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  • Child Support, Child Custody, and Parenting Time, Family disputes can be complicated. These resources are designed to help you with custody and support matters when divorce is not part of the case. , Non-Dissolution, This docket type involves parenting and support issues in cases where no divorce is filed. Child custody Parenting time and visitation, including grandparents and siblings Establishing paternity Child Support Spousal Support Health insurance coverage, Who Can File?, A parent who is not married. A parent who is married but has not filed for divorce, who wants to establish paternity, custody, parenting time, visitation, child support, or health insurance coverage. A parent who is married and who wants spousal or health insurance coverage. A grandparent or adult sibling who wants to file for custody, visitation, child support or health insurance coverage. Anyone filing a counterclaim or a response to a complaint filed against them., Note:,  If you are divorced or are seeking a divorce from the other parent, please use our Divorce divorce self-help resources ., Register an Out-of-State Order, The New Jersey Courts can register and, if needed, enforce custody and visitation orders from other states. First, download and complete the Certification of Out of State Custody / Visitation / Parenting Time Order (for filing when requesting registration/enforcement) request form . The completed form and the $35 filing fee can be Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) submitted using JEDS . This process does not apply to out-of-state child support orders, which do not require litigants to file a request. For more information on out-of-state custody and visitation orders, see Directive #12-23 Administrative Directive 12-23 ., What does "establish paternity" mean? , If the couple is married, both parties are the legal parents of their child(ren). For unmarried couples, the legal father must be named in the court papers. This will ensure that both parents are legally responsible for supporting the child(ren). Paternity must be established in order to request child support from the legal father., Do I need a lawyer to file a non-dissolution case?, The law, the proofs necessary to present your case, and the court process are complex. You should try to get a lawyer for this type of case. Legal Services of New Jersey maintains a directory of  Regional legal services offices, regional legal services offices, The New Jersey Bar Association also maintains a list of https://njsba.com/resources/county-bar-associations/ county NJSBA County Lawyer Referral Services,  lawyer referral services,  that might be helpful., Things to think about before representing yourself in court, While you have the right to represent yourself in court, you should not expect any special treatment, help, or attention from the court. You must still comply with the Rules of the Court, even if you are not familiar with them. The following is a list of some things the court staff can and cannot do for you. Please read it carefully before asking the court staff for help.  We  can  explain and answer questions about how the court works. We  can  tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered by the court. We  can  give you some information from your case file. We  can  provide you with samples of court forms that are available. We  can  provide you with guidance on how to fill out forms. We  can  usually answer questions about court deadlines. We  cannot  give you legal advice. Only your lawyer can give you legal advice. We  cannot  tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court. We  cannot  give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court. We  cannot  recommend a lawyer, but we can provide you with the telephone number of a local lawyer referral service. We  cannot  talk to the judge for you about what will happen in your case. We  cannot  let you talk to the judge outside of court. We  cannot  change an order issued by a judge.
  • Rescheduling Requests, Deferral Requests (Rescheduling Your Service), Complete the Jury Qualification Questionnaire juror qualification questionnaire before submitting a request to be deferred., Deferral requests may be submitted for the following needs:, Medical Prospective juror has a temporary medical inability to serve.   Transportation Prospective juror is unable to secure transportation for their reporting date.   Temporarily Outside of Area – Business or Vacation Trip Prospective juror is temporarily out of area for employment, vacation or holiday reasons   Temporarily Outside of Area – College Student Prospective juror is a student and is temporarily out of area for schooling and/or prospective juror is a student with mandatory classes, exams, evaluations, or other school obligations.   Temporarily Outside of Area – Other For reasons other than those mentioned above.   Emergency Prospective juror has an emergent and unplanned event that requires immediate attention   Employment – Probationary Period, Staff Shortage, etc. Prospective juror has an employment conflict or is under a probationary period for new employment. You can defer (reschedule) your jury service, once, in the My Jury Service Portal My Jury Service Portal , or by contacting your Jury Managment Office List jury management office .  , Requesting a Deferral Using the Online Portal, How-to video:   How to Create a Juror Service Request Video How to Create a Juror Service Request Log into the My Jury Service Portal My Jury Service Portal to complete your questionnaire. Once complete, you will be taken to the Home page. Click on the “Juror Service Request” tile. Select “Create Juror Service Request.” Select “Deferral.” Under “Deferral Month” select the month you would like to be deferred to. Under “Available deferral dates” select your preferred date. Under “Deferral reason” select the reason for your request. Under “Additional Notes” you are free to add any information you would like to provide regarding your request. Click “Submit” at the bottom of the page. If additional information is required, you will be notified via email for the requested documentation. The information can be submitted via email to your summoning Jury Managment Office List jury management office . You will be notified by email once a decision has been made. *Note: If additional information is required and not received five days prior to your summons date, your request will be denied and you will be required to report for your scheduled jury service. If you do not have access to the online portal, please email or call your Jury Managment Office List jury management office . When calling by phone, have your 10-Digit Participant ID available. When emailing your request, provide the following: 10-Digit Participant ID Full name Requested deferral date Deferral reason Contact phone number
  • Appellate Division, Body, Overview, For information on how to represent yourself in an appeal, visit our Guide to Completing Appeals Forms Self-Help page .  Court appeals in New Jersey go through the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. This is an intermediate appellate court. The state Supreme Court is the highest appellate court.   Appeals come from trial courts, tax court, and administrative agencies. Review the New Jersey Standards for Appellate Review Standards for Appellate Review to learn how the two- or three-judge appellate panels reach a decision in each case. The division is composed of 32 judges divided into 8 parts. The division decides around 6,500 appeals and 10,000 motions each year.  Appellate Division Parts List Appellate Division Court Term Parts List Published Appellate Court Opinions Appellate Court opinions are posted at 10 a.m. each business day. Expected Opinions Expected opinions for the following business day also are posted at 10 a.m.  Alternative resolution programs can streamline the appeals process for some types of cases.  These include:, Civil Appeals Settlement Program (CASP), . The clerk’s office identifies cases that might be settled with the help of a retired judge.  Alternatively, appeals with complex issues could go to a pre-argument conference. The conference helps clarify those issues prior to briefing., Sentencing Calendars, . Appeals of criminal sentences   are argued without full briefing due to their narrow scope. This shortened process helps resolve those cases more quickly., Forms and Filing Information, Attorneys must use eCourts Appellate to file all non-emergent appellate matters. For emergent matters, contact the Appellate Division emergent clerks between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 609-815-2950 and when prompted, press 1.  The current self-representing appeals forms can be found under Forms and Instructions Forms and Instructions . Use the Build-a-Brief Creator Build-a-Brief Creator , the Build-a-Brief Sample (Letter Brief Sample) Letter Brief Sample , and the Appellate Formal Brief Sample Formal Brief Sample for guidance on preparing appellate briefs.  See the Appellate pretrial detention Pretrial Detention page  for guidance filing an appeal on an order granting a motion for pretrial detention.  Here are examples to help you complete your forms: Examples, Tables of Judgments, Orders and Rulings Examples, Tables of Judgments, Orders and Rulings . This document provides you with sample information that should be included with your appeal. Point Heading Examples Point heading examples . These illustrate how to format your headings in an appeal.  You will need a transcript of the lower court hearing. Requesting a Superior Court or Tax Court Transcript for Your Appeal Order transcripts . , Resources for Transcribers, The Judiciary maintains a list of Certified Transcribers List certified transcribers . Also see the contact information for Transcript Processing Offices transcript offices in each Superior Court .  Transcribers can consult the Judiciary Transcriber Manual Judiciary Transcriber Manual and the Transcript Format for Judicial Proceedings Transcript Format for Judicial Proceedings . Use the Judiciary Payment Voucher payment voucher and follow the Instructions for Payment Voucher payment voucher instructions to receive payment. , Calendars and Locations, The following are the upcoming calendars for appellate cases. Choose a date below to review the scheduled appeals. Appellate court calendars are subject to change due to uncontrollable circumstances. Call  609-815-2950 ext. 52627  to confirm calendar information for an appeal.  As provided in the Notice – New Jersey Judiciary Expands Livestreaming of Oral Arguments to the Appellate Division and Announces the Availability of Publicly Filed Briefs Before the Supreme Court and Appellate Division Sept. 3, 2024, Notice to the Bar , the Judiciary is livestreaming oral arguments before the Appellate Division. Exceptions are specified in the Notice – Public Access in the Appellate Division: (1) Oral Arguments of Non-Public Cases Excepted from Livestreaming and Brief Posting; (2) New Form to Request Audio Recordings of Oral Arguments; and (3) Requesting Access to Non-Public Arguments/Records March 10, 2025 Notice to the Bar . Per this Notice to the Bar, audio recordings of remote arguments held after Sept. 3, 2024 are available upon request. Submit the Request for Audio Records of Appellate Division Oral Argumen Request for Audio Records of Appellate Division Oral Arguments and send to  Appeal-Trans.mailbox@njcourts.gov . For help with case information, call the , Transcript Unit, at  609-376-3040 . See appeals scheduled for the agenda for the week of July 7, 2025 Week of July 7, 2025 See appeals scheduled for the Week of July 14, 2025   See appeals scheduled for the Appellate Calendar - Week of July 28, 2025 Week of July 28, 2025 Appellate Division chambers are located throughout the state. Arguments are heard in courtrooms in Morristown, New Brunswick, Newark, and Trenton. Arguments are also heard in other courts from time to time. , Appellate Division Clerk’s Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 006 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970 609-815-2950, Notices to the Bar, The following are notices to bar regarding the appellate court and Ecourts Appellate eCourts Appellate . Notice and Order – Public Access in the Supreme Court and Appellate Division – Relaxation of Court Rules; Requirement for a Filing Party to Certify to the Absence of Confidential Information in Publicly Filed Documents Notice – Public Access in the Appellate Division: (1) Oral Arguments of Non-Public Cases Excepted from Livestreaming and Brief Posting; (2) Promulgation of New Form to Request Audio Recordings of Oral Arguments; and (3) Process for Requesting Access to Non-Public Arguments/Records
  • Filing a Non-Dissolution Case, Follow these steps to file your case in family court.  If you want to change an existing court order, see How to file a request to modify a Non-Dissolution "FD" Court Order previously issued by the court How to File a Post-Judgment Family Motion . , 8 Steps for Filing a Non-Dissolution case in Superior Court, Fill out the following form. You are the "Plaintiff." Non-dissolution "FD" Case - How to file a non-divorce application for custody, child/spousal support or parenting time (visitation) Verified Complaint or Counterclaim   Include the current address of the other party. This is very important. The other party will receive a Notice to Appear in court and a copy of your court papers. If the other party cannot be reached, your case might be dismissed or delayed.   What to do if you cannot find the other party If you are asking for child support, your county welfare office can help you locate the other parent. They receive federal funding to perform this service for child support recipients. If you are not asking for child support, you can complete the Certification of Diligent Search Kit Diligent Search Kit to show that you tried to find the other party. Your case cannot proceed until the other party is found.   Fill out the  Confidential Litigant Information Sheet Confidential Litigant Information Sheet   Complete other forms as needed. For child support, establishment of paternity, spousal support, and/or health insurance coverage, fill out these forms: Certification in Support of Establishing Paternity Certification in Support of Establishing Paternity Financial Statement for Summary Support Actions Summary Form for Financial Information Family Part Case Information Statement (CIS) Family Case Information Statement Also complete the NJ Child Support Application Form child support application form at njchildsupport.org Child Support Application . For custody, parenting time or visitation, also complete the Certification of Non-Military Service Certification of Non-Military Service    Double check the forms. Do not leave any blank spaces. Write N/A if something does not apply to you. Make sure you sign them where it is required.   Make a copy of the forms and keep them in a safe place.   There are 3 ways to deliver the forms. Option 1: You can upload your forms  on Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) . If you are asking for child support, include the child support application form. You can pay the $6 fee with a credit card. Option 2: You can deliver your forms to the  Directory of Superior Court Family Division Offices county courthouse.  If you are asking for child support, bring the child support application form and a $6 check or a money order payable to Treasurer, State of NJ. Option 3: You can mail your forms to the  Directory of Superior Court Family Division Offices county courthouse . If you are asking for child support, include the child support application and a $6 check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of NJ.
