SIMPLIFYING YOUR DIVORCE
New Jersey Divorce Papers
If you're facing divorce in New Jersey, the paperwork can feel like its own obstacle course on top of everything else you're carrying. You're not just filling out forms — you're sorting out finances, parenting, property, and a future that looks different than you planned. That's a lot, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed by it.
Here's the good news: New Jersey divorces are more navigable than most people expect. The vast majority — roughly 90% — proceed on no-fault grounds called irreconcilable differences, and the state even allows many uncontested divorces to be finalized "on the papers," meaning no courtroom appearance is required. With the right forms filled out correctly, an uncontested New Jersey divorce can move from filing to final judgment in as little as 3 to 6 months.
This page walks you through which New Jersey divorce papers exist, what each one does, where to download them, and how the process flows from start to finish. Everything here is general information about how New Jersey's divorce system works — not legal advice about your specific situation. Court forms and county rules change, and every case is different, so for guidance tailored to your circumstances you should consult an attorney. When you're ready to start, Divorce.com can help you prepare your paperwork step by step.
If you're facing divorce in New Jersey, the paperwork can feel like its own obstacle course on top of everything else you're carrying. You're not just filling out forms — you're sorting out finances, parenting, property, and a future that looks different than you planned. That's a lot, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed by it.
Here's the good news: New Jersey divorces are more navigable than most people expect. The vast majority — roughly 90% — proceed on no-fault grounds called irreconcilable differences, and the state even allows many uncontested divorces to be finalized "on the papers," meaning no courtroom appearance is required. With the right forms filled out correctly, an uncontested New Jersey divorce can move from filing to final judgment in as little as 3 to 6 months.
This page walks you through which New Jersey divorce papers exist, what each one does, where to download them, and how the process flows from start to finish. Everything here is general information about how New Jersey's divorce system works — not legal advice about your specific situation. Court forms and county rules change, and every case is different, so for guidance tailored to your circumstances you should consult an attorney. When you're ready to start, Divorce.com can help you prepare your paperwork step by step.
Which New Jersey Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The exact New Jersey divorce papers you'll complete depend on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested and whether you have children or shared finances to resolve. Below is an overview of the most common forms, grouped by the stage of the case they belong to. Each description explains what the form does — not what you should file — so you can understand how the pieces fit together. New Jersey's forms are published and periodically revised by the Judiciary, so always confirm you're using the current version before filing.
Starting the Case
Complaint for Divorce (commonly labeled Form 1D for irreconcilable differences)
Initiates the divorce action; states the grounds and the relief requested, including custody, support, alimony, and equitable distribution. New Jersey does not publish a single judiciary-wide CN-numbered complaint form on its main self-help portal — the complaint is typically provided as part of county-distributed filing kits or through the JEDS e-filing system.
Confidential Litigant Information Sheet (CN 10486, revised 11/2024)
Provides the court with confidential contact and identifying information for both the plaintiff and defendant; filed together with the complaint.
Self-Represented Litigant Certification of Notification of Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR) Alternatives (CN 10889)
Certifies that a self-represented filer was informed about mediation and other alternative dispute resolution options; filed with the complaint.
Certification of Verification and Non-Collusion (no standalone CN published — typically embedded in filing kits)
Attests that the contents of the complaint are true and that the parties are not colluding to obtain a divorce.
Certification of Insurance Coverage (no standalone CN published — embedded in filing kits)
Discloses existing health, life, auto, and homeowners insurance coverage for the parties and any children.
Responding to a Complaint
How to File an Answer to a Complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey — Answer Kit (CN 10554, revised 03/2026)
The defendant's response to the divorce complaint. This kit includes instructions and the forms used to file an Answer, an Answer and Counterclaim, or a Notice of Appearance.
Financial & Disclosure
Family Part Case Information Statement (CIS) (CN 10482, revised 08/2025, effective 09/01/2025)
A comprehensive financial disclosure covering income, expenses, assets, debts, and lifestyle budget. It is required when custody, support, alimony, or property division are at issue, and must be filed within 20 days of an Answer or Appearance. This form was significantly revised effective September 1, 2025 — prior versions are not valid for new filings.
Forms for Divorces With Children
When children are involved, New Jersey calculates child support using worksheets rather than a simple schedule lookup, and the parties also establish a custody and parenting arrangement.
Child Support Guidelines Sole Parenting Worksheet (CN 10788 / Appendix IX-C)
Calculates the presumptive child support amount under New Jersey guidelines for sole parenting arrangements.
Child Support Guidelines Shared Parenting Worksheet (CN 10727 / Appendix IX-D)
Calculates the presumptive child support amount under New Jersey guidelines for shared parenting arrangements.
Net Child Care Cost Worksheet (CN 11061 / Appendix IX-E, revised 06/2026, effective 06/01/2026)
Calculates the net child care costs added to the child support obligation. This worksheet is updated annually, with the current version effective June 1, 2026.
