New Jersey Divorce Filing Fees — Complete Cost Breakdown (2026)
New Jersey's divorce filing fee is among the higher in the country — but the overall DIY cost for an uncomplicated case is manageable.
Disclaimer: Fees change. Always confirm the current fee with your county's Superior Court Family Part before filing.
Base Filing Fee: $300–$325
The filing fee for a Complaint for Divorce in New Jersey is set statewide and as of 2026 is approximately $300–$325. The amount may vary slightly by county due to local surcharges.
Call your county's Family Part Clerk before filing to confirm the exact current amount.
Additional Court Fees
| Fee | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Counterclaim fee (defendant) | ~$175–$200 | If defendant files a counterclaim |
| Motion fees | ~$30–$75 per motion | If motions are filed during the case |
| Certified copies of Final Judgment | $15–$25 per copy | When you pick up the Judgment |
| Transcript fees | Varies | If you need a transcript of any hearing |
Service Fees
| Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Process server | $75–$150 |
| County sheriff | $50–$100 |
| Certified mail with return receipt | $10–$20 |
| Acknowledgment of Service (cooperative spouse) | Free |
| Service by publication | $100–$400+ (publication costs, 3–4 weeks) |
Additional Costs by Situation
| Situation | Estimated Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| QDRO for employer retirement plan | $400–$1,500 |
| Real estate deed preparation (attorney or title) | $300–$600 |
| County Clerk recording fee (deed) | $30–$75 |
| Business valuation | $1,500–$6,000+ |
| Mediator | $200–$400/hour |
| Attorney review of PSA | $300–$700 |
| Parenting coordinator (contested custody) | $200–$400/hour |
| Custody evaluation | $3,000–$8,000+ |
Fee Waiver
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may apply for a fee waiver (Poverty Waiver). Ask the Family Part Clerk for the fee waiver application. You must demonstrate that your income is at or below the applicable threshold. The court reviews the application and may waive all or part of the fees.
Legal Services of New Jersey (lsnj.org) provides free legal assistance to income-qualified applicants.
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total DIY Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple — no children, no real estate or retirement | $400–$600 |
| With children (add parenting plan complexity) | $500–$800 |
| With real estate and retirement accounts (DIY) | $900–$2,500 |
| Contested property or support (likely attorney needed) | $5,000–$50,000+ |
Free Resources
- NJ Courts forms and instructions: njcourts.gov
- Legal Services of NJ: lsnj.org
- NJ Courts self-help center: njcourts.gov/selfhelp
- NJ State Bar lawyer referral: njsba.com
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Fees are subject to change. Confirm with the Family Part Clerk's office before filing.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.