  • Protect Yourself Against Jury Duty Scams, What is a jury duty scam?, Jury duty scams are fraudulent phone calls, text messages, emails, or in-person contact by individuals outside of the Judiciary that threatens arrest for failing to appear for jury duty. These messages demand payment or request confidential information that can be used for identity theft., How to identify a scam, The Judiciary, does not use any, money-transfer applications.  Examples include PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. Court officials will, never, ask for payment to avoid arrest for failing to report for jury duty and will, never , request personal identifiers, such as: Bank account or credit card number Social security number Passport number Driver's license number Taxpayer identification number Medical ID and/or Group number The Judiciary does use phone calls, text messages, and email communications to assist jurors with their service, but those communications will never ask for payment or personal identifiers other than date of birth and residential address., What to do if you suspect a scam, If you suspect fraudulent communication, do not respond and do not click on any links. Immediately contact your county Jury Management Office List jury management office as well as local law enforcement. You can also report scams and suspicious communications to the Link to Federal Trade Commission page Federal Trade Commission . 
  • District Ethics and Fee Committees, Volunteer to Be an Ethics or Fee Committee Member, Complete the OAE Volunteer Application form  and mail it to the , Office of Attorney Ethics, to  oae.mbx@njcourts.gov ., District Ethics Committees, District Ethics Committee Secretary, District I, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, Dorothy McCrosson, McCrosson & Stanton, PC 200 Asbury Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226 Phone:  609-938-1775, District II A, Bergen County - North, Joseph A. Maurice, Cohn, Lifland, Pearlman, Herrman, & Knopf, LLP Park 80 West – Plaza One 250 Pehle Avenue, Suite 401 Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663 Phone: 201-845-9600  , District II B, Bergen County - South, Evelyn F. Nissirios, Meyerson, Fox & Conte, P.A. One Paragon Drive, Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 Phone: 201-802-9202, District III A, Ocean County, Steven Secare, Secare & Hensel 16 Madison Ave, Suite 1A Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone:  732-349-2800, District III B, Burlington County, John M. Hanamirian, Hanamirian Law Firm, PC 40 East Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057 Phone: 609-332-5252, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, John M. Palm, Law Office of John M. Palm Highridge Commons, Suite 101 200 Haddonfield-Berlin Road Gibbsboro, NJ 08026 Phone:  856-783-5463, District V A, Essex County - Newark, Lisa W. Bonsall, McCarter & English, LLP Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 Phone:  973-202-4818 973-202-4818, District V B, Essex County - Suburban Essex, Kelly M. Mattheiss, District VB Ethics Committee 31 Vose Avenue, P.O. Box 118 South Orange, NJ  07079 973-763-5777 973-763-5777, District V C, Essex County - West Essex, Sarah Fehm Stewart, Duane Morris LLP 200 Campus Drive, Suite 300 Florham Park, NJ 07932-1007 973-424-2061 973-424-2061  , District VI, Hudson County, Daniel D’Alessandro, McCarter & English Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ   07102 Phone:  973-639-2053, District VII, Mercer County, John J. Zefutie, Colella Zefutie, LLC 116 Village Blvd., Ste. 200 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone: 609-981-9061, District VIII, Middlesex County, Barry J. Muller, Fox Rothschild 212 Carnegie Center, Suite 400 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone:  609-895-6725, District IX, Monmouth County, Mark B. Watson, Daniel F. Sahin, PC P.O. Box 838 Clarksburg, NJ 08510 Phone:  609-503-7944, District X A, East Morris and Sussex Counties, District X B, West Morris and Sussex Counties, Caroline Record, Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP 75 Livingston Avenue Roseland, NJ  07068 Phone:  973-267-2328, District XI, Passaic County, Michael J. Pasquale, 146 Rea Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506 Phone:  973-423-5127, District XII, Union County, Michael F. Brandman, Loumar Inc. 1122 Route 22, Suite 103 Mountainside, NJ 07092 Phone:  908-272-9255, District XIII, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties, Donna P. Legband, Legband & D’Onofrio, LLC 93 South Finley Avenue Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Phone:  908-696-7977 908-696-7977, District XIV, Office of Attorney Ethics, Office of Attorney Ethics, Mountain View Office Park 840 Bear Tavern Road P.O. Box 963 Trenton, NJ 08625 Phone:  609-403-7800, District Fee Committees, District Fee Committee, Secretary, District I, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, Kelly A. Dougherty, Law Offices of Michael Gaffney, LLC 1318 South Main Road, Suite 5B Vineland, NJ 08360 Phone: 856-777-5400 Fax: 856-777-5600, District IIA, Bergen County – North, Terrence J. Corriston, District IIA Fee Arbitration Committee Breslin & Breslin 41 Main Street Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: 201-342-4015, District IIB, Bergen County – South, Michael J. Sprague, District IIB Fee Arbitration Committee 25 Main Street, Suite 202 Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: 201-342-3500, District IIIA, Ocean County, Lisa E. Halpern, P.O. Box 726 Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: 732-244-7719, District IIIB, Burlington County, Albert M. Afonso, Afonso Archie Foley, PC 21 Route 130 South Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 Phone: 609-416-1333, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, Marian I. Kelly, Popjoy & Kelly, LLC Two Echelon Plaza 221 Laurel Road, Suite 155 Voorhees, NJ  08043 Phone: 856-845-6181, District VA, Essex County – Newark, Michael J. Dee, O’Toole Scrivo 14 Village Park Road Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 Phone: 973-239-5700, District VB, Essex County – Suburban Essex, Harvey S. Grossman, 80 Main Street, Suite 530 West Orange, NJ 07052 Phone: 973-736-5858, District VC, Essex County – West Essex, Cheryl H. Burstein, Mandelbaum Barrett PC 3 Becker Farm Road, Suite 105 Roseland, New Jersey 07068 Phone: 973-736-4600, District VI, Hudson County, Mary Ann R. Andrews, 4617 Bergenline Avenue-Second Floor Union City, New Jersey 07087 Phone: 201-223-6660 Email:   feearbitration@gmail.com, District VII, Mercer County, Rebecca R. Colón, Oswald & Zoschak, PC 34 Franklin Corner Road Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648 Phone: 609-844-0488 609-844-0488, District VIII - Effective January 1, 2024, Middlesex County, Steven Nudelman, District VIII Fee Arbitration Committee P.O. Box 5600 Woodbridge, NJ  07095 Phone:    732-476-3206 Fax: 732-476-2429 Email: DFACVIII_Secretary@greenbaumlaw.com, District IX, Monmouth County, Thomas F. Shebell, III, Shebell & Shebell, L.L.C. 600 Broad Street, Suite 100 Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 Phone: 732-663-1122 732-663-1122 Fax: 732-633-1144 Email: tshebell@shebell.com maponte@shebell.com (assistant), District X, Morris and Sussex Counties, Patricia Cistaro, Cistaro Law L.L.C. 5 Cold Hill Road South Suite 15 P.O. Box 294 Mendham, New Jersey 07945 Phone: 973-813-8100, District XI, Passaic County, Candice L. Drisgula, Drisgula Divorce & Family Law 1501 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 305 Wayne, New Jersey 07470 Phone: 973-872-1200 Fax: 973-872-1300 Email: candicedrisgula@gmail.com, District XII, Union County, Carol A. Jeney, Jeney Jeney & O’Connor, LLC 1953 Westfield Avenue Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 Phone: 908-322-9191, District XIII, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties, Olivier J. Kirmser, Kirmser Lamastra Cunningham & Skinner 202 Halls Mills Road – P.O. Box 1675 Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Phone: 908-572-3600, Volunteer to Be an Ethics or Fee Committee Member, Complete the OAE Volunteer Application form  and mail it to the , Office of Attorney Ethics, to  oae.mbx@njcourts.gov ., District Ethics Committees, District Ethics Committee, Secretary, District I, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, Dorothy McCrosson, McCrosson & Stanton, PC 200 Asbury Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226 Phone:  609-938-1775, District II A, Bergen County - North, Joseph A. Maurice, Cohn, Lifland, Pearlman, Herrman, & Knopf, LLP Park 80 West – Plaza One 250 Pehle Avenue, Suite 401 Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663 Phone: 201-845-9600  , District II B, Bergen County - South, Evelyn F. Nissirios, Meyerson, Fox & Conte, P.A. One Paragon Drive, Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 Phone: 201-802-9202, District III A, Ocean County, Steven Secare, Secare & Hensel 16 Madison Ave, Suite 1A Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone:  732-349-2800, District III B, Burlington County, John M. Hanamirian, Hanamirian Law Firm, PC 40 East Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057 Phone: 609-332-5252, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, John M. Palm, Law Office of John M. Palm Highridge Commons, Suite 101 200 Haddonfield-Berlin Road Gibbsboro, NJ 08026 Phone:  856-783-5463, District V A, Essex County - Newark, Lisa W. Bonsall, McCarter & English, LLP Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 Phone:  973-202-4818 973-202-4818, District V B, Essex County - Suburban Essex, Kelly M. Mattheiss, District VB Ethics Committee 31 Vose Avenue, P.O. Box 118 South Orange, NJ  07079 973-763-5777 973-763-5777, District V C, Essex County - West Essex, Sarah Fehm Stewart, Duane Morris LLP 200 Campus Drive, Suite 300 Florham Park, NJ 07932-1007 973-424-2061 973-424-2061  , District VI, Hudson County, Daniel D’Alessandro, McCarter & English Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ   07102 Phone:  973-639-2053, District VII, Mercer County, John J. Zefutie, Colella Zefutie, LLC 116 Village Blvd., Ste. 200 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone: 609-981-9061, District VIII, Middlesex County, Barry J. Muller, Fox Rothschild 212 Carnegie Center, Suite 400 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone:  609-895-6725, District IX, Monmouth County, Mark B. Watson, Daniel F. Sahin, PC P.O. Box 838 Clarksburg, NJ 08510 Phone:  609-503-7944, District X A, East Morris and Sussex Counties, District X B, West Morris and Sussex Counties, Caroline Record, Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP 75 Livingston Avenue Roseland, NJ  07068 Phone:  973-267-2328, District XI, Passaic County, Michael J. Pasquale, 146 Rea Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506 Phone:  973-423-5127, District XII, Union County, Michael F. Brandman, Loumar Inc. 1122 Route 22, Suite 103 Mountainside, NJ 07092 Phone:  908-272-9255, District XIII, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties, Donna P. Legband, Legband & D’Onofrio, LLC 93 South Finley Avenue Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Phone:  908-696-7977 908-696-7977, District XIV, Office of Attorney Ethics, Office of Attorney Ethics, Mountain View Office Park 840 Bear Tavern Road P.O. Box 963 Trenton, NJ 08625 Phone:  609-403-7800, District Fee Committees, District Fee Committee Secretary, District I, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, Kelly A. Dougherty, Law Offices of Michael Gaffney, LLC 1318 South Main Road, Suite 5B Vineland, NJ 08360 Phone: 856-777-5400 Fax: 856-777-5600, District IIA, Bergen County – North, Terrence J. Corriston, District IIA Fee Arbitration Committee Breslin & Breslin 41 Main Street Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: 201-342-4015, District IIB, Bergen County – South, Michael J. Sprague, District IIB Fee Arbitration Committee 25 Main Street, Suite 202 Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: 201-342-3500, District IIIA, Ocean County, Lisa E. Halpern, P.O. Box 726 Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: 732-244-7719, District IIIB, Burlington County, Albert M. Afonso, Afonso Archie Foley, PC 21 Route 130 South Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 Phone: 609-416-1333, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, Marian I. Kelly, Popjoy & Kelly, LLC Two Echelon Plaza 221 Laurel Road, Suite 155 Voorhees, NJ  08043 Phone: 856-845-6181, District VA, Essex County – Newark, Michael J. Dee, O’Toole Scrivo 14 Village Park Road Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 Phone: 973-239-5700, District VB, Essex County – Suburban Essex, Harvey S. Grossman, 80 Main Street, Suite 530 West Orange, NJ 07052 Phone: 973-736-5858, District VC, Essex County – West Essex, Cheryl H. Burstein, Mandelbaum Barrett PC 3 Becker Farm Road, Suite 105 Roseland, New Jersey 07068 Phone: 973-736-4600, District VI, Hudson County, Mary Ann R. Andrews, 4617 Bergenline Avenue-Second Floor Union City, New Jersey 07087 Phone: 201-223-6660 Email:   feearbitration@gmail.com, District VII, Mercer County, Rebecca R. Colón, Oswald & Zoschak, PC 34 Franklin Corner Road Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648 Phone: 609-844-0488 609-844-0488, District VIII - Effective January 1, 2024, Middlesex County, Steven Nudelman, District VIII Fee Arbitration Committee P.O. Box 5600 Woodbridge, NJ  07095 Phone:    732-476-3206 Fax: 732-476-2429 Email: DFACVIII_Secretary@greenbaumlaw.com, District IX, Monmouth County, Thomas F. Shebell, III, Shebell & Shebell, L.L.C. 600 Broad Street, Suite 100 Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 Phone: 732-663-1122 732-663-1122 Fax: 732-633-1144 Email: tshebell@shebell.com maponte@shebell.com (assistant), District X, Morris and Sussex Counties, Patricia Cistaro, Cistaro Law L.L.C. 5 Cold Hill Road South Suite 15 P.O. Box 294 Mendham, New Jersey 07945 Phone: 973-813-8100, District XI, Passaic County, Candice L. Drisgula, Drisgula Divorce & Family Law 1501 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 305 Wayne, New Jersey 07470 Phone: 973-872-1200 Fax: 973-872-1300 Email: candicedrisgula@gmail.com, District XII, Union County, Carol A. Jeney, Jeney Jeney & O’Connor, LLC 1953 Westfield Avenue Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 Phone: 908-322-9191, District XIII, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties, Olivier J. Kirmser, Kirmser Lamastra Cunningham & Skinner 202 Halls Mills Road – P.O. Box 1675 Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Phone: 908-572-3600
