New Brunswick Dissolution Of Marriage Records
New Brunswick dissolution of marriage records are filed and stored right in the city at the Middlesex County Superior Court. New Brunswick is the county seat of Middlesex County with about 58,000 residents. The city sits along the Raritan River and is home to Rutgers University. Since the courthouse is in New Brunswick, local residents have the shortest trip of anyone in the county when they need to file or search for dissolution of marriage records at the Family Division.
New Brunswick Quick Facts
New Brunswick Dissolution Filing Location
New Brunswick residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Middlesex County Superior Court, Family Division. The courthouse is right in the city. The Family Courthouse at 120 New Street is where most family cases are handled. The main courthouse at 56 Paterson Street is just blocks away. New Brunswick residents can walk or take a short drive to either building.
| Court | Middlesex County Superior Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Main Court | 56 Paterson Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901 |
| Family Court | 120 New Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901 |
| Phone | (732) 645-4300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | njcourts.gov/courts/superior/middlesex |
New Brunswick is the hub of the Middlesex County court system. NJ Transit trains stop at the New Brunswick station on the Northeast Corridor line, making the courthouse easy to reach by rail. Bus routes also serve the downtown area. Metered street parking and paid lots are close to both buildings. Bring a valid photo ID to get through security.
Search New Brunswick Dissolution Cases
Searching for dissolution of marriage records in New Brunswick is straightforward since the courthouse is in the city. You can search online or walk to the court.
The NJ eCourts system covers all Middlesex County cases, including those from New Brunswick. Search by party name or docket number. Basic data is free and shows names, dates, and case status. For copies of documents, go to the clerk or call (732) 645-4300. New Brunswick dissolution docket numbers use the "FM" prefix with the Middlesex County code. The last two digits of the number tell you the case year.
The City of New Brunswick website offers local government services and resources. Visit cityofnewbrunswick.org for city information and contacts.
New Brunswick municipal offices do not keep dissolution of marriage records. Those are county court records held at the courthouse just blocks from city hall.
The NJ Department of Health has a page for divorce decree information. Check the state divorce decrees page for New Brunswick for certified copy details.
Archived New Brunswick dissolution files eventually move to the state Records Center in Trenton.
Filing for Dissolution in New Brunswick
New Brunswick residents follow the same state law as everyone in New Jersey when filing for dissolution of marriage. The big advantage is that the courthouse is local. You can handle filings, hearings, and record requests without a long commute.
The residency rule under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10 requires at least one spouse to have lived in New Jersey for 12 months before filing. Living in New Brunswick counts. File the complaint at the Family Division clerk window at 120 New Street. The fee is $300. A $25 surcharge applies if you file pro se.
Most New Brunswick residents choose no-fault grounds under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2. Irreconcilable differences must have lasted at least six months. Fault grounds are also an option. They include extreme cruelty, desertion, adultery, and separation of 18 months or more. After filing, serve your spouse within 60 days. The Middlesex County Sheriff is right in New Brunswick and can handle service. You can also use a private process server or certified mail.
There is no mandatory wait in New Jersey after filing. Agreed cases move to a final hearing quickly. Contested cases go through the Early Settlement Panel or mediation. New Brunswick residents have easy access to these court programs since they all happen at the local courthouse. The final judgment dissolves the marriage and becomes a court record.
New Brunswick Dissolution Record Access
Dissolution of marriage records from New Brunswick are at the Middlesex County Family Division for cases from 2016 to the present. Call (732) 645-4300 or visit the courthouse. Older records are at the Superior Court Clerk's Office in Trenton at 609-421-6100.
Only a party to the case or their attorney can obtain dissolution documents. You must show a valid state ID. Others need a court order. Submit a Records Request Form through JEDS for remote requests. Choose "SCCO" for closed or archived New Brunswick dissolution files. For open cases, pick Middlesex County Family Division. A Certificate of Divorce costs $10 and shows the county, docket number, party names, and judgment date. A certified copy of the full judgment costs $25.
Note: Middlesex County dissolution files archived at the SCCO in Trenton go back to 2016 per the inventory, with older files stored at the Records Center at 171 Jersey Street.
New Brunswick Dissolution Filing Fees
Dissolution of marriage fees for New Brunswick follow the statewide schedule. Since the courthouse is in New Brunswick, you can pay in person with cash, check, or money order. Electronic filings through JEDS accept credit cards.
Standard dissolution fees for New Brunswick cases:
- Dissolution complaint: $300.00
- Pro se surcharge: $25.00
- Defendant filing: $175.00
- Post-judgment motion: $30.00
- Certified judgment copy: $25.00
- Plain copies: $0.05 per page
New Brunswick residents with low income may qualify for a fee waiver. Complete the application at the court and provide proof of hardship. Checks and money orders must be made out to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey." Call (732) 645-4300 to verify fees before visiting.
Dissolution Legal Help in New Brunswick
New Brunswick residents have several options for legal help with dissolution of marriage. Legal Services of New Jersey covers Middlesex County and has an office near New Brunswick. Call (888) 576-5529 or visit lsnj.org to check if you qualify for free help.
The NJ State Bar Association referral line is 1-800-792-8315. The first talk is up to 30 minutes. The NJ Courts Self-Help Center has all forms and guides. New Brunswick residents who want to file pro se can download everything from the site. The Middlesex County courthouse self-help center is right in town and can assist with selecting forms and understanding the filing steps. This is a useful resource for New Brunswick residents who need guidance but do not have an attorney for their dissolution case.
Middlesex County Dissolution Records
New Brunswick is the county seat of Middlesex County. The courthouse is right here in the city. All dissolution of marriage cases from across the county are filed at this location. Over 25 towns send their cases to the New Brunswick courthouse. For a full overview of county procedures, records, fees, and resources, see the Middlesex County dissolution of marriage page.