Custody/Parenting Time Plan (no single statewide CN form)
Establishes legal custody, physical custody, and the parenting time schedule, which is incorporated into the final judgment. Parties draft their own plan or use county-provided templates; it must address all three elements.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Property Settlement Agreement (no official NJ Judiciary CN form)
A marital settlement agreement that resolves equitable distribution, alimony, custody, support, and all other financial issues. Parties draft their own; it must be signed and notarized, and the court incorporates it into the final judgment.
Finalizing Your Case
Certification in Support of Judgment of Divorce (CN 12620, revised 03/19/2025 under Directive #01-25)
Used in uncontested and default cases to obtain a Final Judgment of Divorce without a court appearance — known as "divorce on the papers." The plaintiff and/or defendant certify that all required conditions are met. The updated version supersedes the prior form and now requires a separate name-change form, CN 13146, if a name change is requested.
Final Judgment of Divorce (Appendix XXV of the NJ Rules of Court)
The court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is not a fill-in form; it is prepared by the court or submitted for a judge's signature, and it incorporates the property settlement agreement and parenting plan.
Post-Judgment Kit (CN 10483, revised 08/2020)
Provides instructions and forms for enforcing or modifying a divorce judgment after it has been entered, such as motions to enforce or to modify support.
Where to Get New Jersey Divorce Forms
You have several options for obtaining New Jersey divorce papers, depending on how much help you want along the way.
Official New Jersey Courts Self-Help Site
The New Jersey Judiciary publishes its divorce forms and instructions on its self-help portal at njcourts.gov/self-help/divorce. This is the authoritative source for the current CN-numbered forms and kits.
County Family Division
Some counties — Bergen, Essex, and Hudson among them — have local rules and supplemental forms. Because the complaint is often distributed as part of county filing kits, it's worth checking with the Family Division in the county where the case is filed.
Legal Aid & Self-Help Resources
County law libraries and Legal Services of New Jersey distribute divorce filing kits, including the complaint forms that aren't centrally CN-numbered on the main portal. These resources can be especially helpful if you're representing yourself.
Online Divorce Services
Divorce.com helps you identify and prepare the New Jersey divorce papers that match your situation, guiding you through the information each form requires so you can file with confidence.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex finances, or any situation where you want advice tailored to your circumstances, a New Jersey family law attorney can prepare your documents and advise you on the best path forward.
The New Jersey Divorce Process
1. Confirm Residency
At least one spouse must be a New Jersey resident for the 1 year immediately preceding the filing of the complaint. The only statutory exception to this 1-year requirement is when the grounds are adultery, in which case current residency suffices. For guidance on how the residency rules apply to your specific situation, consult an attorney.
2. File the Complaint
The case begins when the plaintiff files the Complaint for Divorce along with the supporting initiation documents — the Confidential Litigant Information Sheet, the CDR certification, and the verification and insurance certifications. Filing is commonly done electronically through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system, which is available 24/7 and is now the standard filing method.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The defendant must be formally served with the complaint and given the opportunity to respond using the Answer Kit (CN 10554). A defendant may file an Answer, an Answer and Counterclaim, or simply a Notice of Appearance.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
When custody, support, alimony, or property division are at issue, each party completes the Family Part Case Information Statement (CN 10482), due within 20 days of the Answer or Appearance. If children are involved, the appropriate child support worksheets are also completed.
5. Resolve Issues & Reach Agreement
The parties work out — through negotiation, mediation, or other dispute resolution — the terms of their Property Settlement Agreement and, where applicable, a Custody/Parenting Time Plan. New Jersey has no mandatory post-filing waiting period; the 6-month irreconcilable differences period must have elapsed before filing, not after. Uncontested cases can finish in as few as 3 to 6 months depending on county backlog, while contested cases typically take 12 months or more.
6. Finalize the Decree & Get Certified Copies
In an uncontested or default case, the Certification in Support of Judgment of Divorce (CN 12620) allows the divorce to be finalized "on the papers" without a court appearance. The court then enters the Final Judgment of Divorce, which incorporates the settlement agreement and parenting plan. Request certified copies for updating records and accounts afterward.
New Jersey-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. At least one spouse must have been a bona fide New Jersey resident for the 1 year immediately preceding the filing. The only exception to this 1-year requirement under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10 is when the grounds are adultery.
Property regime. New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, which does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split — the court weighs a range of factors to reach an equitable result.
Grounds. The most common ground is the no-fault basis of irreconcilable differences lasting at least 6 months, which accounts for roughly 90% of New Jersey divorces. Couples may also divorce after living separate and apart for 18 or more months with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Fault grounds such as extreme cruelty, adultery, desertion, institutionalization, imprisonment, and deviant sexual conduct exist but are less commonly used.
Waiting period. There is no mandatory post-filing waiting period in New Jersey. The 6-month irreconcilable differences period must have passed before you file, not after.
Beyond marriage. New Jersey handles the dissolution of marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships on the same portal using the same forms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an outdated form version
New Jersey revises its forms regularly. The Case Information Statement (CN 10482) was significantly revised effective September 1, 2025, and CN 12620 was updated in March 2025 — prior versions are not valid for new filings. Always download the current version.
Forgetting the name-change addendum
The updated CN 12620 now requires a separate name-change form (CN 13146) when a party is requesting restoration of a former name. Leaving it out can stall a name change.