  • Family Division Vicinage Contact Directory, Family Division, Number, Family Division Main Number (CIC) - Ocean 732-504-0700 ext. 64120 Family Division Main Number (DV) - Ocean 732-504-0700 ext. 64090 Family Division Main Number (FM/FD Dockets) - Ocean 732-504-0700 ext. 64050 Family Division Main Number (Intake) - Morris 862-397-5700 ext. 75145 Family Division Main Number (Juvenile) - Ocean 732-504-0700 ext. 64110 Family Division Main Number - Atlantic 609-402-0100 ext. 47467 Family Division Main Number - Bergen 201-221-0700 ext. 25170 Family Division Main Number - Burlington 609-288-9500 ext. 38831 Family Division Main Number - Camden 856-650-9100 ext. 43490 Family Division Main Number - Cape May 609-402-0100 ext. 47556 Family Division Main Number - Cumberland 856-878-5050 ext. 15720 Family Division Main Number - Essex 973-776-9300 ext. 56667 Family Division Main Number - Gloucester 856-878-5050 ext. 15590 Family Division Main Number - Hudson 201-748-4400 ext. 60810 Family Division Main Number - Hunterdon 908-824-9750 ext. 13830 Family Division Main Number - Mercer 609-571-4200 ext. 74380 Family Division Main Number - Middlesex 732-645-4300 ext. 88530 Family Division Main Number - Monmouth 732-358-8700 ext. 87908 Family Division Main Number - Morris 862-397-5700 ext. 75145 Family Division Main Number - Passaic 973-653-2910 ext. 24390 Family Division Main Number - Salem 856-878-5050 ext. 15774 Family Division Main Number - Somerset 908-332-7700 ext. 13730 Family Division Main Number - Sussex 862-397-5700 ext. 75184 Family Division Main Number - Union 908-787-1650 ext. 21280 Family Division Main Number - Warren 908-750-8100 ext. 13930 Family Division Records - Passaic 973-653-2910 ext. 24460
  • NJ Supreme Court History, Body, Overview of the Supreme Court, Welcome to the New Jersey Supreme Court Virtual Museum. Here you will find detailed biographical information about the chief justices and associate justices who have served on the court since the adoption of the 1947 New Jersey Constitution, notable cases, speeches, correspondence, videos and photographs of the court and court-related people and institutions. Equally important, and interesting, you will find the life stories of some of the most dynamic people in New Jersey’s history. The website is a work in progress and will be updated often. New Jersey has had a Court bearing the title “Supreme Court” since before we became a state on Dec. 18, 1787. However, the Supreme Court did not become the state’s highest appellate court until 1948. New Jersey’s first constitution in 1776 included a Court of Appeals, which was then the state’s court of last resort. The state constitution of 1844 established the Court of Errors and Appeals, which derived its name from its function of hearing appeals and correcting errors of lower courts. That Court was abolished when the 1947 state constitution established today’s New Jersey Supreme Court, which held its first session in its courtroom in the Statehouse Annex in Trenton on Sept. 15, 1948. Biographical profiles of the first six Chief Justices to serve under the 1947 Constitution are contained below. Each of them were high-energy people who understood the importance of their role as a leader of the “Third Branch” of New Jersey Government. The New Jersey Supreme Court is composed of a chief justice and six associate justices. As the highest appellate court, the Supreme Court reviews cases from the lower courts. Most litigants must request that the court hear their appeal by filing conflicting Appellate Division decisions. In very limited circumstances, such as where a judge in the Appellate Division files a dissenting opinion, a party can appeal as of right to the Supreme Court. In deciding the cases that come before it, the court interprets the New Jersey and the U.S Constitution, New Jersey statutes, administrative regulations of the state’s governmental agencies and the body of common law. Chief Justice Stuart Rabner also serves as the administrative head for the court system and oversees the management of the state's courts., State of New Jersey Constitutional Convention of 1947 Committee on The Judiciary, N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page v N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page 5 N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page vi N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page 6 N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page vii N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page 7 N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page viii N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page 8 N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page ix N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page 9, Governor Alfred E. Driscoll's Role in the Court's Formation, Carousel Image Preview Governor Alfred E. Driscoll Carousel Image Preview Alfred Driscoll Carousel Image Preview Governor Alfred E. Driscoll Carousel Image Preview Governor Alfred E. Driscoll Previous Next, Court System Before the 1947 Constitutional Convention, As discussed in the biographical sketches of the Chief Justices contained in this website, Arthur Vanderbilt was the indispensable bridge between a court system that worked only for political insiders to one that became a role model in the United States. The basic framework of New Jersey’s court system prior to 1947 was created during the colonial era and prevailed for nearly two centuries. On July 2, 1776, the day that New Jersey’s provincial congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, it also approved our first constitution. Working in the shadow of war, the committee hastily crafted a document transferring all the powers of the royal governor to the legislature, making the new governor a mere figurehead, and creating s court system akin to Great Britain, but dominated by the legislature. Despite the 13 years between adoption of the Revolution-era constitution, and the new U.S. Constitution in 1789, no thought was given to taking a second look at the original charter. The state’s constitution was so poorly drawn that it drew the attention of James Madison who cited New Jersey’s constitution as inferior in Federalist Papers #47, warning: “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” The result was a court system dominated by politicians with no regard for the rule of law. Calls for revision of the constitution in 1790, 1797, 1819, 1827, and 1840, all failed. Finally, in 1844, a constitutional convention proposed a new constitution which was approved by the voters. Yet even then, little changed, particularly the courts which grew more chaotic and corrupt. Following the turn of the 20th Century, and as other courts across America were being reformed to keep pace with the modern world, “Jersey justice” was the label attached to the rickety, corrupt conglomeration of courts that legal scholars and historians alike cited as the most archaic judicial system in America. As shown by the pre-1947 chart, our court system was so antiquated and incoherent that only the well-heeled, armed with politically connected lawyers, were confident of fair treatment. For anyone else, beware. After more than two decades of battling, Arthur Vanderbilt and others had built a strong coalition of supporters from the legal, political and social communities, resulting in the approval of a June 1947 referendum providing for a constitutional convention convened at Rutgers University. The result was a modern unitary court system insuring accountability, coherence and respect for litigants. See more information on the Dept. of State websitel See more information on the Dept. of State website ., Supreme Court Historical Advisory Board, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner formed the New Jersey Supreme Court Historical Advisory Board to preserve and promote and to educate the public on the rich history of the state’s highest appellate court., Chair, Judge Nelson C. Johnson (ret.) Judge James H. Coleman Jr. (ret.). - Advisory Board Past Chair Judge Stewart G. Pollock (ret.) - Advisory Board Past Chair, Members, Hon. Nelson C. Johnson (ret.), Chair Hon. James H. Coleman, Jr. (ret.) Advisory Board Past Chair Hon. Stewart G. Pollock (ret.) Advisory Board Past Chair Heather Joy Baker Hon. Avion Benjamin Hon. John W. Bissell (ret.) Michael J. Blee, J.A.D. Steven D. Bonville Hon. Maritza Berdote Byrne Hon. Phillip S. Carchman (ret.) Hon. Amy Piro Chambers (ret.) Dean Ronald K. Chen Thomas Curtin Hon. Linda R. Feinberg (ret.) Hon. John A. Jorgensen Hon. Virginia A. Long (ret.) Hon. Paulette Sapp-Peterson (ret.) Hon. Edwin H. Stern (ret.) Hon. Menelaos Toskos (ret.) Professor John B. Wefing Professor Robert F. Williams For more information about the board, its work or to donate photographs, documents and artifacts related to the New Jersey Supreme  Court, contact Mike Mathis  , Communications and Community Relations, at Mike.Mathis@njcourts.gov 609-815-2900 ext. 52352
  • Modifying a Divorce Order, File a motion to make a change to a court order in your divorce.  Filing a Motion: If you need to change or enforce the court order in your divorce, you must file a motion with the same court that issued the court order. A motion is a written request asking the court to change something in the order or make the other party comply with the terms of the order. Common reasons to file a motion include: to increase or decrease child support payments to increase or decrease alimony or spousal support payments to change the custody arrangements of a minor child to change the visitation/parenting time arrangements to relocate children to another state to emancipate a child, which ends child support obligation to get reimbursement of medical expenses to “enforce litigant’s rights,” (tell the court that the other party is not complying with the order and ask the court to make the party do so) How to Ask the Court to Change or Enforce an Order in Your Case (Family Multipurpose Post-Judgment Motions) How to Ask the Court to Change or Enforce an Order in Your Case The kit has several forms that you must fill out and file with the court. You will also have to send a copy of everything you file to your ex-spouse., Important Note, : There are very specific time frames for selecting a motion date, for filing and for getting the motion papers to your ex-spouse—contact the family division in the county where you are filing to make sure you understand and meet these deadlines., 7 Steps to file a motion to change or enforce an order in your divorce case, Complete all of the forms in the kit. Choose a motion date.  Directory of Superior Court Family Division Offices Contact the Family Division  where your divorce was granted and ask for a motion date at least one month away. Make 3 copies of all of the forms, and 5 copies of the proposed order. Keep one copy for yourself in a safe place. If Probation Services monitors child support in your case, make an extra copy of all of the forms. Redact Redact , or black out, the  Personal Identifier personal identifiers  on the copies you will submit to the court. Attach the $50 filing fee. Upload the documents into the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system. You can pay the fee with a credit card. You can upload the  How to File for a Fee Waiver – All Courts fee waiver request form  if needed . You also can mail the originals plus two copies of all of the documents, plus the fee, to the  Family Division Manager Conference Contact List Family Division  of the Superior Court where your divorce was granted. Mail or deliver one copy of all of the documents to your ex-spouse. They must receive the papers at least 24 days before the motion date you have selected., Responding to a Motion:, If you have received papers stating that your ex-spouse has filed a motion with the court, you can respond by preparing and filing a Certification within the appropriate timeframe. You can use the  How to Ask the Court to Change or Enforce an Order in Your Case (Family Multipurpose Post-Judgment Motions) Certification form in this packet  and attach any documents that you believe will support what you state in the form., Filing a Cross-Motion:, You can also use this packet to file a  How to Ask the Court to Change or Enforce an Order in Your Case (Family Multipurpose Post-Judgment Motions) cross-motion , meaning you are asking the court to take action on your behalf, in addition to opposing whatever the other party has asked for. You must file your Certification (and Cross-Motion if you are filing one) with the court and send or deliver a full copy to your ex-spouse no later than 15 days prior to the motion date. If you filed a Cross-Motion as well as a response to the original motion, your ex-spouse can respond in writing to the information in your Cross-Motion no later than 8 days prior to the motion date., Outcome of a Motion:, A motion date is not a trial. There might not be an actual court hearing on the motion date. Most motions are decided “on the papers.” The judge reviews the arguments and proofs each person has provided and decides the motion on that basis. Both the person filing the motion and the person responding to it can request "oral argument" in their motion papers. This means that they are asking for an actual court hearing with the judge, so they can be heard in person. However, it is up to the judge to decide if this will be necessary. Even if oral argument is granted and there is an actual hearing, a decision on the motion may not occur on that same day. In some cases, it may take weeks or longer to receive the written order stating the judge’s decision. When the motion is decided, each person will receive a copy of the signed order that states the decision on each request made in the motion.
