Find Bergen County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Bergen County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Superior Court in Hackensack. This is the most populous county in New Jersey, home to close to 955,000 residents. The Family Division of the Superior Court processes all divorce cases filed here. Bergen County records date back many years and are open to the public under state law. You can search for dissolution of marriage filings by name or docket number. The Bergen County Justice Center on Main Street serves as the main hub for court records access. Both online and in-person options are open to you.

Bergen County Dissolution Of Marriage Court Office

The Superior Court Clerk's Office in Bergen County maintains all dissolution of marriage records. Staff at this office handle case filings, store court files, and provide copies of divorce judgments. Bergen County divorce records are official documents that detail the end of a marriage. Under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), these records are public. You can request them for legal needs, remarriage, or family research. The clerk can search old and recent cases alike.

The Bergen County Justice Center is where you go for in-person access. It sits at 10 Main Street in Hackensack. This one site serves all the towns in Bergen County. That means Teaneck, Fort Lee, Paramus, Hackensack, Fair Lawn, Garfield, and dozens more all file here. Walk-in service is same day. The clerk can look up records by name or docket number. Bring a valid photo ID, as the office will only release dissolution of marriage records to the subjects or their legal counsel.

The Bergen County Superior Court page on the official NJ Courts website offers more details on hours and forms you may need before your visit.

Call ahead to check what you need to bring with you to Bergen County.

How to Search Bergen County Divorce Records

You have three ways to find dissolution of marriage records in Bergen County: online, by mail, or in person. The best choice depends on the age of the record and what type of copy you need. Recent cases from 1992 to now may be found through the NJ Electronic Access Program. The Family Automated Case Tracking System (FACTS) provides digital access to Bergen County divorce records for a fee of $4.00 per minute. Older records may need a mail or walk-in request to the clerk's office.

The New Jersey Courts case search portal lets you look up basic case data for free. You can search by party name or docket number. This covers Bergen County and all other counties in the state. Full documents are not on the portal. For copies of actual filings, you need to contact the clerk or visit the courthouse in Bergen County.

That portal gives you a quick way to check if a case exists in Bergen County.

To search for a dissolution of marriage record in Bergen County, you will need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Year the divorce was filed or finalized
• Docket number if you have it
• Valid photo ID for in-person requests

Note: The Bergen County clerk's office will only release dissolution of marriage records to the parties involved or their attorneys when visiting in person.

Bergen County Dissolution Of Marriage Record Contents

A dissolution of marriage file in Bergen County holds many types of documents. The complaint for divorce starts the case. It states the grounds under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 and what one spouse seeks from the other. The answer is the response. A marital settlement agreement shows what both sides agreed to on property, kids, and support. All of these are part of the court record in Bergen County.

Public Bergen County divorce records show basic facts. These include names of both parties, the final judgment, court filings, date of divorce, and docket and case numbers. The type of divorce and the court name are also listed. Some parts of the file are not public. Child custody plans, financial account details, Social Security numbers, and abuse claims stay restricted. Bergen County follows the same rules as the rest of New Jersey on what stays sealed.

The final judgment of divorce is the document most people need from Bergen County. This is the court order that ends the marriage. It covers property split, custody, parenting time, child support, and alimony. You can get a certified copy or an informational copy. Certified copies are court-sealed and stamped. They serve as proof that the divorce is final. You need them for name changes, property transfers, remarriage, and legal proceedings. Informational copies are plain copies for personal use only and are not valid for legal or government needs in Bergen County.

Divorce Record Fees in Bergen County

Bergen County follows the standard New Jersey fee schedule for dissolution of marriage cases. The cost to file a new divorce complaint is $300. If you file without an attorney, there is an extra $25 surcharge. Fees can change, so call the clerk to confirm rates before you file in Bergen County.

Copy fees depend on how you request them and what type you need. Here is a breakdown for Bergen County records:

• Certified copy of divorce judgment: $25.00
• Non-certified copies: $0.05 per letter-sized page
• Online access via Electronic Access Portal: $25.00 certified, processed in 24 hours
• Mail-in via JEDS: $25.00 certified, processed in 10-15 business days
• Walk-in: $25.00 certified, same-day service

Note: If you have low income, you may apply for a fee waiver by filing a Fee Waiver Application with the Bergen County Superior Court.

Mail Requests for Bergen County Divorce Cases

You can request Bergen County dissolution of marriage records by mail. First, download the New Jersey Courts Record Request Form from the NJ Courts website. Save it to your device. Fill it out and select "Superior Court Clerk's Office" as the processing location, then pick Bergen County. Add the case number or the names of both parties and the year of divorce. State what you need, such as a final judgment or a certified copy of the decree.

Submit the form through the JEDS system and include payment for copy fees. Mail requests take 10 to 15 business days to process in Bergen County. For divorces older than a few years, the records may have been moved to the Superior Court Records Center in Trenton. In that case, send your request to 171 Jersey Street, Trenton, NJ 08611.

Bergen County Divorce Certificates

A divorce certificate is different from a dissolution of marriage judgment. The New Jersey Department of Health issues certificates as a shorter proof that a divorce took place. It shows the names, date, and county but not the full terms. Many people use a certificate for name changes or remarriage.

You can get this certificate by mail from the NJ Office of Vital Statistics at P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625. The fee is $25 for one certified copy. Extra copies ordered at the same time cost $2 each. The office holds certificates for divorces in New Jersey from 1848 to the present day. For the full judgment with property and custody terms, go to the Bergen County Superior Court clerk instead.

Filing for Dissolution Of Marriage in Bergen County

Filing for divorce in Bergen County follows the steps set by New Jersey law. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10, at least one spouse must have lived in New Jersey for 12 months before filing on no-fault grounds. You file in the county where either spouse lives. If you live in Bergen County, you file here.

You start by filing a complaint for divorce with the clerk. Pay the $300 fee. The clerk gives you a docket number. Next, serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the Bergen County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in the court file. New Jersey has no mandatory wait after filing. For uncontested cases where both sides agree, the process can move fast. Contested cases may go to mediation, an early settlement panel, or trial in Bergen County. The final judgment of divorce ends the marriage and becomes part of the public record.

Note: Temporary orders for custody, support, or home use can be filed while the dissolution of marriage case is pending in Bergen County.

Bergen County Divorce Records Access

The NJ Courts records request page provides guidance on how to request dissolution of marriage documents from the clerk's office. It covers online, mail, and walk-in options.

This page outlines the steps for each access method. It also lists the fees and forms you need to complete your request in Bergen County. Check it before you visit or mail in a request for dissolution of marriage records.

Cities in Bergen County

Bergen County has over 70 municipalities. All of them file dissolution of marriage cases at the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. The courthouse serves the entire county from one location.

Municipalities in Bergen County include Hackensack, Teaneck, Fort Lee, Paramus, Fair Lawn, Garfield, Englewood, Bergenfield, Ridgewood, and Lodi. All of these file divorce cases at the Bergen County Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bergen County. If you are not sure which county handles your dissolution of marriage case, check the address where you live. You must file in the right county for the court to have jurisdiction.