Missing the Case Information Statement deadline
The CIS must be filed within 20 days of an Answer or Appearance when financial issues are in play. Late filing can delay your case.
Completing the wrong child support worksheet
Child support is worksheet-driven, not a simple lookup. The sole parenting (CN 10788) and shared parenting (CN 10727) worksheets serve different arrangements, and the Net Child Care Cost Worksheet (CN 11061) is updated annually.
Overlooking county-specific rules
Counties like Bergen, Essex, and Hudson have local rules and supplemental forms. Check the Family Division in your filing county before submitting.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting through New Jersey divorce papers — figuring out which forms apply, keeping up with the latest revisions, and completing them accurately — is exactly the kind of task Divorce.com is built to simplify. We guide you through the information each form requires so you can move forward without second-guessing every page.
Step-by-step guidance through the forms that match your situation
Current, up-to-date document versions so you're not filing outdated forms
A clear, plain-language process designed to reduce overwhelm
Support for uncontested divorces that can finalize "on the papers"
An affordable alternative to handling everything alone
Which New Jersey Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The exact New Jersey divorce papers you'll complete depend on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested and whether you have children or shared finances to resolve. Below is an overview of the most common forms, grouped by the stage of the case they belong to. Each description explains what the form does — not what you should file — so you can understand how the pieces fit together. New Jersey's forms are published and periodically revised by the Judiciary, so always confirm you're using the current version before filing.
Starting the Case
Complaint for Divorce (commonly labeled Form 1D for irreconcilable differences)
Initiates the divorce action; states the grounds and the relief requested, including custody, support, alimony, and equitable distribution. New Jersey does not publish a single judiciary-wide CN-numbered complaint form on its main self-help portal — the complaint is typically provided as part of county-distributed filing kits or through the JEDS e-filing system.
Confidential Litigant Information Sheet (CN 10486, revised 11/2024)
Provides the court with confidential contact and identifying information for both the plaintiff and defendant; filed together with the complaint.
Self-Represented Litigant Certification of Notification of Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR) Alternatives (CN 10889)
Certifies that a self-represented filer was informed about mediation and other alternative dispute resolution options; filed with the complaint.
Certification of Verification and Non-Collusion (no standalone CN published — typically embedded in filing kits)
Attests that the contents of the complaint are true and that the parties are not colluding to obtain a divorce.
Certification of Insurance Coverage (no standalone CN published — embedded in filing kits)
Discloses existing health, life, auto, and homeowners insurance coverage for the parties and any children.
Responding to a Complaint
How to File an Answer to a Complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey — Answer Kit (CN 10554, revised 03/2026)
The defendant's response to the divorce complaint. This kit includes instructions and the forms used to file an Answer, an Answer and Counterclaim, or a Notice of Appearance.
Financial & Disclosure
Family Part Case Information Statement (CIS) (CN 10482, revised 08/2025, effective 09/01/2025)
A comprehensive financial disclosure covering income, expenses, assets, debts, and lifestyle budget. It is required when custody, support, alimony, or property division are at issue, and must be filed within 20 days of an Answer or Appearance. This form was significantly revised effective September 1, 2025 — prior versions are not valid for new filings.
Forms for Divorces With Children
When children are involved, New Jersey calculates child support using worksheets rather than a simple schedule lookup, and the parties also establish a custody and parenting arrangement.
Child Support Guidelines Sole Parenting Worksheet (CN 10788 / Appendix IX-C)
Calculates the presumptive child support amount under New Jersey guidelines for sole parenting arrangements.
Child Support Guidelines Shared Parenting Worksheet (CN 10727 / Appendix IX-D)
Calculates the presumptive child support amount under New Jersey guidelines for shared parenting arrangements.
Net Child Care Cost Worksheet (CN 11061 / Appendix IX-E, revised 06/2026, effective 06/01/2026)
Calculates the net child care costs added to the child support obligation. This worksheet is updated annually, with the current version effective June 1, 2026.
Custody/Parenting Time Plan (no single statewide CN form)
Establishes legal custody, physical custody, and the parenting time schedule, which is incorporated into the final judgment. Parties draft their own plan or use county-provided templates; it must address all three elements.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Property Settlement Agreement (no official NJ Judiciary CN form)
A marital settlement agreement that resolves equitable distribution, alimony, custody, support, and all other financial issues. Parties draft their own; it must be signed and notarized, and the court incorporates it into the final judgment.
Finalizing Your Case
Certification in Support of Judgment of Divorce (CN 12620, revised 03/19/2025 under Directive #01-25)
Used in uncontested and default cases to obtain a Final Judgment of Divorce without a court appearance — known as "divorce on the papers." The plaintiff and/or defendant certify that all required conditions are met. The updated version supersedes the prior form and now requires a separate name-change form, CN 13146, if a name change is requested.
Final Judgment of Divorce (Appendix XXV of the NJ Rules of Court)
The court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is not a fill-in form; it is prepared by the court or submitted for a judge's signature, and it incorporates the property settlement agreement and parenting plan.