  • Appealing a contested divorce case, Either party can appeal a decision in a contested divorce case. You cannot file an appeal if your case was uncontested., When to  Glossary Terms file, The appeal must be filed in the Appellate Division of Superior Court within 45 days of the court’s decision., Do I need a lawyer to file an appeal?, You do not have to have a lawyer to appeal your case. Be aware, however, that the appeals process can be confusing. It is a good idea to get a lawyer if you can., Things to think about before representing yourself in court, While you have the right to represent yourself in court, you should not expect any special treatment, help, or attention from the court. You must still comply with the Rules of the Court, even if you are not familiar with them. The following is a list of some things the court staff can and cannot do for you. Please read it carefully before asking the court staff for help.  We  can  explain and answer questions about how the court works. We  can  tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered by the court. We  can  give you some information from your case file. We  can  provide you with samples of court forms that are available. We  can  provide you with guidance on how to fill out forms. We  can  usually answer questions about court deadlines. We  cannot  give you legal advice. Only your lawyer can give you legal advice. We  cannot  tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court. We  cannot  give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court. We  cannot  recommend a lawyer, but we can provide you with the telephone number of a local lawyer referral service. We  cannot  talk to the judge for you about what will happen in your case. We  cannot  let you talk to the judge outside of court. We  cannot  change an order issued by a judge., Steps to file an appeal, File a Notice of Appeal. Request a  Requesting a Superior Court or Tax Court Transcript for Your Appeal transcript  of your case from the Appellate Division. You must have the official transcript in order for your appeal to be considered. Complete a Case Information Statement. How to Appeal a Trial Court, Tax Court or State Agency Decision Use the How to File an Appeal self-help kit., Filing Fees, $250 must be submitted with the Notice of Appeal. This is the cost of the appeal. $300 must be submitted with to the clerk of the Appellate Division within 30 days of filing the Notice of Appeal. This will be refunded if you win your appeal. If you lose your appeal, the money can be used to pay settlement or court costs., Do you qualify for a  Fee Waivers fee waiver ?, If you received a fee waiver in your divorce case, you can attach a copy of the order and a signed letter that says your finances have not changed since the case was filed. If you did not receive a fee waiver in your divorce case, you can submit a If you did not receive a fee waiver in your divorce case, you can submit a  How to File for a Fee Waiver – All Courts request for a fee waiver with your appeal ., Send copies of your appeals document to:, All parties in the case who appeared in court The local Superior Court office that handled your divorce case The judge who decided your small claims case, Keep a copy of each document for yourself., Preparing your appeal, You will need to prepare a brief, which is a document that explains why your appeal should be granted. Questions about your appeal? Call the  , Appellate Division Clerk’s Office, at 609-815-2950 .
  • Publications, Reports, and Statistics, Body, Annual Reports of the New Jersey Judiciary, Reports are published by court year, which runs July 1 through June 30. Judiciary Annual Report 2021-2022 Judiciary Annual Report 2021-2022 Judicial Annual Report 2020-2021 Judiciary Annual Report 2020-2021 Judicial Annual Report 2019-2020 Judiciary Annual Report 2019-2020 Judiciary Annual Report 2018-2019 Judiciary Annual Report 2018-2019 Judiciary Annual Report 2017-2018 Judiciary Annual Report 2017-2018 Judiciary Annual Report 2016-2017 Judiciary Annual Report 2016-2017 Judiciary Annual Report 2015-2016 Judiciary Annual Report 2015-2016 Judiciary Annual Report 2014-2015 Judiciary Annual Report 2014-2015 Judiciary Annual Report 2013-2014 Judiciary Annual Report 2013-2014 Judiciary Annual Report 2012-2013 Judiciary Annual Report 2012-2013 Judiciary Annual Report 2011-2012 Judiciary Annual Report 2011-2012 Judiciary Annual Report 2010-2011 Judiciary Annual Report 2010-2011 Judiciary Annual Report 2009-2010 Judiciary Annual Report 2009-2010 Judiciary Annual Report 2008-2009 Judiciary Annual Report 2008-2009 Judiciary Annual Report 2007-2008 Judiciary Annual Report 2007-2008 Judiciary Annual Report 2005-2006 Judiciary Annual Report 2005-2006 Judiciary Annual Report 2004-2005 Judiciary Annual Report 2004-2005 Judiciary Annual Report 2002-2003 Judiciary Annual Report 2002-2003 Judiciary Annual Report 2001-2002 Judiciary Annual Report 2001-2002 Judiciary Annual Report 2001-2002 Judiciary Annual Report 2000-2001, Judiciary Times, Read our semi-annual statewide newsletter. Judiciary Times Winter 2024 – Spring 2025 Winter 2024 – Spring 2025 Judiciary Times Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Judiciary Times Winter 2022 - Spring 2023 Edition Winter 2022 - Spring 2023 Winter 2021 – Spring 2022 Winter 2021 – Spring 2022 JT Summer 2021 Summer 2021 Winter 2020/Spring 2021 Winter 2020/Spring 2021 Fall 2020 Fall 2020, Probation Recidivism Reports, Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2024 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2024 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2021-2022 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2021-2022 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2019-2020 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2019-2020 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2018-2019 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2018-2019 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2017 Probation Recidivism Annual Report 2017, Special Reports, Millville Municipal Court Report Millville Municipal Court Report (Feb. 16, 2023) CJR 2021 Criminal Justice Reform Report to the Governor and Legislature (Dec. 7, 2022) Report of the Working Group on the Municipal Courts Report of the Supreme Court Working Group on the Municipal Courts (July 8, 2019), Judiciary Strategic Plan for COVID Backlog Reduction (March 2024) Strategic Plan for COVID Backlog Reduction (March 2024), Trial Court Statistics, Trial court statistics are compiled from monthly statistical reports prepared by division managers in each county and submitted by trial court administrators. In the Court Management Report, the statewide overview section provides court year-to-date clearance and inventory percentages and current month clearance numbers. The county profile section of that report provides a two-page court year-to-date caseload report for each county. The Civil Statistics Report provides a report of filings, resolutions, clearance and backlog by case type. In the Superior Court Caseload Reference Guide, statistics are presented for five court years by county. Note: All reports are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. PDF documents preserve the look and feel of the original print documents. However, in order to view PDF documents, you must install the Adobe Acrobat Reader on your device. Acrobat Reader is available free of charge from their Adobe web site. Adobe provides a set of free tools that help users with visual impairments read documents in Adobe PDF format. To receive a hard copy of either report, email webmaster.mailbox@njcourts .   , Court Management Statistics, Civil Statistics, Municipal Court Statistics, Court Management Statistics, June 2025 Court Management Statistics, July 2024 - June 2025 Civil Statistics, June 2025 Civil Statistics, July 2024 - June 2025 State and County, June 2025 State and County, July 2024 - June 2025 Municipal Courts, June 2025 Municipal Courts, July 2024 -June 2025 Court Management Statistics, July 2023 - April 2024 Court Management Statistics, July 2023 - June 2024 Civil Statistics, July 2023 - April 2024 Civil Statistics, July 2023 - June 2024 State and County Statistics, July 2023 - April 2024 State and County, July 2023 - June 2024 Municipal Courts Statistics, July 2023 - April 2024 Municipal Courts, July 2023 - June 2024 Court Management Statistics, July 2022 - June 2023 Court Management Statistics, July 2022 - June 2023 Civil Statistics, July 2022 - June 2023 Civil Statistics, July 2022 - June 2023 State and County, July 2022 - June 2023 State and County, July 2022 - June 2023 Municipal Courts, July 2022 - June 2023 Municipal Courts, July 2022 - June 2023 Court Management Statistics, July 2021 – June 2022 Court Management Statistics, July 2021 – June 2022 Civil Statistics, July 2022 - June 2023 Civil Statistics, July 2021 – June 2022 State and County, July 2021 – June 2022 State and County, July 2021 – June 2022 Municipal Courts, July 2021 – June 2022 Municipal Courts, July 2021 – June 2022 Court Management Statistics, July 2020 - June 2021 Court Management Statistics, July 2020 - June 2021 Civil Statistics, July 2020 - June 2021 Civil Statistics, July 2020 - June 2021 State and County, July 2020 - June 2021 State and County, July 2020 - June 2021 Municipal Courts, July 2020 - June 2021 Municipal Courts, July 2020 - June 2021 Court Management Statistics, July 2019 - June 2020 Court Management Statistics, July 2019 - June 2020 Civil Statistics, July 2019 - June 2020 Civil Statistics, July 2019 - June 2020 State and County, July 2019 - June 2020 State and County, July 2019 - June 2020 Municipal Courts, July 2019 - June 2020 Municipal Courts, July 2019 - June 2020 Court Management Statistics, July 2018 - June 2019 Court Management Statistics, July 2018 - June 2019 Civil Statistics, July 2018 - June 2019 Civil Statistics, July 2018 - June 2019 State and County, July 2018 - June 2019 State and County, July 2018 - June 2019 Municipal Courts, July 2018 - June 2019 Municipal Courts, July 2018 - June 2019 Court Management Statistics, July 2017 - June 2018 Court Management Statistics, July 2017 - June 2018 Civil Statistics, July 2017 - June 2018 Civil Statistics, July 2017 - June 2018 State and County, July 2017 - June 2018 State and County, July 2017 - June 2018 Municipal Courts, July 2017 - June 2018 Municipal Courts, July 2017 - June 2018 Court Management Statistics, July 2016 - June 2017 Civil Statistics, July 2016 - June 2017 Civil Statistics, July 2016 - June 2017 State and County, July 2016 - June 2017 State and County, July 2016 - June 2017 Municipal Courts, July 2016 - June 2017 Municipal Courts, July 2016 - June 2017 Court Management Statistics, July 2015 - June 2016 Court Management Statistics, July 2015 - June 2016 Civil Statistics, July 2015 - June 2016 Civil Statistics, July 2015 - June 2016 State and County, July 2015 - June 2016 State and County, July 2015 - June 2016 Municipal Courts, July 2015 - June 2016 Municipal Courts, July 2015 - June 2016 Court Management Statistics, July 2014 - June 2015 Court Management Statistics, July 2014 - June 2015 Civil Statistics, July 2014 - June 2015 Civil Statistics, July 2014 - June 2015 State and County, July 2014 - June 2015 State and County, July 2014 - June 2015 Municipal Courts, July 2014 - June 2015 Municipal Courts, July 2014 - June 2015 Court Management Statistics, July 2013 - June 2014 Court Management Statistics, July 2013 - June 2014 Civil Statistics, July 2013 - June 2014 Civil Statistics, July 2013 - June 2014 State and County, July 2013 - June 2014 State and County, July 2013 - June 2014 Municipal Courts, July 2013 - June 2014 Municipal Courts, July 2013 - June 2014 Court Management Statistics, July 2012 - June 2013 Court Management Statistics, July 2012 - June 2013 Civil Statistics, July 2012 - June 2013 Civil Statistics, July 2012 - June 2013 State and County, July 2012 - June 2013 State and County, July 2012 - June 2013 Municipal Courts, July 2012 - June 2013 Municipal Courts, July 2012 - June 2013 Court Management Statistics, July 2011 - June 2012 Court Management Statistics, July 2011 - June 2012 Civil Statistics, July 2011 - June 2012 Civil Statistics, July 2011 - June 2012 State and County, July 2011 - June 2012 State and County, July 2011 - June 2012 Municipal Courts, July 2011 - June 2012 Municipal Courts, July 2011 - June 2012 Court Management Statistics, July 2010 - June 2011 Court Management Statistics, July 2010 - June 2011 Civil Statistics, July 2010 - June 2011 Civil Statistics, July 2010 - June 2011 State and County, July 2010 - June 2011 State and County, July 2010 - June 2011 Municipal Courts, July 2010 - June 2011 Municipal Courts, July 2010 - June 2011 Court Management Statistics, July 2009 - June 2010 Court Management Statistics, July 2009 - June 2010 Civil Statistics, July 2009 - June 2010 Civil Statistics, July 2009 - June 2010 State and County, July 2009 - June 2010 State and County, July 2009 - June 2010 Municipal Courts, July 2009 - June 2010 Municipal Courts, July 2009 - June 2010 Court Management Statistics, July 2008 - June 2009 Court Management Statistics, July 2008 - June 2009 Civil Statistics, July 2008 - June 2009 Civil Statistics, July 2008 - June 2009 State and County, July 2008 - June 2009 State and County, July 2008 - June 2009 Municipal Courts, July 2008 - June 2009 Municipal Courts, July 2008 - June 2009 Court Management Statistics, July 2007 - June 2008 Court Management Statistics, July 2007 - June 2008 Civil Statistics, July 2007 - June 2008 Civil Statistics, July 2007 - June 2008 State and County, July 2007 - June 2008 State and County, July 2007 - June 2008 Municipal Courts, July 2007 - June 2008 Municipal Courts, July 2007 - June 2008 Court Management Statistics, July 2006 - June 2007 Court Management Statistics, July 2006 - June 2007 Civil Statistics, July 2006 - June 2007 Civil Statistics, July 2006 - June 2007 State and County, July 2006 - June 2007 State and County, July 2006 - June 2007 Municipal Courts, July 2006 - June 2007 Municipal Courts, July 2006 - June 2007 Court Management Statistics, July 2005 - June 2006 Court Management Statistics, July 2005 - June 2006 Civil Statistics, July 2005 - June 2006 Civil Statistics, July 2005 - June 2006 State and County, July 2005 - June 2006 State and County, July 2005 - June 2006 Municipal Courts, July 2005 - June 2006 Municipal Courts, July 2005 - June 2006 Court Management Statistics, July 2004 - June 2005 Court Management Statistics, July 2004 - June 2005 Civil Statistics, July 2004 - June 2005 Civil Statistics, July 2004 - June 2005 State and County, July 2004 - June 2005 State and County, July 2004 - June 2005 Municipal Courts, July 2004 - June 2005 Municipal Courts, July 2004 - June 2005   Superior Court Caseload Reference Guide, 2017 - 2021 Superior Court Caseload Reference Guide, 2018 - 2022  , Statistical Dashboards, The following dashboards provide interactive summaries of filings, resolutions, and backlog in the New Jersey Trial Courts for the court year. The dashboards are updated each month to provide a current picture of caseload activity. Filings and Resolutions Dashboard : The tables and graphs show court year-to-date statistics (July to the current month available) and the most recent full court year statistics . The case type radio buttons control the type of cases shown in the Filings and Resolution table and the Percent Change in Filings map. Selection of a county radio button allows you to control the counties displayed in the bar graphs and table on the bottom of the dashboard. Backlog Dashboards : The tables and graphs show current backlog statistics and the most recent June (year-end) statistics. The case type radio buttons control the type of cases shown in the Backlog table, the monthly Backlog bar graph. Selection of a county radio button controls the counties displayed in the bar graphs on the bottom of the dashboard. Use the download icon at the bottom of the dashboard for printing. Filings and Resolutions Dashboard - Current Filings and Resolutions Dashboard - Current Filings and Resolutions Dashboard - Court Year Filings and Resolutions Dashboard - Court Year New Jersey Trial Courts Backlog: Current Backlog Dashboard - Current New Jersey Trial Courts Backlog: Court Year Backlog Dashboard - Court Year
  • Complete Your Questionnaire, Body, Log in to My Jury Service Portal, Log in to My Jury Service Porta LOG IN, Instructions for logging into the My Jury Service Portal, Enter your, 10-digit Participant ID, (including, all zeros, ), located under the barcode on your summons. Enter your, 5-digit zip code, as it appears on your summons. Enter your, last name, as it appears on your Summons Postcard., *Note:, If you update your name with your jury management office, you will then use your corrected last name when logging in. Sample Login for Jurors If you require an ADA accommodation or ASL interpreter, please click ADA Title II Get Help Request an ADA Accommodation for more information or to make a request., Video Instructions Using the My Jury Service Portal (MJS), Create a Juror Service Request How to create a Juror Service Request View Attendance and Payment Information How to view Attendance and Payment Information Update Personal Profile Information How to update Personal Profile Information (Address, Phone #, etc.), Quick Reference Guide, -, Quick Reference Guide – My Jury Service Portal (MJS) My Jury Service Portal (MJS), Where to find login information:, Postcard Summons, Finding Password, : You can find the password on the front of the postcard.  Use your, zip code, as your password.  Jury Card Front  , Finding User ID, : You can find the User ID on the back side of the postcard.  The User ID is the, Participant ID., Jury card back   Letter Summons If you did not respond to the postcard summons you can find the login information on the follow-up letter summons. , Finding Password :, You can find the password on the left side of the questionnaire.  Use your, zip code, as your password.  , Finding User ID :, You can find the User ID on the right side of the questionnaire.  The User ID is the, Participant ID, . Jury Letter Summons, Recommended Internet Browsers, Use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Firefox for the best experience on the My Jury Service Portal., Check Juror Reporting Message, After completing the questionnaire, check the jury reporting message after 5:30 p.m. the night before your summons date(s) at  Check Jury Reporting Check Jury Reporting ., Contact Information, For issues logging into the MJS Portal, email   JurorTechHelp.mbx@njcourts.gov . You can also call your Jury Management Office county jury manager for more information about the portal or about your jury service. The statewide call center at   609-421-6100 can also assist with login issues. Access the My Jury Service Portal to complete your questionnaire, view attendance, update personal info, and get jury reporting details. 
  • Tax Court Judges Directory, Judge, Chambers, Geographical Areas Served, Mala Sundar, , P.J.T.C., Julia Pickett, , Law Clerk, Tax Court, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 975 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0972 609-815-2922 ext. 54630 Burlington, Camden, Mercer, Monmouth. Middlesex (except Cranbury, Dunellen, Edison, Monroe, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, Plainsboro, Spotswood, South Brunswick)., Christine Nugent, , J.T.C., Allison Brugger, , Law Clerk, Tax Court, Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Floor 4 Newark, New Jersey 07102 609-815-2922 ext. 54610 Essex (except Belleville, Cedar Grove, Montclair, Newark, West Caldwell, West Orange)., Mary Siobhan Brennan, , J.T.C.  , Alexander Guerra, , Law Clerk, Tax Court, Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Floor 4 Newark, New Jersey 07102 609-815-2922 ext. 54560 Hudson., Joshua D. Novin, , J.T.C  , Billy Febuary, , Law Clerk  , Tax Court, Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Floor 4 Newark, New Jersey 07102 609-815-2922 ext. 54680 Passaic, Warren. Bergen: Alpne, Bergenfield, Bogota, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Englewood Cliffs, Fair Lawn, Fairview, Garfield, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Harrington Park, Hasbrouck Heights, Haworth, Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Leonia, Little Ferry, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Mahwah, Maywood, Midland Park, Montvale, Moonachie, New Milford, North Arlington, Old Tappan. Essex: Belleville, Cedar Grove, Montclair, West Caldwell, West Orange., Mark Cimino, , J.T.C., Eric Gonzalez, , Law Clerk, Tax Court, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 975 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0972 609-815-2922 ext. 54585 Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon. Middlesex: Cranbury, Dunellen, Edison, Monroe, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, Plainsboro, Spotswood, South Brunswick. Ocean, Salem, Somerset., Michael Gilmore, , J.T.C., Matthew Tantum, , Law Clerk  , Tax Court, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 975 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0972 609-815-2922 ext. 54670 Union, Joan Murray, , J.T.C., Brittany Butler, , Law Clerk  , Tax Court, Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Floor 4 Newark, New Jersey 07102 609-815-2922 ext. 54660 Essex: City of Newark., Michael Duffy, , J.T.C., Julianna Bongiovanni, , Law Clerk, Tax Court, Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Floor 4 Newark, New Jersey 07102 609-815-2922 ext. 54580 Morris and Sussex, Frederick Raffetto, , J.T.C., Tax Court, Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Floor 4 Newark, New Jersey 07102 609-815-2922 ext. 54600 Bergen (except Allendale, Alpine, Bergenfield, Bogota, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Englewood Cliffs, Fair Lawn, Fairview, Franklin Lakes, Garfield, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Harrington Park, Hasbrouck Heights, Haworth, Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Leonia, Little Fe1ry, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Mahwah, Maywood, Midland Park, Montvale, Moonachie, New Milford, North Arlington, Old Tappan, Wyckoff).  , Patrick Dealmeida, , Appellate Judge   Temporarily assigned to the Superior Court, Appellate Division., Joseph Andresini, , P.J.T.C. (ret'd on recall), Tax Court, Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Floor 4 Newark, New Jersey 07102 609-815-2922 ext. 54571 State-wide mediation.
