Paterson Dissolution Of Marriage
Paterson dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Passaic County Superior Court, Family Division. Paterson is the county seat of Passaic County and home to about 159,000 people. Residents who need to search for a dissolution of marriage case can visit the courthouse or check the state courts portal online. The Family Division at 77 Hamilton Street handles all dissolution filings for Paterson. This page covers the full process for finding and requesting dissolution of marriage records here.
Paterson Quick Facts
Where to File in Paterson
Paterson residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Passaic County Superior Court, Family Division. The courthouse is at 77 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505. Since Paterson is the county seat, the court is right in the city. All dissolution of marriage cases for Passaic County are handled here.
| Court | Passaic County Superior Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 77 Hamilton Street Paterson, NJ 07505 |
| Phone | 973-247-8600 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | njcourts.gov/courts/superior/passaic |
The Paterson Municipal Court is a separate court. It handles traffic tickets, local code violations, and minor offenses. It does not handle dissolution of marriage cases. The municipal court runs 24 sessions each week, with 20 day sessions and four night sessions, but none of those deal with dissolution matters. For dissolution of marriage in Paterson, go to the Passaic County Superior Court only.
Search Paterson Dissolution Records
You can look up dissolution of marriage records in Paterson several ways. The quickest start is the New Jersey Courts public access portal at njcourts.gov. Search by party name or docket number to get basic case data like filing dates and case status. This is free. Full documents are not on the portal, so you will need the clerk for copies of actual dissolution papers.
In-person requests at the Paterson courthouse give you same-day service in most cases. Bring a valid government ID. The clerk can look up cases by name or docket number and make copies from the file. Dissolution of marriage records contain several parts, and you can ask for specific documents or the full file. Call 973-247-8600 before you visit to ask what you need to bring.
The Passaic County courthouse at 77 Hamilton Street also has public access terminals. You can search basic case data at no charge during court hours. The Passaic County Law Library inside the courthouse has legal research tools open to the public as well.
Note: Mail requests for dissolution of marriage records in Paterson take two to three weeks through the Records Center.
Paterson Court Services and Mediation
Paterson has a strong court system with many services that can help during a dissolution of marriage case. The Passaic County Superior Court offers mediation to help resolve disputes without a trial. Trained mediators work with both sides to reach fair agreements on property, support, and custody. The court's mediation program can save time and money for Paterson residents going through a dissolution of marriage.
The Paterson Municipal Court runs a civilian mediation program for local disputes. While this does not cover dissolution of marriage matters, it shows the city's focus on helping residents resolve conflicts. The municipal court has five judges who perform marriage ceremonies. For dissolution cases, the Passaic County Superior Court may require custody and parenting time mediation if children are involved. An early settlement panel made up of experienced family lawyers can also help settle financial issues in Paterson dissolution of marriage cases.
Virtual court sessions are an option in Paterson. The municipal court offers Zoom sessions for some matters. For the Superior Court, check with the clerk about whether your dissolution of marriage hearing can be done by video. Many courts in New Jersey now allow remote hearings for certain types of dissolution proceedings.
Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Paterson
Passaic County dissolution of marriage records have a complex public access status. Basic case info like party names and filing dates is public under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act. But full file access is limited. Financial records, child custody reports, and personal identifiers are not open to public view. Only parties to the case, their attorneys, or people with a court order can see the full dissolution of marriage file in Paterson.
Certified copies of dissolution decrees are restricted too. Under N.J.S.A. 26:8-62, only the parties, their lawyers, or people with a direct and real interest in the record can get certified copies. You must fill out a Records Request Form and provide valid ID when you ask for dissolution of marriage records at the Paterson courthouse.
Fees for dissolution of marriage records in Passaic County are $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Extra fees apply for certification. For cases finished more than three years ago, send requests to the Superior Court Records Center at 171 Jersey Street, Trenton, NJ 08611. Call (609) 421-6100 for those older Paterson files. Passaic County records through case year 2009 have been sent to the center.
Filing Dissolution Of Marriage in Paterson
To start a dissolution of marriage case in Paterson, you file a complaint at the Passaic County Superior Court. The fee is $300. If you file on your own with no lawyer, add $25. You can file in person, by mail, or through JEDS online.
At least one spouse must have lived in New Jersey for 12 months straight before filing on no-fault grounds under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10. Most Paterson residents file on the ground of irreconcilable differences that lasted at least six months. You must serve the other party within 60 days of filing. Use the Passaic County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. After service, the case can move forward toward a hearing or trial.
A complete dissolution of marriage file in Paterson will include the complaint, answer, Case Information Statement, property settlement, and the final judgment. The final judgment is the court order that ends the marriage. It becomes part of the public record. Paterson residents can get a Certificate of Divorce for $10 from the Superior Court Clerk's Office, or a certified copy of the full judgment for $25.
Note: Dissolution proceedings may be granted confidential status under Court Rule 1:38-11 if safety or privacy concerns exist.
Paterson Dissolution Of Marriage Fees
All fees for dissolution of marriage in Paterson follow the New Jersey state schedule. Here are the main costs:
- Filing a dissolution complaint: $300
- Pro se surcharge (no lawyer): $25
- Defendant filing fee: $175
- Parenting workshop: $25
- Certified copy of Final Judgment: $25
- Certificate of Divorce: $10
Payment is by check or money order to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey." Cash is only taken in person at the courthouse in Paterson. If you cannot afford the fees, you can apply for a fee waiver. The court will review your request and decide. For questions about current costs, call 973-247-8600 before you visit the Paterson courthouse.
Passaic County Dissolution Of Marriage
Paterson is in Passaic County. All dissolution of marriage filings go through the Passaic County Superior Court, Family Division. The county handles cases for all towns in Passaic County, with Paterson being the county seat and largest city. For more details on the county court system, record access, and related resources, visit the Passaic County page.