Post-Judgment Kit (CN 10483, revised 08/2020)
Provides instructions and forms for enforcing or modifying a divorce judgment after it has been entered, such as motions to enforce or to modify support.
Where to Get New Jersey Divorce Forms
You have several options for obtaining New Jersey divorce papers, depending on how much help you want along the way.
Official New Jersey Courts Self-Help Site
The New Jersey Judiciary publishes its divorce forms and instructions on its self-help portal at njcourts.gov/self-help/divorce. This is the authoritative source for the current CN-numbered forms and kits.
County Family Division
Some counties — Bergen, Essex, and Hudson among them — have local rules and supplemental forms. Because the complaint is often distributed as part of county filing kits, it's worth checking with the Family Division in the county where the case is filed.
Legal Aid & Self-Help Resources
County law libraries and Legal Services of New Jersey distribute divorce filing kits, including the complaint forms that aren't centrally CN-numbered on the main portal. These resources can be especially helpful if you're representing yourself.
Online Divorce Services
Divorce.com helps you identify and prepare the New Jersey divorce papers that match your situation, guiding you through the information each form requires so you can file with confidence.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex finances, or any situation where you want advice tailored to your circumstances, a New Jersey family law attorney can prepare your documents and advise you on the best path forward.
The New Jersey Divorce Process
1. Confirm Residency
At least one spouse must be a New Jersey resident for the 1 year immediately preceding the filing of the complaint. The only statutory exception to this 1-year requirement is when the grounds are adultery, in which case current residency suffices. For guidance on how the residency rules apply to your specific situation, consult an attorney.
2. File the Complaint
The case begins when the plaintiff files the Complaint for Divorce along with the supporting initiation documents — the Confidential Litigant Information Sheet, the CDR certification, and the verification and insurance certifications. Filing is commonly done electronically through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system, which is available 24/7 and is now the standard filing method.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The defendant must be formally served with the complaint and given the opportunity to respond using the Answer Kit (CN 10554). A defendant may file an Answer, an Answer and Counterclaim, or simply a Notice of Appearance.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
When custody, support, alimony, or property division are at issue, each party completes the Family Part Case Information Statement (CN 10482), due within 20 days of the Answer or Appearance. If children are involved, the appropriate child support worksheets are also completed.
5. Resolve Issues & Reach Agreement
The parties work out — through negotiation, mediation, or other dispute resolution — the terms of their Property Settlement Agreement and, where applicable, a Custody/Parenting Time Plan. New Jersey has no mandatory post-filing waiting period; the 6-month irreconcilable differences period must have elapsed before filing, not after. Uncontested cases can finish in as few as 3 to 6 months depending on county backlog, while contested cases typically take 12 months or more.
6. Finalize the Decree & Get Certified Copies
In an uncontested or default case, the Certification in Support of Judgment of Divorce (CN 12620) allows the divorce to be finalized "on the papers" without a court appearance. The court then enters the Final Judgment of Divorce, which incorporates the settlement agreement and parenting plan. Request certified copies for updating records and accounts afterward.
New Jersey-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. At least one spouse must have been a bona fide New Jersey resident for the 1 year immediately preceding the filing. The only exception to this 1-year requirement under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10 is when the grounds are adultery.
Property regime. New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, which does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split — the court weighs a range of factors to reach an equitable result.
Grounds. The most common ground is the no-fault basis of irreconcilable differences lasting at least 6 months, which accounts for roughly 90% of New Jersey divorces. Couples may also divorce after living separate and apart for 18 or more months with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Fault grounds such as extreme cruelty, adultery, desertion, institutionalization, imprisonment, and deviant sexual conduct exist but are less commonly used.
Waiting period. There is no mandatory post-filing waiting period in New Jersey. The 6-month irreconcilable differences period must have passed before you file, not after.
Beyond marriage. New Jersey handles the dissolution of marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships on the same portal using the same forms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an outdated form version
New Jersey revises its forms regularly. The Case Information Statement (CN 10482) was significantly revised effective September 1, 2025, and CN 12620 was updated in March 2025 — prior versions are not valid for new filings. Always download the current version.
Forgetting the name-change addendum
The updated CN 12620 now requires a separate name-change form (CN 13146) when a party is requesting restoration of a former name. Leaving it out can stall a name change.
Missing the Case Information Statement deadline
The CIS must be filed within 20 days of an Answer or Appearance when financial issues are in play. Late filing can delay your case.
Completing the wrong child support worksheet
Child support is worksheet-driven, not a simple lookup. The sole parenting (CN 10788) and shared parenting (CN 10727) worksheets serve different arrangements, and the Net Child Care Cost Worksheet (CN 11061) is updated annually.
Overlooking county-specific rules
Counties like Bergen, Essex, and Hudson have local rules and supplemental forms. Check the Family Division in your filing county before submitting.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting through New Jersey divorce papers — figuring out which forms apply, keeping up with the latest revisions, and completing them accurately — is exactly the kind of task Divorce.com is built to simplify. We guide you through the information each form requires so you can move forward without second-guessing every page.