  • Multicounty Litigation, Multicounty litigation involves a large number of personal injury cases that are all associated with a single product. The cases share common factual and legal issues. Also, the value of each claim is dependent on the value of all of the other claims. Select a Case Abilify Allergan Biocell Textured Breast Implants Asbestos Bard Implanted Port Catheter Products DePuy ASR Hip Implant Elmiron Fosamax Pelvic Mesh - Bard Pelvic Mesh - Gynecare Physiomesh Pinnacle Metal-on-Metal (MoM) Hip Implants Proceed Surgical Mesh/Proceed Ventral Patch Prolene Hernia System Mesh Proton-Pump Inhibitors Roundup Products Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Facilities Operated by the State of New Jersey Singulair Strattice-Hernia-Mesh Stryker Hip/ABG II Stryker LFIT CoCr V40 Femoral Heads Talc-Powder Tasigna Taxotere/Docetaxel Zostavax, Litigation Applications and Terminations, Applications and terminations currently before the court: July 2025- Ozempic/Rybelsus/ Victoza/Wegovy (Gastrointestinal Injuries) (MCL) Application Ozempic/Rybelsus/ Victoza/Wegovy (Gastrointestinal Injuries) (MCL) Application July 2025- Ozempic/Wegovy Products (NAION) (MCL) Application Ozempic/Wegovy Products (NAION) (MCL) Application, Guidelines and Resources, Directive #02-19 Directive #02-19 - Multicounty Litigation Guidelines and Criteria for Designation sets forth the procedures for the centralized management of MCL cases. 4:38A-Centralized Management of Multicounty Litigation Court Rule 4:38 established the Multicounty Litigation Program. Self-represented litigants can use the Civil Case Information Statement (CIS) - Appendix XII-B1 Civil Case Information Statement when filing in an MCL matter. Find contacts for multidistrict litigation (MDL) in other states. , MCL By County, Atlantic County Bergen County Middlesex County Abilify Allergan Biocell Textured Breast Implants Asbestos Physiomesh Bard Implanted Port Catheter Products Fosamax Proceed Surgical Mesh/Proceed Ventral Patch DePuy ASR Hip Implant Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Facilities Operated by the State of New Jersey Prolene Hernia System Mesh Elmiron Taxotere/Docetaxel Proton-Pump Inhibitors Pelvic Mesh - Bard Zostavax Singulair Pelvic Mesh - Gynecare Strattice-Hernia-Mesh Pinnacle Metal-on-Metal (MoM) Hip Implants Talc-Powder Roundup Products Stryker Hip/ABG II Stryker LFIT CoCr V40 Femoral Heads Tasigna, Archived MCLs, Multicounty Litigation cases are archived by court order. See all archived MCLs. Accutane (Archived) AlloDerm (Archived) Benicar (Archived) Bristol Myers Squibb Environmental (Archived) Firefighter Hearing (Archived) HealthPlus Surgery Center (Archived) Levaquin (Archived) Mirena (Archived) Pompton Lakes Environmental Contamination (Archived) Propecia (Archived) Reglan (Archived) Risperdal/Seroquel/Zyprexa (Archived) Stryker Trident Hip Implants (Archived) Yaz/Yasmin/Ocella (Archived), Notices to the Bar, See all Notices to the Bar - Multi County Litigation Tag Notices to the Bar related to multicounty litigation., Out of State Attorneys, Attorneys from other jurisdictions must first comply with pro hac vice admission requirements and pay all required fees before representing clients in the New Jersey courts. Review New Jersey’s pro hac vice requirements in 1:21-2-Appearances Pro Hac Vice Court Rule 1:21-2 . With an initial mass tort pleading and, every year thereafter, as long as the case in which you are involved is pending, a certification must be filed with the court indicating: that you are an attorney-at-law holding a plenary license to practice in the State of New Jersey; the address of your bona fide out-of-state office; that pursuant to Rules 1:20-1(b), 1:28-2 and 1:28B-1(e), Pro Hac Vice all annual fees have been paid to the New Jersey Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection and all required registration statements have been filed; that in accordance with Rule 1:21-1(a), a power of attorney has been filed designating the Supreme Court of New Jersey Clerk of the Supreme Court as agent upon whom service of process may be made for all actions, including disciplinary actions; and that there are no disciplinary proceedings affecting your standing as a member of the bar in New Jersey or in any other jurisdiction.   The Pro Hac Vice admission order should include: [Admitted attorney] shall abide by the New Jersey Court Rules including all disciplinary rules, R. 1:20-1 and R. 1:28-2; Admitted attorney] shall consent to the appointment of the Clerk of the Supreme Court as an agent upon whom service of process may be made for all actions against his firm that may arise out of his participation in this matter; [Admitted attorney] shall notify the Court immediately of any matter affecting his standing at the bar of any other Court; [Admitted attorney] shall have all pleadings, briefs and other papers filed with the Court signed by an attorney of record authorized to practice in this State, who shall be held responsible for them, the conduct of the cause and the admitted attorney herein; [Admitted attorney] cannot be designated as trial counsel; No delay in discovery, motions, trial, or any other proceeding shall occur or be requested by reason of the inability of [Admitted attorney] to be in attendance; [Admitted attorney] must, within 10 days, pay the fees required by R. 1:20-1(b) and R. 1:28-2 and submit affidavits of compliance; Automatic termination of Pro Hac Vice admission will occur for failure to make the required annual payment to the Ethics Financial Committee and the New Jersey Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection. Proof of such payment, after filing proof of the initial payment shall be made no later than February of each year. Noncompliance with any of these requirements shall constitute grounds for removal; A copy of this order shall be served on all parties within seven (7) days. For questions regarding Pro Hac Vice admission, call the , Statewide Call Center, at  609-421-6100, Understanding the MCL Process, Each multicounty litigation is handled in one of three counties: Bergen, Middlesex, or Atlantic. The Supreme Court’s Order that designates a multicounty litigation also assigns it to one of those counties. All future cases be filed in that designated county as well. The judge assigned to oversee the MCL will prepare an initial case management order. The order will include: the date of the first case management conference; direction to counsel regarding issues they should discuss prior to this initial case management conference; instructions regarding notices on the Judiciary web page for multicounty litigation; instructions regarding contact with the court; obligations regarding preservation of records and e-discovery; and a process for the appointment of lead and liaison counsel. The court will work with federal courts that are handling corresponding litigation. This is called multidistrict litigation (MDL) at the federal level. MCL judges also must coordinate discovery efforts with related litigation in other state courts as well. The MCL judge is not bound by any decision from any other jurisdictions. MCLs usually have scheduled case management conferences every four to six weeks. Normally, the court requires that counsel confer prior to the conferences and submit a proposed joint agenda for each conference. At each conference, the court will ask about ongoing discovery issues; set a schedule for motion practice regarding any disputes; and set a schedule to complete written discovery, depositions, service of general expert reports, and depositions. The goal is to select a pool of cases to then be made ready for trial. From this pool of trial-ready cases, the court selects representative plaintiffs for bellwether trials. The bellwether trials assist in the settlement or dismissal of all the cases in the MCL litigation. Those trials establish trends or common rulings that can predict a potential outcome for some or all of the remaining cases. No two MCLs are the same. Each involves different products, and each has its own unique variables. There is no way to predict the length of time any MCL litigation will last. Typically, the judge that is assigned the MCL will be the judge overseeing the trial of the cases. Some MCL courts have allowed multiple plaintiffs to present their cases in one trial. First, the court must determine that a multi-plaintiff trial can be accomplished without undue prejudice to the defendants. Send comments and suggestions to  CivilWebSites.Mailbox@njcourts.gov
  • Domestic Violence, People dealing with domestic violence can file a restraining order. Some restraining orders include child custody. Discover additional resources to help you get out of a domestic violence situation. Body, Who can get a restraining order?, If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can apply if: You are 18 years of age or older, or you are an emancipated minor (a person under 18 years who is married, in the military, has a child, is pregnant or has been legally declared an adult by a court) and are a victim who has experienced domestic violence by: Spouse, Former Spouse, or Any other person who is a present household member or was at any time a household member, OR Or regardless of your age, you have experienced domestic violence by: Someone you have a child with, Someone you are expecting a child with, or if either of you are pregnant, Someone you have had a dating relationship with., How to apply for a restraining order, You can apply in-person, or, by phone in the county where you live, where the person you are applying against lives, where the domestic violence incident took place, or where you are staying. Offices are open every weekday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. If it is the weekend, evening, holiday, or the courts are closed, go to your local police department to file a complaint., In-person, Visit the Domestic Violence Unit at the courthouse in your county., By Phone:, Call the Family Division of the Superior Court during business hours. Each county has a Temporary Restraining Orders - County Phone Numbers phone number for you to call. If they cannot answer right away, the voicemail will tell you to call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency. If you want to proceed, you may leave your name, number, and the best time for them to contact you., Step 1: Apply for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), At the courthouse, a staff person will sit with you and fill out an application. Then, you will go before a hearing officer or judge who will listen to you and decide whether to grant a TRO. The other party will not be present in the hearing. If you apply at a police station, the police will contact a judge to decide whether to give you a TRO. If the court issues a TRO, you will get a copy, and the court will send a copy to the police to give to the other party. Another hearing will be scheduled within ten days. The other party can ask for an earlier court date. If that happens, you will be contacted. At any time, you can ask to talk to a domestic violence advocate who can help you with the court process and safety planning. County Phone Numbers Temporary Restraining Orders Contact list for TRP by county., Step 2: Go To The Final Restraining Order (FRO) Hearing, Review the Preparing for a Domestic Violence Final Restraining Order Hearing Preparing for Domestic Violence FRO Hearing. You must appear at the hearing for the FRO. The other party will be present and has the right to hire a lawyer. You do not need a lawyer, but you can hire one if you choose. The court does not provide lawyers for these cases. If you want a lawyer, you can contact the Lawyer Referral Service or Legal Services of New Jersey. If the other party does not appear and there is proof they were given the order, the judge can still hear the case. If the other party did not get the order, the court will reschedule the hearing. If you and the other party appear, the court will hear both sides and make a decision In addition to protection, the order also could address custody, child support, parenting time (visitation) and other issues. In New Jersey, a Final Restraining Order (FRO) is permanent. It continues forever unless changed by the court., Child Support and Custody, You can request custody and child support as a part of a restraining order. Court staff will provide a safe and confidential environment to you when seeking custody or child support from an abuser. The location when you are staying can remain confidential. If a child support order already exists, that order will remain in full effect during the proceedings for the restraining order. A victim can also request that an existing child support order be modified during the hearing for the final restraining order. Go to the New Jersey Child Support website New Jersey Child Support website ., Amending a Domestic Violence Complaint, You can file an How to File an Amended Domestic Violence Complaint amended domestic violence complaint if you want to provide additional information about the domestic violence that took place. You can also provide details about additional acts of domestic violence that took place after the first complaint was filed. , Resources for Victims, Isolation is one of the most significant factors that leads to an increase in domestic violence and safety risks. Don’t let social distancing mean social isolation. If you are - or someone you know is – living in fear of intimate partner violence, call the Domestic Violence 1-800-572-7233 1-800-572-7233 ., Additional Resources, County Phone Numbers for Temporary Restraining Orders County Phone Numbers for Temporary Restraining Orders DV Remote Hearing Instruction Sheet for Litigants Domestic Violence Remote Hearing Instruction Sheet for Litigants Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence Frequently Asked Questions about Domestic Violence How to File an Amended Domestic Violence Complaint How to File an Amended Domestic Violence Complaint, Dismissing a Restraining Order, The victim can ask the judge to dismiss the restraining order at any time. The judge will make the final decision as to if the restraining order will be dismissed. If you are unsure about dismissing a restraining order, speak to the intake worker at the courthouse, someone in the family court, a victim advocate or your attorney., The victim should only sign the “Certification to Dissolve a Restraining Order” voluntarily., Dismissal of a restraining order means that the legal restraints entered against the defendant to protect the victim will be removed. The victim will no longer have the benefit of this legal protection against the defendant. Dismissal of a restraining order will not dismiss any related criminal charges. Those criminal matters will proceed. This protection cannot be renewed unless there is another act of domestic violence. If there is a new act of domestic violence, the victim must request a new restraining order Without a restraining order, the police are not required to arrest the defendant. This is true even if the defendant violates a "stay away" order as part of a divorce or child support case., Violating a Restraining Order, Domestic violence matters are serious. If you are unsure about any aspect of a restraining order, you should call the police or contact the family court., A Restraining Order is a document issued by the court that sets out the terms that the defendant must follow., A final restraining order will tell the defendant: Whom the defendant is not allowed to be in contact with. Locations where the defendant cannot go. Money that the defendant owes or child support that is due. All actions that the defendant is not allowed to take. The order also will include a warrant for law enforcement to search and seize weapons for safekeeping., If the defendant violates a Restraining Order, The restraining order is divided into two parts. Two different things will happen if the defendant violates the restraining order:, Part 1 contains restraints against contact., If the defendant does not comply with Part 1 of the order, the plaintiff can report the violation to the local police. The police will arrest the defendant and file a criminal charge., Part 2 deals with financial and parenting issues., If the defendant is not complying with Part 2 of the order, the plaintiff must file for relief in the family court where the order was issued., Information for Defendants, If a Restraining Order Is Filed Against You, You cannot have any contact with the other person (or people) named on the restraining order. If you contact anyone on the order, you may be arrested. Read the restraining order carefully. The order tells you what you cannot do and has a date for you to appear in court for a final restraining order (FRO) hearing. If you do not show up at the hearing, the court can decide the case without you and give the other person a Final Restraining Order (FRO). You do not need a lawyer, but you can hire one if you choose. The court does not provide lawyers for these cases. If you want a lawyer, you can contact the Lawyer Referral Service. At the hearing, the judge will hear both sides and make a decision. In addition to protection, the order may also address custody, child support, parenting time (visitation) and other issues. The last page of the restraining order tells you where and when to appear for the final restraining order hearing. If you have questions, contact the Family Division Office Family Division Office ., Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), The TRO tells you what you can and cannot do. If you live with the other person, you might be allowed to go there with a law enforcement officer to get some of your things. The police will take your weapons. The order may include a temporary plan for custody and parenting time (visitation) for you and your child. The order will include a date for a hearing within ten (10) days. You can contact the Family Division Office Family Division Office to ask to change the date of the hearing., Final Restraining Order (FRO), You must show up at the hearing for the final restraining order (FRO). If you do not show up, the court can decide the case without you and give the other person the FRO. If both parties appear, the court will hear both sides and make a decision. The FRO, if granted, does not expire. The order can include child support, child custody, and parenting time (visitation). A FRO requires that you be fingerprinted. It may also include penalties, such as payment of a fine and loss of weapons. Read the order carefully., What Else Can I Do?, You can go to Family Court and apply to change or dismiss the final restraining order. Get more information from Prevention of Domestic Violence Frequently Asked Questions. Prevention of Domestic Violence Frequently Asked Questions. Note: A person who does not qualify for a domestic violence restraining order may be able to get other relief. If you have questions, contact the Family Division Office Family Division Office.
