Plainfield Dissolution Of Marriage Database
Plainfield dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth. The city of Plainfield has about 54,000 residents and is part of Union County. If you want to search for a dissolution of marriage record from a Plainfield case, you can check the state courts online portal or visit the clerk in Elizabeth. The Family Division manages all dissolution files. This page walks through the ways to find, request, and obtain dissolution of marriage documents tied to Plainfield.
Plainfield Quick Facts
Plainfield Dissolution Of Marriage Filing
Plainfield residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Union County Superior Court, Family Division. The court is at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Elizabeth is the county seat. The trip from Plainfield to the Elizabeth courthouse takes about 25 minutes by car. NJ Transit trains and buses also run between the two cities.
| Court | Union County Superior Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07207 |
| Phone | (908) 787-1650 |
| Family Division | 2 Cherry St., Floor 3 Elizabeth, NJ 07207 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
The City of Plainfield website has details on local government services. Court filings for dissolution of marriage go through the Union County system.
Bring a valid photo ID when you go. Security checks bags at the door. Parking is in nearby lots and garages.
Search Dissolution Records in Plainfield
You can look up dissolution of marriage records for Plainfield cases in several ways. The New Jersey Judiciary Records Request Form works by mail, fax, email, or in-person drop-off. You can also submit it through a JEDS account online. On the form, enter "Union" for County and "Family" for Division.
Through JEDS, select "Family cases" for the docket type and "UNN - UNION" as the venue. Pick "Record requests" for the filing category. You can choose a free digital plain copy or pay for certified, sealed, or exemplified versions. Enter the year and case number, or use the case lookup tool to find it. If you do not have the docket number, call (609) 421-6100 for help.
The Electronic Access Portal gives access to Union County case data at $4 per minute. It covers family case records going back to the early 1990s. Basic case info like names, dates, and status shows up. Full documents do not appear on the portal. You need to request those from the clerk.
Plainfield Dissolution Of Marriage Decrees
Where you get a dissolution of marriage decree for a Plainfield case depends on the year. The NJ Department of Health page for Plainfield divorce decrees has the details. Marriage dissolution records at the clerk's office cover cases from 2017 and before. Union County files through 2015 are at the Records Center in Trenton. Call 609-421-6100 for those.
For post-2017 Plainfield cases, go to the Union County Superior Court at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or call (908) 787-1650. Petitions, decrees, and other dissolution documents are confidential in Union County. Only the parties, their attorneys of record, and people with court orders can get these records. You must fill out the Records Request Form, pay fees, and show a valid government-issued ID.
A Certificate of Divorce is an option if you just need basic proof. It costs $10 and has the court seal. It shows the county, docket number, party names, and date of the final judgment. This works for most needs like remarriage or name changes.
Filing Dissolution in Plainfield
The process to file for dissolution of marriage from Plainfield starts with a complaint at the Union County Superior Court. The filing fee is $300. If you file on your own, add a $25 surcharge. The defendant pays $175 to respond. File in person in Elizabeth, by mail, or through JEDS online.
One spouse must have lived in New Jersey for 12 months before filing. The most common ground is irreconcilable differences for at least six months. Other grounds include 18-month separation, extreme cruelty, and desertion. After filing, you must serve the other party within 60 days using the Union County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in the court file.
Union County Dissolution Fees
Fees for dissolution of marriage in Plainfield match the state schedule. Here are the key costs:
- Filing fee: $300
- Pro se surcharge: $25
- Defendant response: $175
- Plain copies: $0.05 per letter page
- Certified copy: $15
- Seal of the Court: $10
- Certificate of Divorce: $10
Extra fees apply for sealed, exemplified, or certified copies. Payment goes by check or money order to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey." Cash is taken in person only. If you cannot afford the fees, apply for a fee waiver with proof of financial hardship.
Note: Charges apply for each copy of court records, and the Electronic Access Portal costs $4 per minute of use.
Legal Resources for Plainfield
Legal Services of New Jersey helps Union County residents with low income on family law matters. Call (888) 576-5529 for more info. The NJ State Bar lawyer referral line at 1-800-792-8315 gives a first talk of up to 30 minutes. The NJ Courts Self-Help Center has forms and guides for people who file on their own.
Visit lsnj.org to learn about legal aid options in Plainfield and Union County. The Union County courthouse has a self-help center where you can get form help and ask filing questions during business hours.
Union County Dissolution Of Marriage
Plainfield is in Union County. All dissolution of marriage filings go through the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth. The county court handles cases from towns across the region, including Plainfield. For more on the county court system, fees, and related records, visit the Union County page.