Step-by-step guidance through the forms that match your situation
Current, up-to-date document versions so you're not filing outdated forms
A clear, plain-language process designed to reduce overwhelm
Support for uncontested divorces that can finalize "on the papers"
An affordable alternative to handling everything alone
Which New Jersey Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The exact New Jersey divorce papers you'll complete depend on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested and whether you have children or shared finances to resolve. Below is an overview of the most common forms, grouped by the stage of the case they belong to. Each description explains what the form does — not what you should file — so you can understand how the pieces fit together. New Jersey's forms are published and periodically revised by the Judiciary, so always confirm you're using the current version before filing.
Starting the Case
Complaint for Divorce (commonly labeled Form 1D for irreconcilable differences)
Initiates the divorce action; states the grounds and the relief requested, including custody, support, alimony, and equitable distribution. New Jersey does not publish a single judiciary-wide CN-numbered complaint form on its main self-help portal — the complaint is typically provided as part of county-distributed filing kits or through the JEDS e-filing system.
Confidential Litigant Information Sheet (CN 10486, revised 11/2024)
Provides the court with confidential contact and identifying information for both the plaintiff and defendant; filed together with the complaint.
Self-Represented Litigant Certification of Notification of Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR) Alternatives (CN 10889)
Certifies that a self-represented filer was informed about mediation and other alternative dispute resolution options; filed with the complaint.
Certification of Verification and Non-Collusion (no standalone CN published — typically embedded in filing kits)
Attests that the contents of the complaint are true and that the parties are not colluding to obtain a divorce.
Certification of Insurance Coverage (no standalone CN published — embedded in filing kits)
Discloses existing health, life, auto, and homeowners insurance coverage for the parties and any children.
Responding to a Complaint
How to File an Answer to a Complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey — Answer Kit (CN 10554, revised 03/2026)
The defendant's response to the divorce complaint. This kit includes instructions and the forms used to file an Answer, an Answer and Counterclaim, or a Notice of Appearance.
Financial & Disclosure
Family Part Case Information Statement (CIS) (CN 10482, revised 08/2025, effective 09/01/2025)
A comprehensive financial disclosure covering income, expenses, assets, debts, and lifestyle budget. It is required when custody, support, alimony, or property division are at issue, and must be filed within 20 days of an Answer or Appearance. This form was significantly revised effective September 1, 2025 — prior versions are not valid for new filings.
Forms for Divorces With Children
When children are involved, New Jersey calculates child support using worksheets rather than a simple schedule lookup, and the parties also establish a custody and parenting arrangement.
Child Support Guidelines Sole Parenting Worksheet (CN 10788 / Appendix IX-C)
Calculates the presumptive child support amount under New Jersey guidelines for sole parenting arrangements.
Child Support Guidelines Shared Parenting Worksheet (CN 10727 / Appendix IX-D)
Calculates the presumptive child support amount under New Jersey guidelines for shared parenting arrangements.
Net Child Care Cost Worksheet (CN 11061 / Appendix IX-E, revised 06/2026, effective 06/01/2026)
Calculates the net child care costs added to the child support obligation. This worksheet is updated annually, with the current version effective June 1, 2026.
Custody/Parenting Time Plan (no single statewide CN form)
Establishes legal custody, physical custody, and the parenting time schedule, which is incorporated into the final judgment. Parties draft their own plan or use county-provided templates; it must address all three elements.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Property Settlement Agreement (no official NJ Judiciary CN form)
A marital settlement agreement that resolves equitable distribution, alimony, custody, support, and all other financial issues. Parties draft their own; it must be signed and notarized, and the court incorporates it into the final judgment.
Finalizing Your Case
Certification in Support of Judgment of Divorce (CN 12620, revised 03/19/2025 under Directive #01-25)
Used in uncontested and default cases to obtain a Final Judgment of Divorce without a court appearance — known as "divorce on the papers." The plaintiff and/or defendant certify that all required conditions are met. The updated version supersedes the prior form and now requires a separate name-change form, CN 13146, if a name change is requested.
Final Judgment of Divorce (Appendix XXV of the NJ Rules of Court)
The court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is not a fill-in form; it is prepared by the court or submitted for a judge's signature, and it incorporates the property settlement agreement and parenting plan.
Post-Judgment Kit (CN 10483, revised 08/2020)
Provides instructions and forms for enforcing or modifying a divorce judgment after it has been entered, such as motions to enforce or to modify support.
Where to Get New Jersey Divorce Forms
You have several options for obtaining New Jersey divorce papers, depending on how much help you want along the way.
Official New Jersey Courts Self-Help Site
The New Jersey Judiciary publishes its divorce forms and instructions on its self-help portal at njcourts.gov/self-help/divorce. This is the authoritative source for the current CN-numbered forms and kits.
County Family Division
Some counties — Bergen, Essex, and Hudson among them — have local rules and supplemental forms. Because the complaint is often distributed as part of county filing kits, it's worth checking with the Family Division in the county where the case is filed.
Legal Aid & Self-Help Resources
County law libraries and Legal Services of New Jersey distribute divorce filing kits, including the complaint forms that aren't centrally CN-numbered on the main portal. These resources can be especially helpful if you're representing yourself.