  • Middlesex Vicinage Court User Resource Center, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., Additional legal resources are available in our Law Library. The Ombudsman Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., Ombudsman Office, Ombudsman, Middlesex County Family Courthouse 120 New Street Suite/Room 300B New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903 732-645-4300 ext. 88748 MiddlesexHelp.Mailbox@njcourts.gov, Law Library​​​​​​​, Ombudsman, Middlesex County Family Courthouse 120 New Street Suite/Room 300B New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903 732-645-4300 ext. 88748 MiddlesexHelp.Mailbox@njcourts.gov Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program  ombudsman program . 
  • Bergen Vicinage Court User Resource Center, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., Additional legal resources are available in our Law Library. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., Ombudsman Office, Ombudsman, Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main Street Suite/Room 125 Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 201-221-0700 ext. 25103 BergenHelp.Mailbox@njcourts.gov, Law Library, Law Library, Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main Street Suite/Room 123 Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 201-221-0700 ext. 25092 Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program  ombudsman program . 
  • Atlantic/Cape May Court User Resource Center, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., Atlantic Court User Resource Center, Court User Resource Center, Atlantic County Civil Courthouse 1201 Bacharach Boulevard Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401 609-402-0100 ext. 47220, Cape May Court User Resource Center, Court User Resource Center, Cape May County Courthouse 9 North Main Street Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey 08210 609-402-0100 ext. 47220 Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program  ombudsman program . 
  • Adult Guardianship, The Judiciary provides instructions and resources for people who want to seek guardianship for an incapacitated person. Body, Guardianship Overview, The Superior Court can assign a Guardian guardian to care for an adult who cannot care for themselves. First, the court must determine whether a person is Incapacitated incapacitated . Until the court decides, the person is an Alleged incapacitated person (AIP) alleged incapacitated person (AIP) . After the court determines incapacitation, they become a protected person or ward. Examples of Incapacitation incapacitation include: Mental illness or deficiency. Physical illness or disability. Chronic drug use. Chronic alcoholism. Developmental disability. There are three types of guardianship:, Guardianship of the person and estate., The guardian is responsible for the individual’s healthcare and financial management. This applies when the ward also has assets that qualify as an estate. Guardianship of the person Guardianship of the person only . This applies when the ward needs to be looked after but does not have assets to manage. Guardianship of the estate Guardianship of the estate only . The guardian only manages the ward’s financial affairs. The court determines if the individual needs general or limited guardianship. General Guardianship. General Guardianship . The guardian can exercise all rights and powers of the incapacitated person. Limited Guardianship Limited Guardianship . The guardian’s role is less intrusive and more individualized., Forms and the Guardianship Process, If you are seeking to represent yourself in a guardianship case, please visit our Guardianship Self-Help self-help resources page. The Civil Division, Superior Court works with county surrogates in guardianship cases. The initial guardianship request is filed with the County surrogate’s office county surrogate’s office . A Superior Court judge Superior Court judge then hears and decides on the case. If incapacitation is determined, the court-appointed guardian must qualify with the county surrogate. Potential guardians can file for a standard guardianship. If the AIP is eligible for benefits from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) , there are special filing instructions. The alleged incapacitation person needs to be examined by a doctor. A second doctor or psychologist must also Certify certify the condition. The following forms are required in standard guardianships: Adult Guardianship - Certification of Physician or Psychologist Certification of Physician or Psychologist (2). A doctor must certify the AIP’s condition. A second doctor or psychologist needs certify the condition. The personal examinations must be within 30 days of filing. You will complete the top section. The health professional(s) will complete the rest of the form Adult Guardianship - Case Information Statement (CIS) Case Information Sheet (CIS) . This form outlines the details of the case. Instructions are provided with the form. Adult Guardianship - Certification of Assets Certification of Assets . This form lists all property and income of the AIP. Adult Guardianship - Certification of Criminal and Civil Judgment History Certification of Criminal and Civil Judgment History . This form lists the criminal and civil history of the potential guardian. Adult Guardianship - Order Fixing Hearing Date and Appointing Attorney for Alleged Incapacitated Person Order Fixing Guardianship Hearing Date . The court needs to set a court date and assign an attorney for the AIP. Adult Guardianship - Judgment of Incapacity and Appointment of Guardian(s) of the Person and Estate Judgment of Incapacity and Appointment of Guardian(s) of the Person and Estate , or Adult Guardianship - Judgment of Incapacity and Appointment of Guardian(s) of the Person Judgment of Incapacity and Appointment of Guardian(s) of the Person . For DDD eligible AIPs, the guardian will complete either of these two packets: How to Apply for Guardianship of the Person and Estate (Property) of an Individual Eligible for Services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) How to Apply for the Guardianship of the Person and Estate Adult Guardianship - How to Apply for Guardianship of the Person of an Individual Eligible for Services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) How to Apply for the Guardianship of a Person Only All guardianship cases require a fee of $200. After filing, the court will appoint an attorney to represent the AIP and set a court date. Attorneys will need to follow the Guidelines for Court-Appointed Attorneys in Guardianship Matters Guidelines for Court-Appointed Attorneys in Guardianship Matters and complete the Adult Guardianship - Report of Court-Appointed Counsel for the Alleged Incapacitated Person Report of Court-Appointed Counsel for the Alleged Incapacitated Person.  During the hearing the potential guardian must prove incapacitation. If successful, the judge completes the Judgment judgment of incapacity and appoints the guardian(s). Court-appointed guardians must then Qualify qualify with the county surrogate. The guardian needs to affirm their willingness and ability to act as guardian. Once they qualify, they receive Letters of Guardianship. These are the official documents authorizing the person(s) to act as guardian. Guardians will also purchase Short certificates short certificates. These are shortened versions of the Letters of Guardianship that can be given as proof of guardianship. Guardians of the estate receive compensation. The amount guardians are paid is based on the total value of the estate. Guardians can also receive a percentage of any income earned by the estate. All guardians should be familiar with the Guardian Monitoring Program Brochure Guardianship of the Person ,  Guardianship of the Estate   Guardian of the Estate - Summary of Responsibilities Guardianship of the Estate, and Guardianship Reporting Forms  brochures, and should view the tutorial on court-appointed guardianship ., Guardianship Monitoring Program and Oversight , The Guardian Monitoring Program Brochure Guardianship Monitoring Program (GMP) provides an ongoing relationship between the guardians and the courts. Guardians are typically loving family members or friends. At times, an attorney can act as guardian. Most guardians care for and protect their ward. However, the authority entrusted to guardians can create opportunities for abuse. The court system is devoted to eliminating those opportunities. Qualified volunteers in the GMP GMP track and report guardian actions. Volunteers enter information in the Guardianship Monitoring System (GMS). The GMS is a statewide database used by all counties to track guardian activities. Volunteers review guardian reports, financial records, doctor certifications and more. They compare the reports to original case files. This helps identify discrepancies that could signal abuse. In these instances, GMP volunteers file reports with the court. Typically, they go to the judge who originally heard the case. The reports will include recommendations for disciplinary actions. Guardians are required to treat their wards with dignity and integrity. They must follow all court rules and file periodic reports. These reports include: Adult Guardianship - Report of the Guardian Cover Page Report of Guardian Cover Page . This form is required with all guardian reports. It provides summary information about the guardianship. This includes any changes or updates to the ward’s condition or estate. Adult Guardianship - Report of Well-Being Report of Well-Being . A report to keep the court informed of protected person’s overall care. Adult Guardianship - Certification of Examining Professional Certificate of Examining Professional . This form is completed and filed in the initial guardianship request. Updated certifications are required. These helps alert the court of any changes in the protected person’s health conditions. Adult Guardianship - EZ-Accounting Form EZ Accounting Form  and Additional Accounting Form Pages additional pages . This form is for simple accounting, typically when there is no estate or a very small estate. Adult Guardianship - Comprehensive Accounting Form Comprehensive Accounting Form . This report is for more complex estates. Guardians are required to complete Certification of Assets when filing for guardianship. After guardianship is established, they must complete the Adult Guardianship - Guardian Inventory Guardian Inventory . Volunteers can then compare the accounting forms to these initial forms to identify any issues regarding the estate. Due to the complex nature of guardianship monitoring, volunteers need specialized skill sets. Volunteers should have experience or interest in learning how to read and understand legal documents. Volunteers can also have experience or interest in understanding financial documents. Qualified volunteers will also be interviewed to determine their ability to serve in this function. https://www.njcourts.gov/public/overview-volunteer-services/gmp Learn more about volunteering for the GMP   Volunteer Application Apply to become a GMP Volunteer, Additional Oversight, The court considers itself legally responsible to care for protected persons. From the very start of the process, the court’s goal is what’s in the best interest of the AIP/protected person. This starts with appointing counsel to represent the AIP. The assigned attorney must be a “zealous advocate” for their client. Guardians of the Estate may also be required to post a surety bond surety bond . This helps protect the ward’s assets. The surety bond can be paid from the estate. If the guardian violates the terms of the guardianship, the bond company can sue them for the bond amount. The ward’s friends and family have the right see if the person is being treated fairly. They can ask the court to review financial records. Interested parties can use the Adult Guardianship - How to File a Motion in a Guardianship Case Motion Kit  to file with the court. Examples of guardianship motions: Modify guardianship protection. Modify reporting requirements. Review a guardian’s conduct. Review a guardianship., Guardianship Terms, Alleged Incapacitated Person (AIP) : The alleged incapacitated person (or AIP) is the individual over whom the plaintiff(s) is/are seeking guardianship. Certification : A certification is a statement that certain facts are true to the best of the knowledge of the person making the statement. It is like an affidavit, but it is not sworn before a notary or other authorized person. County of Settlement : The county of settlement is the county responsible for a share of the charge incurred for services provided to persons unable to pay. Typically, this is the AIP’s county of residence at the time of application for DDD services. However, it is possible that the county of residence and county of settlement may be different depending on the residential history of the AIP. County Surrogate : The county surrogate is an elected Constitutional Officer who serves as judge of the Surrogate’s Court for uncontested probate and estate matters. A Surrogate also serves as Deputy Clerk to the Superior Court for the Probate Part, including guardianships of incapacitated adults, as well as adoptions in the Family Part. Docket Number : A docket number is the number the court assigns to your case so that it may be identified and located easily. Once you have a docket number, you must include it on all your communications with the court. File : To file means to give the correct forms and fee to the court to begin the court’s consideration of your request. General Guardianship : General guardianship is a “complete in every respect” type of guardianship in which the guardian is able to exercise all rights and powers of the