Notice and Order - Family - Conclusion of the Transfer of Certain Dissolution (FM) Cases from the Mercer Vicinage to Three Other Vicinages (Atlantic/Cape May, Burlington, Middlesex)

The Supreme Court in the attached September 12, 2025 Order has concluded the transfer of new matrimonial dissolution (FM) cases from the Mercer Vicinage to the Atlantic/Cape May, Burlington, and Middlesex Vicinages, effective October 1, 2025. The Court had authorized these transfers as a temporary measure in April 2024 to allow the Mercer Vicinage to allocate its then very limited Family judicial resources to address pending FM cases while ensuring the timely handling of new FM filings. Accordingly, as of October 1, 2025, all new Mercer FM filings shall be docketed and heard in the Mercer Vicinage.

The Court’s order further provides that any ongoing FM cases that were transferred from the Mercer Vicinage pursuant to the Court’s earlier orders (April 2, 2024 and May 7, 2024) shall continue to be handled by the receiving vicinage (Atlantic/Cape May, Burlington, Middlesex) through disposition of the case. Following disposition, each such case shall be transferred by order back to the Mercer Vicinage after the expiration of 45 days, to allow time for the filing of any appeal, with Mercer to handle any and all future applications in the case, including any motions for post-judgment relief.

Questions about may be directed to the Family Practice Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts at (609) 815-2900, ext. 53350.

IT IS ORDERED that the transfer of new matrimonial dissolution (FM) cases from the Mercer Vicinage to the Atlantic/Cape May, Burlington and Middlesex Vicinages, as authorized by the Court’s April 2, 2024 and May 7, 2024 Orders, is concluded effective October 1, 2025; and

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any ongoing FM cases that were transferred from the Mercer Vicinage pursuant to those April 2, 2024 and May 7, 2024 Orders shall continue to be handled by the receiving Vicinage (Atlantic/Cape May, Burlington, Middlesex) through disposition of the case. Following disposition, each such case shall be transferred by order back to the Mercer Vicinage after the expiration of 45 days, to allow time for the filing of any appeal. Such order shall provide that the case has been transferred back to the Mercer Vicinage for any and all future applications, including any motions for post-judgment relief.