Online Divorce Services
Divorce.com helps you identify and prepare the New Jersey divorce papers that match your situation, guiding you through the information each form requires so you can file with confidence.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex finances, or any situation where you want advice tailored to your circumstances, a New Jersey family law attorney can prepare your documents and advise you on the best path forward.
The New Jersey Divorce Process
1. Confirm Residency
At least one spouse must be a New Jersey resident for the 1 year immediately preceding the filing of the complaint. The only statutory exception to this 1-year requirement is when the grounds are adultery, in which case current residency suffices. For guidance on how the residency rules apply to your specific situation, consult an attorney.
2. File the Complaint
The case begins when the plaintiff files the Complaint for Divorce along with the supporting initiation documents — the Confidential Litigant Information Sheet, the CDR certification, and the verification and insurance certifications. Filing is commonly done electronically through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system, which is available 24/7 and is now the standard filing method.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The defendant must be formally served with the complaint and given the opportunity to respond using the Answer Kit (CN 10554). A defendant may file an Answer, an Answer and Counterclaim, or simply a Notice of Appearance.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
When custody, support, alimony, or property division are at issue, each party completes the Family Part Case Information Statement (CN 10482), due within 20 days of the Answer or Appearance. If children are involved, the appropriate child support worksheets are also completed.
5. Resolve Issues & Reach Agreement
The parties work out — through negotiation, mediation, or other dispute resolution — the terms of their Property Settlement Agreement and, where applicable, a Custody/Parenting Time Plan. New Jersey has no mandatory post-filing waiting period; the 6-month irreconcilable differences period must have elapsed before filing, not after. Uncontested cases can finish in as few as 3 to 6 months depending on county backlog, while contested cases typically take 12 months or more.
6. Finalize the Decree & Get Certified Copies
In an uncontested or default case, the Certification in Support of Judgment of Divorce (CN 12620) allows the divorce to be finalized "on the papers" without a court appearance. The court then enters the Final Judgment of Divorce, which incorporates the settlement agreement and parenting plan. Request certified copies for updating records and accounts afterward.
New Jersey-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. At least one spouse must have been a bona fide New Jersey resident for the 1 year immediately preceding the filing. The only exception to this 1-year requirement under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10 is when the grounds are adultery.
Property regime. New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, which does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split — the court weighs a range of factors to reach an equitable result.
Grounds. The most common ground is the no-fault basis of irreconcilable differences lasting at least 6 months, which accounts for roughly 90% of New Jersey divorces. Couples may also divorce after living separate and apart for 18 or more months with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Fault grounds such as extreme cruelty, adultery, desertion, institutionalization, imprisonment, and deviant sexual conduct exist but are less commonly used.
Waiting period. There is no mandatory post-filing waiting period in New Jersey. The 6-month irreconcilable differences period must have passed before you file, not after.
Beyond marriage. New Jersey handles the dissolution of marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships on the same portal using the same forms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an outdated form version
New Jersey revises its forms regularly. The Case Information Statement (CN 10482) was significantly revised effective September 1, 2025, and CN 12620 was updated in March 2025 — prior versions are not valid for new filings. Always download the current version.
Forgetting the name-change addendum
The updated CN 12620 now requires a separate name-change form (CN 13146) when a party is requesting restoration of a former name. Leaving it out can stall a name change.
Missing the Case Information Statement deadline
The CIS must be filed within 20 days of an Answer or Appearance when financial issues are in play. Late filing can delay your case.
Completing the wrong child support worksheet
Child support is worksheet-driven, not a simple lookup. The sole parenting (CN 10788) and shared parenting (CN 10727) worksheets serve different arrangements, and the Net Child Care Cost Worksheet (CN 11061) is updated annually.
Overlooking county-specific rules
Counties like Bergen, Essex, and Hudson have local rules and supplemental forms. Check the Family Division in your filing county before submitting.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting through New Jersey divorce papers — figuring out which forms apply, keeping up with the latest revisions, and completing them accurately — is exactly the kind of task Divorce.com is built to simplify. We guide you through the information each form requires so you can move forward without second-guessing every page.
Step-by-step guidance through the forms that match your situation
Current, up-to-date document versions so you're not filing outdated forms
A clear, plain-language process designed to reduce overwhelm
Support for uncontested divorces that can finalize "on the papers"
An affordable alternative to handling everything alone
Which New Jersey Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The exact New Jersey divorce papers you'll complete depend on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested and whether you have children or shared finances to resolve. Below is an overview of the most common forms, grouped by the stage of the case they belong to. Each description explains what the form does — not what you should file — so you can understand how the pieces fit together. New Jersey's forms are published and periodically revised by the Judiciary, so always confirm you're using the current version before filing.
Starting the Case
Complaint for Divorce (commonly labeled Form 1D for irreconcilable differences)
Initiates the divorce action; states the grounds and the relief requested, including custody, support, alimony, and equitable distribution. New Jersey does not publish a single judiciary-wide CN-numbered complaint form on its main self-help portal — the complaint is typically provided as part of county-distributed filing kits or through the JEDS e-filing system.
