Woodbridge Township Dissolution Of Marriage
Woodbridge Township dissolution of marriage cases are handled at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick. With about 105,000 residents, Woodbridge Township is one of the most populated places in Middlesex County. The township sits in the eastern part of the county along the Raritan Bay and Arthur Kill waterway. Dissolution of marriage records for Woodbridge Township are filed and stored at the county courthouse. You can search these records online or request copies from the court clerk.
Woodbridge Township Quick Facts
Where Woodbridge Residents File
Woodbridge Township residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Middlesex County Superior Court, Family Division. The Family Courthouse sits at 120 New Street in New Brunswick. You can also file at the main courthouse at 56 Paterson Street. Woodbridge Township is about 10 miles northeast of New Brunswick, so plan for the drive when you need to visit the court.
| Court | Middlesex County Superior Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 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 |
Woodbridge Township includes several communities like Avenel, Colonia, Fords, Iselin, and Sewaren. No matter which part of Woodbridge you live in, your dissolution of marriage case goes to the same Middlesex County court. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. Security screens all visitors at the door.
Woodbridge Dissolution Of Marriage Searches
There are two main ways to search for dissolution of marriage records from Woodbridge Township. You can search online or go to the courthouse. Online searches are fast and free for basic case data. In-person visits let you review the full case file.
The NJ eCourts system covers Middlesex County, including Woodbridge Township. You search by name or docket number. The system shows party names, filing dates, and case status at no cost. For actual court documents, you must contact the clerk or visit in person. Woodbridge Township dissolution of marriage docket numbers carry an "FM" prefix tied to the Middlesex County code.
The Woodbridge Township municipal website has general town information. Visit twp.woodbridge.nj.us for local services and contact details.
Woodbridge Township itself does not store dissolution of marriage records. All files stay at the county court level in New Brunswick.
You can also check the NJ Department of Health for divorce decree information. The state divorce decrees page for Woodbridge has details on how to get certified copies.
The state Records Center in Trenton holds archived Woodbridge Township dissolution files that are no longer at the county courthouse.
Dissolution Filing Steps for Woodbridge
Woodbridge Township residents follow New Jersey state law to file for dissolution of marriage. You must file at the Middlesex County Superior Court since Woodbridge is in Middlesex County. The process creates records at each step.
You must first meet the residency rule under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10. At least one spouse needs to have lived in New Jersey for 12 straight months before filing on no-fault grounds. You do not need to be a Woodbridge resident for the full year. Living anywhere in New Jersey counts. The complaint goes to the Family Division clerk. The fee is $300 for a standard case. A $25 surcharge applies if you file pro se. You can file in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission system.
Most Woodbridge Township residents use the no-fault ground of irreconcilable differences under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2. The differences must have existed for at least six months. You must serve your spouse within 60 days of filing. Use the Middlesex County Sheriff, a process server, or certified mail. After service, if both sides agree, a final hearing gets scheduled. If not, the court may send you to mediation or an early settlement panel. The final judgment of dissolution of marriage ends the union.
Woodbridge Dissolution Record Access
Dissolution of marriage records from Woodbridge Township are kept by the Middlesex County Family Division. Records from 2016 to the present can be obtained by calling the Family Division at (732) 645-4300. Older records are at the Superior Court Clerk's Office in Trenton at 609-421-6100.
The court only releases dissolution documents to a party in the case or their attorney. You must show a valid state ID if you are a party. Others need a court order. You can submit a Records Request Form through the JEDS system. Select "SCCO" for closed or archived records. For open Woodbridge Township dissolution cases, select the Middlesex County Family Division on the form.
Note: Closed dissolution files from Woodbridge Township move to the SCCO in Trenton after a period of time at the county courthouse.
Woodbridge Filing Fees and Costs
Dissolution of marriage fees for Woodbridge Township residents follow the state schedule. All fees apply at the Middlesex County courthouse.
Main fees for dissolution of marriage cases from Woodbridge Township:
- Filing a dissolution complaint: $300.00
- Pro se surcharge: $25.00
- Defendant answer fee: $175.00
- Motion filing: $15.00
- Parenting workshop fee: $25.00
- Certified copy of judgment: $25.00
Woodbridge Township residents with low income can apply for a fee waiver. Fill out a Fee Waiver Application at the court. You need proof that you cannot pay the fees. Plain copies of dissolution records cost $0.05 per page. Certified copies are $15 each plus page fees. Call (732) 645-4300 to confirm current costs before you go.
Dissolution Help for Woodbridge Residents
Free and low-cost legal help is available for Woodbridge Township residents going through a dissolution of marriage. Legal Services of New Jersey covers Middlesex County. Call the hotline at (888) 576-5529 to ask about help. Visit lsnj.org for more on their programs.
The NJ State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service at 1-800-792-8315. The first talk lasts up to 30 minutes. The NJ Courts Self-Help Center has all the forms, guides, and instructions for people handling dissolution of marriage on their own in Woodbridge Township. The Middlesex County courthouse also has a self-help center that can assist with form selection and filing steps. Staff there do not give legal advice but can point you to the right forms and resources for your Woodbridge dissolution case.
Middlesex County Dissolution Records
Woodbridge Township is in Middlesex County. All dissolution of marriage filings go through the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick. The county handles cases for dozens of towns, with Woodbridge Township being one of the largest by population. For more on county court procedures, fees, and resources, visit the Middlesex County page.