Filing for divorce in New Jersey without an attorney costs $300 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 12 months in New Jersey. New Jersey is a equitable distribution state with a None (but 6-18 month separation for some grounds) waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-6 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with New Jersey-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $300 (The filing fee is $300 statewide. Additional fees apply for motions and other filings.) |
| Residency Requirement | 12 months in New Jersey |
| Waiting Period | None (but 6-18 month separation for some grounds) |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable differences (no-fault), Adultery, Desertion for 12+ months, Extreme cruelty, Separation for 18+ months, Drug addiction for 12+ months, Institutionalization for mental illness, Imprisonment for 18+ months, Deviant sexual conduct |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 3-6 months |
| Contested Timeline | 1-2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in New Jersey, you must meet the following residency requirement: 12 months in New Jersey.
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of New Jersey for at least 12 months before filing. The 12-month requirement doesn't apply to divorces based on adultery.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet New Jersey's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in New Jersey without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of New Jersey for at least 12 months before filing. The 12-month requirement doesn't apply to divorces based on adultery.
Download the official New Jersey divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Case Information Statement. All forms are available from the New Jersey courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (Family Part) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the New Jersey court and pay the filing fee of $300. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to New Jersey rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by New Jersey law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
New Jersey has no specific waiting period after filing. However, the 'separation' ground requires 18 months of living apart, reduced to 6 months for irreconcilable differences.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in New Jersey, this typically takes 3-6 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in New Jersey. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates divorce
Notifies spouse
Comprehensive financial disclosure
Final judgment
The filing fee to start a divorce in New Jersey is $300. The filing fee is $300 statewide. Additional fees apply for motions and other filings.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $300 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $500-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, New Jersey offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in New Jersey, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. New Jersey courts are strict about service requirements.
New Jersey is a equitable distribution state.
New Jersey uses equitable distribution. The court considers 16 statutory factors including duration of marriage, age and health, income and earning capacity, contribution to marital property, and debts and liabilities.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how New Jersey law applies to your specific property.
New Jersey uses the Income shares model per New Jersey Child Support Guidelines.
New Jersey uses detailed income shares guidelines. Combined net income of both parents determines the basic support, with adjustments for parenting time, health insurance, childcare, and other factors.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your New Jersey divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $300 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
None (but 6-18 month separation for some grounds) - New Jersey has no specific waiting period after filing. However, the 'separation' ground requires 18 months of living apart, reduced to 6 months for irreconcilable differences.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
Detailed Case Information Statement required
16 factors for equitable distribution
Alimony Reform Act of 2014 changed rules
Early Settlement Panel (ESP) program
Mediation and arbitration options
Common questions about filing for divorce in New Jersey without an attorney.
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New Jersey-specific forms
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Child support calculator
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All New Jersey divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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