Confidential Litigant Information Sheet (CN 10486, revised 11/2024)
Provides the court with confidential contact and identifying information for both the plaintiff and defendant; filed together with the complaint.
Self-Represented Litigant Certification of Notification of Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR) Alternatives (CN 10889)
Certifies that a self-represented filer was informed about mediation and other alternative dispute resolution options; filed with the complaint.
Certification of Verification and Non-Collusion (no standalone CN published — typically embedded in filing kits)
Attests that the contents of the complaint are true and that the parties are not colluding to obtain a divorce.
Certification of Insurance Coverage (no standalone CN published — embedded in filing kits)
Discloses existing health, life, auto, and homeowners insurance coverage for the parties and any children.
Responding to a Complaint
How to File an Answer to a Complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey — Answer Kit (CN 10554, revised 03/2026)
The defendant's response to the divorce complaint. This kit includes instructions and the forms used to file an Answer, an Answer and Counterclaim, or a Notice of Appearance.
Financial & Disclosure
Family Part Case Information Statement (CIS) (CN 10482, revised 08/2025, effective 09/01/2025)
A comprehensive financial disclosure covering income, expenses, assets, debts, and lifestyle budget. It is required when custody, support, alimony, or property division are at issue, and must be filed within 20 days of an Answer or Appearance. This form was significantly revised effective September 1, 2025 — prior versions are not valid for new filings.
Forms for Divorces With Children
When children are involved, New Jersey calculates child support using worksheets rather than a simple schedule lookup, and the parties also establish a custody and parenting arrangement.
Child Support Guidelines Sole Parenting Worksheet (CN 10788 / Appendix IX-C)
Calculates the presumptive child support amount under New Jersey guidelines for sole parenting arrangements.
Child Support Guidelines Shared Parenting Worksheet (CN 10727 / Appendix IX-D)
Calculates the presumptive child support amount under New Jersey guidelines for shared parenting arrangements.
Net Child Care Cost Worksheet (CN 11061 / Appendix IX-E, revised 06/2026, effective 06/01/2026)
Calculates the net child care costs added to the child support obligation. This worksheet is updated annually, with the current version effective June 1, 2026.
Custody/Parenting Time Plan (no single statewide CN form)
Establishes legal custody, physical custody, and the parenting time schedule, which is incorporated into the final judgment. Parties draft their own plan or use county-provided templates; it must address all three elements.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Property Settlement Agreement (no official NJ Judiciary CN form)
A marital settlement agreement that resolves equitable distribution, alimony, custody, support, and all other financial issues. Parties draft their own; it must be signed and notarized, and the court incorporates it into the final judgment.
Finalizing Your Case
Certification in Support of Judgment of Divorce (CN 12620, revised 03/19/2025 under Directive #01-25)
Used in uncontested and default cases to obtain a Final Judgment of Divorce without a court appearance — known as "divorce on the papers." The plaintiff and/or defendant certify that all required conditions are met. The updated version supersedes the prior form and now requires a separate name-change form, CN 13146, if a name change is requested.
Final Judgment of Divorce (Appendix XXV of the NJ Rules of Court)
The court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is not a fill-in form; it is prepared by the court or submitted for a judge's signature, and it incorporates the property settlement agreement and parenting plan.
Post-Judgment Kit (CN 10483, revised 08/2020)
Provides instructions and forms for enforcing or modifying a divorce judgment after it has been entered, such as motions to enforce or to modify support.
Where to Get New Jersey Divorce Forms
You have several options for obtaining New Jersey divorce papers, depending on how much help you want along the way.
Official New Jersey Courts Self-Help Site
The New Jersey Judiciary publishes its divorce forms and instructions on its self-help portal at njcourts.gov/self-help/divorce. This is the authoritative source for the current CN-numbered forms and kits.
County Family Division
Some counties — Bergen, Essex, and Hudson among them — have local rules and supplemental forms. Because the complaint is often distributed as part of county filing kits, it's worth checking with the Family Division in the county where the case is filed.
Legal Aid & Self-Help Resources
County law libraries and Legal Services of New Jersey distribute divorce filing kits, including the complaint forms that aren't centrally CN-numbered on the main portal. These resources can be especially helpful if you're representing yourself.
Online Divorce Services
Divorce.com helps you identify and prepare the New Jersey divorce papers that match your situation, guiding you through the information each form requires so you can file with confidence.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex finances, or any situation where you want advice tailored to your circumstances, a New Jersey family law attorney can prepare your documents and advise you on the best path forward.
The New Jersey Divorce Process
1. Confirm Residency
At least one spouse must be a New Jersey resident for the 1 year immediately preceding the filing of the complaint. The only statutory exception to this 1-year requirement is when the grounds are adultery, in which case current residency suffices. For guidance on how the residency rules apply to your specific situation, consult an attorney.