incapacitated person in terms of the area of responsibility he or she is granted. Also known as full or plenary guardianship. Guardian : A guardian is an individual appointed by the court with authority over the person and/or the estate of an adjudicated incapacitated person. A guardian may have general or limited authority. Guardian of the Estate :  An individual appointed by the court to handle the financial affairs of another person who has been adjudicated incapacitated. Unlike a guardian of the person, a guardian of the estate is not responsible for decisions regarding the personal well-being of the protected person. Rather, the guardian of the estate handles assets, income, expenses and liabilities. Guardian of the Person : An individual appointed by the court to handle the personal affairs of another person who has been adjudicated incapacitated. Unlike a guardian of the estate, a guardian of the person does not manage the financial affairs of the incapacitated person, except that a guardian of the person may serve as representative payee for Social Security benefits. Guardianship Monitoring Program (GMP) : In New Jersey, the Guardianship Monitoring Program is a statewide monitoring program implemented in all 21 counties as of 2014. Through the GMP, trained volunteers review the reports filed by guardians of incapacitated persons and flag issues that require further attention. Incapacitated Person : An individual adjudicated by the court as unable to govern himself or herself and/or unable to manage his or her affairs. Also known as a protected person or ward. Formerly referred to as an incompetent. Incapacity : Inability to govern oneself and/or to manage one’s affairs. Incapacity may be general (as to all areas) or limited (as to specific areas only). Interested Parties : A person or agency that has an involvement with the incapacitated person who is the subject of the guardianship. Interested parties (or parties in interest) are typically the same individuals entitled to notice of the initial application for guardianship – i.e., the incapacitated person’s spouse, parent, adult child, county of settlement, DDD. Judgment : The official decision of a court in a case. For purposes of guardianship, Judgment refers to the Judgment of Incapacity and Guardian Appointment, also known as the Judgment of Incapacity and Order Appointing Guardian. Letters of Guardianship : Letters of Guardianship are documents issued by the County Surrogate upon an individual’s qualification as guardian, after the entry of a Judgment by the Superior Court. Limited Guardianship : A less intrusive, more individualized, type of guardianship in which a guardian is appointed with authority as to some – but not all – areas. A limited guardianship is established based upon a court’s finding that the person alleged to be incapacitated lacks the capacity to do some, but not all, of the tasks necessary to care for himself or herself. Proof of Service : Proof of Service is documentation showing that parties actually received the papers that you sent to them. Service is established for all parties other than the alleged incapacitated person by a certification that the documents were sent by regular mail and certified mail, and the regular mail was not returned to you. If the signed return receipt (green cards) are received, these may be attached to the certification of service. As to the alleged incapacitated person, you must file a certification stating that he or she was personally served. Qualification : A process conducted before the County Surrogate, or Surrogate’s staff, following entry of a Judgment of Incapacity and Guardian Appointment. As part of qualification , the person appointed as guardian affirms his or her willingness to fulfill the duties of a guardian. If a bond is required, the bond must be posted in order for the guardian to qualify and obtain Letters of Guardianship. Restricted Assets : Assets over which a guardian of the estate does not exercise full control. The most common restricted asset is real property. The restriction can be found in the Judgment and sometimes the Letters of Guardianship. It typically provides that the guardian of the estate “cannot sell, transfer, mortgage, or otherwise encumber the real property of the incapacitated person absent court approval.” Service : Delivery of papers in a legally appropriate way. For example, notice of an application for appointment of a guardian is served upon the alleged incapacitated person by personal service, meaning that copies of the papers are personally delivered. Short Certificates : Short forms of the Letters of Guardianship, stating that by judgment of a particular date, the guardian was appointed with authority of the person and/or estate of the named incapacitated person. A short certificate will state that as of the date it was issued, the guardianship remains in effect. Additional short certificates may be purchased by a guardian, from the Surrogate, for $5.00 each as long as the guardianship remains in effect. Unlike the original Letters of Guardianship, short certificates should be provided to doctors, care facilities, and other institutions that require proof of a guardian’s authority. Superior Court Judge : For purposes of guardianships, the judge of the Superior Court, Probate Part, who decides if the alleged incapacitated person is in fact incapacitated and in need of a guardian. The Superior Court judge makes the substantive decisions about the guardianship, including the determination of capacity and the choice of guardian. The Superior Court judge conducts any hearing(s) and signs the Judgment of Incapacity and Guardian Appointment. Surety Bond : A contract between at least three parties: the obligee (the party who is the recipient of an obligation), the principal (the primary party who will perform the contractual obligation) and the surety (who assures the obligee that the principal can perform the task). A bond functions much like an insurance policy so that if the guardian of the estate steals or misuses the money, or makes some other mistake, the incapacitated person will be protected. The price of that insurance policy (the bond premium) can be paid from the guardianship estate. Surrogate’s Court : A county office headed by the County Surrogate that may be in the same location as the Superior Court or may be in a different location. The Surrogate’s Court is the filing court for Probate Part actions, including actions to appoint a guardian. It is also where the guardian goes to qualify after entry of the Judgment. Verified Complaint : A verified complaint is a sworn document in which the plaintiff tells the court the facts of the case and states what relief is sought.
  • Name Change for Adults, Adults should use the following steps to process a legal name change. , How to Ask the Court to Change Your Name - Adult, How to Ask the Court to Change Your Name - Adults Only, This kit has all of the forms and instructions for self-represented litigants to file a name change request in the civil division. There is a separate How to Ask the Court to Change a Name in the Chancery Division, Family Part name change kit that must be filed in the family division if you are trying to file on behalf of a minor under the age of 18., Note: You must be 18 to file a court case. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must file the case for you., 9 steps to file for an adult name change, Complete all of the forms in the packet.   Download and complete the Civil Case Information Statement (CIS) - Appendix XII-B1 Civil Case Information Statemen t   Prepare the $250 filing fee. If you are filing electronically, you can use a credit card. If you are mailing or delivering your papers in person, you need a check or money order for $250 payable to Treasurer, State of NJ. Note: If you are changing the names of multiple adult family members, the $250 fee covers all name change applications. However, if any family members are under the age of 18, you must file a separate case and use the packet for name changes in the family division. Fee Waivers Do you qualify for a fee waiver ?   Check your forms and make sure they are complete. Remove all instruction sheets. Make sure you have signed all the forms where it says to do so. If you are mailing or delivering your paperwork to the court, you must make two copies of each form. One copy will be sent with the originals to the court; the other is for your records. Checklist:             Form A: Verified Complaint          Form A1: Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change          Form B: Order Fixing Date of Hearing          Form C: Final Judgment          Form C1: Final Judgment Addendum          Case Information Statement          $250 Payment   Upload your forms in the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) Judiciary Electronic Document System (JEDS ).You can pay the fee with a credit card. You also can mail or deliver your documents to the court. First, make two copies of your documents. Mail the originals plus one copy to the, Directory of Superior Court Civil Division Offices civil division of Superior Court  in the county where you live. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and a check or money order for the filing fee. Send by certified mail with return receipt. The post office can tell you how to do this.   Review copies returned from the court. The court will return copies of the Verified Complaint, Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change and Order Fixing Date of Hearing to you. The case docket number will be written on all the copies. The docket number is very important because it identifies your case. It also lets the court know how to find your case. You must use the docket number on all future papers you send to the court about your case. The court will fill in the date on the Order Fixing Date of Hearing. That is the day you will appear before the judge to get the Final Judgment.   If you do not have pending criminal or delinquent charges in New Jersey, skip this step. If you have pending criminal or delinquent charges, you must notify law enforcement of your name change application., You must send notification at least 20 days before your hearing date., Send copies of the following documents: Verified Complaint, Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change Order Fixing Date of Hearing   For charges filed by any county prosecutor, send the forms to the county prosecutor in the county where you are filing the name change case. For charges filed by the attorney general, send the forms to the Division of Criminal Justice (see Step 8). Send by certified mail, return receipt requested. Notify the State of New Jersey of your Application for a Name Change. You must send notification at least 20 days before your hearing date. Send a copy of the Order Fixing Date of Hearing to: Director, Division of Criminal Justice ATTN: Records and Identification Section R. J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street P. O. Box 085 Trenton, NJ 08625-0085 Note: If you have criminal charges pending against you in New Jersey, you must also include a copy of the Verified Complaint and Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change. Send by certified mail, return receipt requested.   Complete the Proof of Mailing (Form D) and send to the court. Be sure to attach the green certified mail receipt(s) to the Proof of Mailing. Send the Proof of Mailing to the court. Keep copies of the form and the receipts for your files., Prepare for Court, You should arrive in court on the date set for your hearing on the Order Fixing Date for Hearing. Be sure to bring with you proof of your current name. Proof could include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or passport., Steps to Take After Your Name Change , Order certified copies of the Final Judgment and Final Judgment Addendum. Certified copies have a raised seal. You will need at least two certified copies of each document. Licensed drivers will need three copies of each document. Copies can be ordered through Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) JEDS . There is a $25 fee for each copy of each document. The fee can be paid with a credit card. Send one set of certified copies to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. You must include a $50 check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey., This must be done within 45 days after the date of the name change., Mail the documents, the check, and stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Department of Treasury Division of Revenue Judgment Name Change Unit P. O. Box 453 Trenton, NJ 08646   Send one set of certified copies to the registrar of vital statistics in the state where you were born. The office of the registrar is located in the capital city of the state in which you were born. Check to see if the office requires a fee. If you were born in New Jersey, the address for this office is: Bureau of Vital Statistics Attn: Vital Records Modifications Unit P. O. Box 370 Trenton, NJ 08625   Bring one set of certified copies to the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission. You must go to the agency in person to change your driver’s license, car registration, or handicapped or non-driver identification card. You can go to at any motor vehicle agency location or regional service center. T, his must be done within two weeks after the effective date listed on the Final Judgment, . The effective date is not the date of the hearing or the date the final judgment was signed. The effective date is the date you may begin using your assumed name. You will need other forms of ID in order to get a new driver’s license or ID card. Go to NJMVC njmvc.gov  for more information on how to change the name on your license or identification card.