Trenton Dissolution Of Marriage Cases
Trenton dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Mercer County Superior Court, Family Division. As both the county seat and the state capital, Trenton is home to several key offices for divorce records. The Superior Court, the Records Center, and the Office of Vital Statistics are all in Trenton. About 90,000 people live in Trenton. Residents looking for dissolution of marriage records can search online or visit the courthouse to find case files and judgments.
Trenton Quick Facts
Where to File in Trenton
Trenton residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Mercer County Superior Court. The courthouse sits right in the city on South Broad Street. Since Trenton is the county seat, this is where all Mercer County divorce cases are heard. The Family Division handles dissolution of marriage, child custody, support, and related family matters.
| Court | Mercer County Superior Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 175 South Broad Street Trenton, NJ 08650 |
| Phone | (609) 571-4200 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | njcourts.gov/courts/superior/mercer |
Trenton also houses the Superior Court Records Center at 171 Jersey Street. This is where closed and archived dissolution of marriage files from all 21 New Jersey counties end up. If you need an older divorce case from Mercer County, the Records Center is likely where it is stored. Call (609) 421-6100 to ask about files held there.
The Superior Court Clerk's Office (SCCO) is at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex, P.O. Box 971, Trenton. This office handles requests for copies of court records including certified copies of divorce judgments, certificates of divorce, and sealed copies for use in other courts.
Search Trenton Dissolution Of Marriage Records
You can look for dissolution of marriage records in Trenton online or at the courthouse. Online searches work well for basic case data. In-person visits let you see the full file and get copies right away.
The eCourts system covers all of Mercer County. Search by name or docket number at no charge. The system shows party names, dates, and case status. For full documents, contact the clerk or visit the courthouse. Dissolution of marriage records with docket numbers that start with "FM" are family matters from the county court.
The City of Trenton website offers general city services and local information for residents.
The city site does not handle divorce filings directly. All dissolution of marriage cases in Trenton go through the Mercer County Superior Court system.
Trenton Divorce Filing Steps
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Trenton follows state law. At least one spouse must have lived in New Jersey for 12 straight months under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10. You do not need to have lived in Trenton the whole time. You just need to be a state resident and file in the county where you or your spouse lives.
You start by filing a complaint at the Mercer County Superior Court. The fee is $300. A $25 surcharge applies if you file without an attorney. Trenton residents can file in person at the South Broad Street courthouse, by mail, or through the JEDS electronic system. JEDS is open 24 hours a day and accepts credit card payment. After filing, you must serve your spouse within 60 days using the sheriff, a process server, or certified mail.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2, most people in Trenton file using irreconcilable differences. These must have existed for at least six months. Fault grounds like adultery, extreme cruelty, or desertion are other options. Once the final judgment is entered, the dissolution of marriage becomes a public record under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.
Note: Trenton is unique because both the county court and the state records center are in the same city.
Trenton Divorce Certificates
Since Trenton is the state capital, the Office of Vital Statistics is right in the city. You can visit in person at 140 East Front Street or mail requests to P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370. A certified copy of a divorce certificate costs $25, and extra copies are $2 each when ordered together.
The NJ Department of Health divorce records page has information on obtaining Trenton certificates.
A certificate is a short document that confirms a divorce took place. It shows party names, the date, and the county. For the full dissolution of marriage judgment with property, custody, and support terms, request that from the court clerk at 175 South Broad Street or from the SCCO.
The SCCO can also prepare a Certificate of Divorce for $10. This is a simpler document with the docket number, party names, and date of the final judgment. It carries the seal of the Superior Court and works for many purposes where you just need to prove the dissolution of marriage happened.
Dissolution Of Marriage Fees in Trenton
Fees for dissolution of marriage in Trenton match the state schedule. All payments go to the Mercer County Superior Court. Call (609) 571-4200 to confirm current rates.
Standard fees for Trenton divorce cases:
- Filing a divorce complaint: $300
- Pro se surcharge: $25
- Parenting workshop fee: $25
- Certified copy of judgment: $25
- Certificate of divorce: $10
- Seal of the court: $10
Plain copies cost 5 cents per letter-size page. Legal-size pages cost 7 cents. Low-income Trenton residents can ask for a fee waiver by filing a form with proof of hardship. The court reviews each request and decides if you qualify for reduced or waived fees on your dissolution of marriage case.
Legal Help for Trenton Residents
Free and low-cost legal help is available for Trenton residents going through a dissolution of marriage. Legal Services of New Jersey runs programs that serve Mercer County. Call the LSNJLAWSM hotline at (888) 576-5529 to ask about free help. The LSNJ website lists current programs.
The New Jersey State Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-792-8315. The first session is up to 30 minutes. The NJ Courts Self-Help Center has all the forms and guides you need to handle your own dissolution of marriage case in Trenton. The Mercer County courthouse also has a self-help area where staff can direct you to the right paperwork and explain each step of the divorce process.
Mercer County Divorce Records
Trenton is the county seat of Mercer County. All dissolution of marriage filings go through the Mercer County Superior Court. The county court handles cases from Hamilton Township, Princeton, Lawrence, and other towns. For more on the county court, fees, and related resources, visit the Mercer County page.