Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey
3. Process and Steps to File for Divorce in NJ Without a Lawyer
4. Costs of Filing for Divorce in NJ Without a Lawyer
5. Additional Resources

Overview

Filing for divorce in New Jersey without a lawyer is possible. It’s often referred to as a pro se or pro se divorce, meaning that one of the spouses will file and manage the entire process without the assistance of a lawyer. It’s important to remember that without a lawyer, each spouse is responsible for understanding, complying with, and following all of the state’s laws and procedures. While there are advantages to representing oneself, it can be an emotionally and financially draining process. A divorce can become even more complicated if children are involved, so it’s important to consider all of the options before proceeding.

Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey

New Jersey is considered a “no-fault” state, meaning that a divorce can be granted regardless of who is at fault. The only ground for divorce in New Jersey is “irreconcilable differences,” which is a broad term that basically means the marriage is broken beyond repair. This means that the court does not need to consider the reasons for the split. If the couple agrees on how to divide their property and how to handle parenting time with any children, they can file an uncontested divorce. If they do not agree, they can file a contested divorce.

Process and Steps to File for Divorce in NJ Without a Lawyer

The process for filing for divorce in New Jersey without a lawyer is relatively straightforward, however, it is important to take the time to understand the law and procedures before filing.

• The first step is to file a Complaint for Divorce with the court in the county where one of the spouses lives.
• The Complaint will need to be served on the other spouse, either through mail, hand delivery, or by having another person serve the papers.
• The court will then need to approve the Final Judgment of Divorce.
• The Final Judgment of Divorce will need to be served on the other spouse.

The court also has a number of other forms that need to be completed and filed during the course of the divorce. These forms include income and expense statements, custody and parenting time plans, and other documents depending on the specifics of the case. If the couple agrees on all of the issues, the process could be completed in as little as two months, however, the process can take longer if the couple is in disagreement or if the court has an overflow of cases.

Costs of Filing for Divorce in NJ Without a Lawyer

The cost of filing for divorce in New Jersey without a lawyer can vary widely. The filing fee alone can range from $150 to $300, depending on the county. In addition, there may be other costs associated with the divorce, such as court costs, filing fees for the other spouse, and the cost of serving the other spouse. If the couple is in disagreement on any issues, there may also be costs associated with mediation or arbitration.

Additional Resources

For more information on filing for divorce in New Jersey without a lawyer, visit the New Jersey Judiciary website. This site has information on the types of forms that need to be filed, the filing process, and other resources.

Can I file for divorce without a lawyer in New Jersey? Yes, it is possible to file for divorce without a lawyer in New Jersey.

How much does it cost to file for divorce