (or go to hearing).

Phase 1 — Before You File

• Confirm at least one spouse has lived in New Jersey for 1 full year before filing
• Decide which county to file in (the county where you or your spouse currently lives)
• Confirm your ground for divorce — most filers use irreconcilable differences (existed for 6+ months)
• Begin gathering documents for the Case Information Statement (CIS):
  • Last 2 years of federal and state tax returns
  • Last 3 pay stubs for yourself (and spouse's if available)
  • Bank and investment account statements (all accounts, last 3 months)
  • Retirement account statements (most recent)
  • Mortgage statement and latest property tax bill
  • Vehicle registrations, titles, and any loan statements
  • All credit card and loan statements
  • Health insurance information and monthly premium
  • If self-employed: business financial statements, P&L, Schedule C
• List all monthly household expenses (housing, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, medical, clothing, childcare, recreation, etc.)
• List all marital assets with approximate current values
• List all marital debts with current balances
• Discuss settlement terms with your spouse — property, debt, support, and children if applicable
• Decide whether to draft the Property Settlement Agreement (PSA) before filing (recommended for uncontested divorces)
• If children: discuss and draft a proposed Parenting Plan covering custody, parenting time, and child support

Phase 2 — Preparing the Forms

Download all forms free from njcourts.gov.

• Complaint for Divorce (Form A): Complete all required fields; specify ground (irreconcilable differences); list children if any; request name restoration if applicable
• Case Information Statement (Form FA-A): Complete every section — income, expenses, assets, debts. This is the most time-consuming form; allow several hours.
• Summons: The court issues this after filing; you do not complete it
• Confidential Litigant Information Sheet: Provides personal contact information to the court (kept confidential)
• Certification of Insurance Coverage: Lists all insurance policies currently in effect (health, life, auto, homeowner's/renter's)
• Check your county Family Part's website for any additional local forms required
• Make 2 extra copies of the complete filing packet

Phase 3 — Filing

• Take or mail the complete packet to the Family Part of the Superior Court in your county
• Pay the filing fee ($300–$325 — confirm current amount with the clerk)
• The court clerk assigns a docket number and stamps your Complaint
• Receive the issued Summons from the clerk
• Note the filing date — this is the date from which your case is measured

Phase 4 — Service

• Serve the Complaint, Summons, and all required papers on your spouse (the Defendant) using one of:
  • Process server or sheriff: Most reliable; personal delivery
  • Certified mail with return receipt: Acceptable if spouse signs the receipt
  • Acknowledgment of Service: Spouse signs a voluntary acknowledgment form
  • Service by publication: Last resort if spouse cannot be located; requires court order
• File the Proof of Service or Acknowledgment of Service with the court

Phase 5 — Defendant's Response

• Your spouse has 35 days to file an Answer and Appearance after service
• In an agreed/uncontested case: your spouse files an Appearance (not necessarily a full Answer)
• In a contested case: your spouse files an Answer and possibly a Counterclaim
• Both parties appearing triggers the scheduling of the Case Management Conference

Phase 6 — Case Management Conference (CMC)

• Receive the CMC notice from the court (automatically scheduled after both parties appear)
• Confirm the date, time, and location (in-person or remote depending on county)
• Prepare for the CMC:
  • Know the status of settlement negotiations
  • Have the signed PSA ready if possible — this allows conversion to an uncontested hearing track
  • If not yet agreed, be prepared to discuss the issues in dispute
• Attend the CMC
• Note any deadlines or next steps ordered by the court at the CMC

Phase 7 — Property Settlement Agreement

• Negotiate and draft the Property Settlement Agreement (PSA) covering:
  • Real estate (keep/sell/defer; mortgage; deed transfer)
  • All retirement accounts (and QDRO instructions)
  • All bank, investment, and financial accounts
  • All vehicles (with make, model, year, VIN)
  • All significant personal property
  • All marital debt (assignment and responsibility)
  • Alimony (type, amount, duration, or mutual waiver)
  • If children: legal custody, physical custody, parenting time, child support, health insurance
• Both spouses sign the PSA before a notary

Phase 8 — Final Uncontested Hearing

• Submit the signed PSA and proposed Final Judgment of Divorce to the court
• Schedule the uncontested hearing (or follow your county's process for entering the Judgment)
• Bring to the hearing:
  • Your ID
  • Original signed PSA
  • Proposed Final Judgment of Divorce
  • Any required support documentation
• Testify briefly: your name, residency, the ground (irreconcilable differences for 6+ months), your wish to be divorced
• Judge reviews and signs the Final Judgment of Divorce
• Request 3–5 certified copies of the Judgment before leaving

Phase 9 — After the Divorce

Name restoration (if applicable):

• Social Security Administration (bring certified copy of Judgment)
• New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) — driver's license and ID
• Passport, bank accounts, employer records, insurance

Property transfers:

• Vehicle titles: NJ MVC
• Real estate: deed prepared, signed, notarized, and recorded with the county Clerk's office (Register of Deeds function in NJ is handled by the County Clerk)
• Retirement accounts: QDRO filed with plan administrator for employer plans; retitling for IRAs

Financial updates:

• Update beneficiary designations on all accounts, life insurance, and retirement plans
• Close or retitle joint bank and credit accounts per PSA
• Address joint debt per PSA (refinancing joint mortgages and loans)

Quick Reference: Key NJ Divorce Forms

All forms free at njcourts.gov.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | NJ Courts self-help center: njcourts.gov/selfhelp | Legal Services NJ: lsnj.org

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