Access Elizabeth Dissolution Of Marriage
Elizabeth dissolution of marriage records are held at the Union County Superior Court. Elizabeth is the county seat of Union County and has about 137,000 residents. The Family Division handles all dissolution cases for the city. People who want to look up a dissolution of marriage case in Elizabeth can search online through the state courts portal or visit the courthouse in person. This page walks through how to find, file for, and get copies of dissolution of marriage records in Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Quick Facts
Elizabeth Dissolution Filing Location
Elizabeth residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Union County Superior Court. The main courthouse is at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. The Family Division, which handles all dissolution cases, is at the Union Family Courthouse at 2 Cherry Street, Floor 3, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Since Elizabeth is the county seat, both buildings are right in the city.
| Court | Union County Superior Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Main Address | 2 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07207 |
| Family Division | 2 Cherry Street, Floor 3 Elizabeth, NJ 07207 |
| Phone | (908) 787-1650, ext. 21320 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | njcourts.gov/courts/superior/union |
The Union County Superior Court has several divisions. The Criminal Division handles felonies and serious charges. The Civil Division covers lawsuits and contract matters. The Family Division handles dissolution of marriage, child custody, juvenile cases, and domestic matters. For any dissolution question in Elizabeth, contact the Family Division at ext. 21320.
Search Dissolution Records in Elizabeth
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Elizabeth online or in person. The New Jersey Courts Find a Case portal lets you look up cases by party name or docket number. Basic data like names, dates, and case status is free. Full documents are not available on the portal. For copies of actual dissolution papers, you need to go to the clerk or submit a request.
The Union County courts also offer an Electronic Access Portal. This charges $4 per minute of use and gives access to family case records through the Family Automated Case Tracking System. It covers dissolution of marriage records from 1992 to the present in Union County, including Elizabeth cases. For free access, visit the public terminals at the courthouse during regular hours.
To request records by mail or online, use the NJ Courts records request system. You can also use the JEDS system. On the form, select "Union" for county and "Family" for division. Check "Superior Court Clerk's Office" as the processing location. You will need the names of both parties and the year of dissolution. If you lack a docket number, call the Customer Service Unit at (609) 421-6100 for help.
Note: Union County dissolution of marriage records at the clerk's office are limited to cases from 2017 and earlier for archived requests.
Dissolution Of Marriage Access in Elizabeth
Dissolution of marriage records in Union County are treated as confidential. Petitions, decrees, and related documents are only released to the parties, their attorneys of record, or people with a court order. This is stricter than many other record types. When you request dissolution records in Elizabeth, you must show a valid government-issued ID and fill out the Records Request Form.
Under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, some court records are public. But family records have limits. Basic case data like party names and docket numbers is open to anyone. Financial details, child custody plans, and personal identifiers are always restricted. The JEDS system lets you submit a request electronically if you register for a free account. The sign-up asks for a username, password, three security questions, your name, and contact details.
For post-2017 dissolution of marriage cases in Elizabeth, visit the Union County Superior Court at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, or call (908) 787-1650. For older files, contact the Superior Court Records Center in Trenton at (609) 421-6100. Union County records through case year 2015 have been transferred to the center for storage.
Filing Process for Elizabeth Residents
To start a dissolution of marriage in Elizabeth, file a complaint at the Union County Superior Court. The fee is $300. A $25 surcharge applies if you file without a lawyer. You can file in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through JEDS online. Each document must go in as a separate upload when using JEDS.
The complaint must state why you are seeking dissolution. Most Elizabeth residents use irreconcilable differences under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2. At least one spouse needs to have lived in New Jersey for 12 straight months. Once you file, you have 60 days to serve the other party. You can use the Union County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Proof of service must go in the court file.
If both sides agree on all terms, the case moves to a final hearing. If not, the court may order an early settlement panel or mediation. The final judgment of dissolution of marriage ends the case and becomes part of the court record. Elizabeth residents can get a Certificate of Divorce for $10 or a certified copy of the final judgment for $25.
Elizabeth Dissolution Of Marriage Costs
Fees for dissolution of marriage in Elizabeth follow the state schedule. The main costs for filing and records are listed here:
- Dissolution complaint filing: $300
- Pro se surcharge: $25
- Defendant response fee: $175
- Parenting workshop fee: $25
- Plain copies: $0.05 per page
- Certified copy: $15
- Court seal: $10
The Union County Electronic Access Portal charges $4 per minute for online record access. Extra fees apply for sealed, exemplified, or certified copies. Payment is by check or money order to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey." Cash works only in person at the Elizabeth courthouse. Fee waivers are available for those who show financial hardship.
Note: Always confirm current fees by calling the Union County clerk at (908) 787-1650 before you file for dissolution of marriage in Elizabeth.
Legal Resources for Elizabeth
Elizabeth residents can get help with dissolution of marriage cases from several sources. The NJ Courts Self-Help Center has free forms, step-by-step guides, and filing instructions. All forms are free to download and print. The Superior Court Clerk's Office page explains how to request copies of court records including dissolution files.
Legal Services of New Jersey can help low-income Elizabeth residents. Call the LSNJLAWSM hotline at (888) 576-5529. The New Jersey State Bar runs a lawyer referral line at 1-800-792-8315 where the first meeting is up to 30 minutes. For domestic violence help during a dissolution case, contact the NJ Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-7233 at any time.
Union County Dissolution Of Marriage
Elizabeth is the county seat of Union County. All dissolution of marriage cases for the city go through the Union County Superior Court. The Family Division handles cases from every town in Union County. For more on the county court system, record access, fees, and the JEDS process, see the Union County page.