2. File the Complaint
The case begins when the plaintiff files the Complaint for Divorce along with the supporting initiation documents — the Confidential Litigant Information Sheet, the CDR certification, and the verification and insurance certifications. Filing is commonly done electronically through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system, which is available 24/7 and is now the standard filing method.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The defendant must be formally served with the complaint and given the opportunity to respond using the Answer Kit (CN 10554). A defendant may file an Answer, an Answer and Counterclaim, or simply a Notice of Appearance.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
When custody, support, alimony, or property division are at issue, each party completes the Family Part Case Information Statement (CN 10482), due within 20 days of the Answer or Appearance. If children are involved, the appropriate child support worksheets are also completed.
5. Resolve Issues & Reach Agreement
The parties work out — through negotiation, mediation, or other dispute resolution — the terms of their Property Settlement Agreement and, where applicable, a Custody/Parenting Time Plan. New Jersey has no mandatory post-filing waiting period; the 6-month irreconcilable differences period must have elapsed before filing, not after. Uncontested cases can finish in as few as 3 to 6 months depending on county backlog, while contested cases typically take 12 months or more.
6. Finalize the Decree & Get Certified Copies
In an uncontested or default case, the Certification in Support of Judgment of Divorce (CN 12620) allows the divorce to be finalized "on the papers" without a court appearance. The court then enters the Final Judgment of Divorce, which incorporates the settlement agreement and parenting plan. Request certified copies for updating records and accounts afterward.
New Jersey-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. At least one spouse must have been a bona fide New Jersey resident for the 1 year immediately preceding the filing. The only exception to this 1-year requirement under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10 is when the grounds are adultery.
Property regime. New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, which does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split — the court weighs a range of factors to reach an equitable result.
Grounds. The most common ground is the no-fault basis of irreconcilable differences lasting at least 6 months, which accounts for roughly 90% of New Jersey divorces. Couples may also divorce after living separate and apart for 18 or more months with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Fault grounds such as extreme cruelty, adultery, desertion, institutionalization, imprisonment, and deviant sexual conduct exist but are less commonly used.
Waiting period. There is no mandatory post-filing waiting period in New Jersey. The 6-month irreconcilable differences period must have passed before you file, not after.
Beyond marriage. New Jersey handles the dissolution of marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships on the same portal using the same forms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an outdated form version
New Jersey revises its forms regularly. The Case Information Statement (CN 10482) was significantly revised effective September 1, 2025, and CN 12620 was updated in March 2025 — prior versions are not valid for new filings. Always download the current version.
Forgetting the name-change addendum
The updated CN 12620 now requires a separate name-change form (CN 13146) when a party is requesting restoration of a former name. Leaving it out can stall a name change.
Missing the Case Information Statement deadline
The CIS must be filed within 20 days of an Answer or Appearance when financial issues are in play. Late filing can delay your case.
Completing the wrong child support worksheet
Child support is worksheet-driven, not a simple lookup. The sole parenting (CN 10788) and shared parenting (CN 10727) worksheets serve different arrangements, and the Net Child Care Cost Worksheet (CN 11061) is updated annually.
Overlooking county-specific rules
Counties like Bergen, Essex, and Hudson have local rules and supplemental forms. Check the Family Division in your filing county before submitting.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting through New Jersey divorce papers — figuring out which forms apply, keeping up with the latest revisions, and completing them accurately — is exactly the kind of task Divorce.com is built to simplify. We guide you through the information each form requires so you can move forward without second-guessing every page.
Step-by-step guidance through the forms that match your situation
Current, up-to-date document versions so you're not filing outdated forms
A clear, plain-language process designed to reduce overwhelm
Support for uncontested divorces that can finalize "on the papers"
An affordable alternative to handling everything alone
If you're facing divorce in New Jersey, the paperwork can feel like its own obstacle course on top of everything else you're carrying. You're not just filling out forms — you're sorting out finances, parenting, property, and a future that looks different than you planned. That's a lot, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed by it.
Here's the good news: New Jersey divorces are more navigable than most people expect. The vast majority — roughly 90% — proceed on no-fault grounds called irreconcilable differences, and the state even allows many uncontested divorces to be finalized "on the papers," meaning no courtroom appearance is required. With the right forms filled out correctly, an uncontested New Jersey divorce can move from filing to final judgment in as little as 3 to 6 months.
This page walks you through which New Jersey divorce papers exist, what each one does, where to download them, and how the process flows from start to finish. Everything here is general information about how New Jersey's divorce system works — not legal advice about your specific situation. Court forms and county rules change, and every case is different, so for guidance tailored to your circumstances you should consult an attorney. When you're ready to start, Divorce.com can help you prepare your paperwork step by step.
New Jersey makes divorce more manageable than many people expect: most cases proceed on no-fault irreconcilable differences grounds, there's no mandatory post-filing waiting period, and uncontested divorces can often be finalized "on the papers" without a court appearance in as little as 3 to 6 months. The keys are using the current form versions, meeting disclosure deadlines, and completing the right worksheets if children are involved. Because forms and county rules change and every situation is different, this page is general information — not legal advice. For guidance on your specific circumstances, consult an attorney. And when you're ready to prepare your paperwork, Divorce.com can walk you through it step by step.
Let’s get your divorce started today.
Let’s get your divorce started today.
Complete your divorce forms online
We can help you complete and file the right paperwork online.
Start your divorce papers
Ready for your next step?
Get Started