New Jersey Divorce Without Children (2026) — The Straightforward Path

A New Jersey divorce without minor children is one of the more efficient DIY paths available — no waiting period, no Friend of the Court equivalent, no custody issues. The timeline is driven entirely by paperwork and court scheduling.

The two things to get right:

1. The Case Information Statement (CIS) — complete and accurate
2. The Property Settlement Agreement (PSA) — signed before the final hearing

Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed NJ family law attorney for questions about your specific situation.

What Makes a Childless NJ Divorce Straightforward

Without minor children:

• No mandatory waiting period — New Jersey has none
• No custody or parenting plan required
• No child support calculation
• The Case Management Conference is still scheduled, but cases with a signed PSA often move through quickly

You still need:

• 1-year NJ residency (at least one spouse)
• A completed, accurate Case Information Statement
• A Property Settlement Agreement (if any marital property or alimony at stake)

Step-by-Step: NJ Divorce Without Children

Step 1 — Confirm Residency and Ground

At least one spouse has lived in New Jersey continuously for 1 year. Your ground will almost certainly be irreconcilable differences (breakdown of the marriage for at least 6 months with no prospect of reconciliation).

Step 2 — Complete the Case Information Statement (CIS)

Download Form FA-A from njcourts.gov. Complete every section:

• Part A: Personal and employment information, health insurance
• Part B: Monthly income from all sources (salary, bonuses, investment income, rental income, etc.)
• Part C: Monthly expenses — be specific and accurate
• Part D: All assets: real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, vehicles, business interests
• Part E: All debts: mortgage, car loans, credit cards, student loans

Allow several hours. An inaccurate CIS creates problems — courts and opposing counsel scrutinize it.

Step 3 — Negotiate and Draft the Property Settlement Agreement

Before or concurrent with filing, work with your spouse on the PSA. It should cover:

• Who keeps which property (home, retirement accounts, vehicles, bank accounts)
• Who is responsible for which debts
• Alimony (or a mutual waiver)
• Any other financial matters

Both spouses sign the PSA before a notary. Having it signed before the Case Management Conference is the fastest path to a Final Judgment.

Step 4 — Complete the Complaint for Divorce (Form A)

Download the Complaint from njcourts.gov. Fill in:

• Your name, your spouse's name, county of residence
• Date and place of marriage
• The ground: irreconcilable differences (for at least 6 months)
• Relief requested: divorce, equitable distribution, any alimony claims
• Name restoration if you want your former name back
• Sign and verify under oath

Step 5 — Prepare the Full Filing Packet

Gather and assemble:

• Completed Complaint for Divorce
• Completed Case Information Statement
• Confidential Litigant Information Sheet
• Certification of Insurance Coverage
• 2 copies of everything

Step 6 — File at the Superior Court

Bring the packet to the Family Part of the Superior Court in your county. Pay the $300–$325 filing fee. Receive the docket number and issued Summons.

Step 7 — Serve Your Spouse

Serve the Complaint, Summons, and supporting papers on your spouse. Fastest option for a cooperative spouse: have them sign the Acknowledgment of Service and file it with the court.

Step 8 — Spouse Files Appearance

Your spouse has 35 days to file an Appearance (in an uncontested case, a simple Appearance is sufficient — no need for a full Answer if they agree on all terms). Their Appearance triggers the scheduling of the Case Management Conference.

Step 9 — Case Management Conference

Attend the CMC. If your PSA is already signed, let the court know — the case can often be converted to the uncontested hearing track immediately or scheduled for a prompt final hearing.

Step 10 — Final Uncontested Hearing

At the hearing (typically 10–20 minutes for a no-children, agreed case):

• You testify: your name, residency in NJ for 1 year, ground (irreconcilable differences for 6+ months), that you want to be divorced
• The judge reviews the PSA and proposed Final Judgment
• The judge signs the Final Judgment of Divorce

Step 11 — Certified Copies and Implementation

Request 3–5 certified copies. Then: name restoration (SSA → MVC), vehicle title transfers, deed recording if real estate, QDRO for retirement plans, update beneficiary designations.

Timeline Summary

Cost Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my spouse need to sign the Complaint? No. The Complaint is filed by you (the Plaintiff). Your spouse is the Defendant and is served with the Complaint. They respond by filing an Appearance (and optionally an Answer).

What if we have no property to divide? Include a brief provision in the PSA or the Judgment acknowledging both parties have no claims against the other's property and mutually waive equitable distribution and alimony. This prevents future disputes.

What if my spouse won't file an Appearance? If your spouse is served and doesn't respond within 35 days, you can seek a default judgment. See the Default Divorce page.

Can I skip the CIS if we have no property? NJ courts typically still require the CIS. Even if there's nothing to divide, it demonstrates to the court that the financial picture has been considered. Check with your county Family Part for whether a CIS is required when both parties waive all financial claims.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | NJ divorce forms free at njcourts.gov | Self-help: njcourts.gov/selfhelp

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