Find Bergen County Divorce Decree Records

Bergen County is the most populous county in New Jersey with close to 950,000 residents. The Superior Court Family Division in Hackensack processes a large number of divorce decree cases each year. You can search for divorce decree records at the Bergen County Justice Center or through the state courts online portal. The court clerk can help you find cases by name or docket number. Bergen County divorce decree records from recent years are kept at the Hackensack courthouse, while older records go to the state Records Center.

Bergen County Superior Court Clerk

The Superior Court clerk maintains all divorce decree records in Bergen County. This office files new cases, stores court documents, and provides copies of divorce judgments. The Bergen County Family Division is at the Justice Center in downtown Hackensack. The clerk can search for divorce decree records and make copies on the spot for cases in active files. Call 201-527-2300 for help before you visit.

Bergen County was one of the first counties in New Jersey, established in 1683. The Justice Center at 10 Main Street serves all 70 municipalities in the county. This includes large towns like Paramus, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Hackensack, Garfield, and Englewood. Every divorce decree filed in Bergen County goes through this one courthouse. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. In-person requests can often be handled the same day when you have the docket number.

How to Search Bergen County Divorce Decree

There are several ways to search for a divorce decree in Bergen County. You can go online, visit the courthouse, or submit a written request. The best method depends on what you need and how old the case is.

The New Jersey Courts public access portal lets you look up basic case data for free. Choose "Family" as the case type and enter a last name. You will see filing dates, case status, and party names for Bergen County divorce cases. The system does not show the full divorce decree. For copies of actual documents, contact the Bergen County clerk at 201-221-0700 or visit the Justice Center in Hackensack.

The Electronic Access Program charges $4.00 per minute to use the FACTS system. It covers Bergen County family cases from 1992 to present. You can search by case name, docket number, or judgment number. The FACTS system shows lists of documents, court orders, and party names, but not actual images of the divorce decree.

Note: Third-party requesters may need a court order to get certified copies of a Bergen County divorce decree.

Bergen County Divorce Records Online

Basic case data is available through the official state courts portal. This includes party names, filing dates, and case status. Certified copies of the divorce decree cannot be ordered online. You must request those through the court clerk by mail or in person.

For mail requests, download the Court Records Request Form from the New Jersey Courts website. Fill it out with the Bergen County case number or names. Submit it through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission system. Certified copies cost $25. Plain copies run $0.05 per page. Credit card fees may apply for online payments.

Bergen County Marriage and Divorce Decree

Marriage records and divorce decree records are kept in different places in Bergen County. Marriage records come from the New Jersey Department of Health, while divorce decree records come from the Superior Court clerk. They are separate systems with separate fees and separate request processes.

A Bergen County divorce decree shows the specific terms of the settlement. It covers spousal support, child custody, parenting time, child support, and how property and debts are split. Certified copies of the divorce decree are often needed before you can remarry. Government offices and religious groups want proof that any prior marriage was legally ended. The New Jersey Department of Health issues divorce certificates that confirm the divorce took place. The certificate is shorter and does not include the full terms found in the divorce decree.

Note: Bergen County marriage records are public and available to anyone, while divorce decree records have restricted access under state rules.

Divorce Decree Filing in Bergen County

Filing for divorce in Bergen County starts at the Justice Center in Hackensack. You file a complaint for divorce and pay the $300 fee. The clerk gives you a docket number. 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. If you live in Bergen County, you file here.

After filing, you serve the other spouse. The Bergen County Sheriff can handle service. You can also use a private process server or certified mail. There is no mandatory waiting period in New Jersey. Uncontested cases where both parties agree on all terms can reach a final divorce decree within a few months. Contested cases take longer and may involve mediation, an early settlement panel, or a trial. Bergen County offers specialized programs like economic mediation for property disputes and parenting coordination for high-conflict custody situations.

The final judgment of divorce is the divorce decree. It dissolves the marriage and becomes part of the Bergen County court record. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2, New Jersey allows both fault and no-fault grounds. Most Bergen County cases use the no-fault option of irreconcilable differences.

What a Bergen County Divorce Decree Shows

A divorce decree from Bergen County contains the full terms of the divorce. It is the court order that ends the marriage. The decree covers property division, child custody, parenting time, child support amounts, and alimony if ordered. It also shows the names and addresses of both parties, the date of marriage and separation, and the grounds for divorce.

Certified copies of the Bergen County divorce decree are court-sealed and stamped. They are valid for legal purposes like remarriage, name changes, and property transfers. Informational copies are for personal use only. Under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1, divorce records are generally accessible through the Open Public Records Act, though some details about children or finances may be redacted in public copies.

Legal Help in Bergen County

Several groups offer help with divorce in Bergen County. Legal Services of New Jersey provides free help to low-income residents. Call (888) 576-5529 for their hotline. The New Jersey Courts Self-Help Center has forms and instructions for people who file without a lawyer. The Bergen County courthouse also has public computer terminals where you can look up cases for free during business hours.

The New Jersey State Bar lawyer referral service is at 1-800-792-8315. They offer a first consultation of up to 30 minutes with a family law attorney who handles Bergen County divorce decree cases. You can also search for Bergen County case information through the official eCourts portal at no charge during business hours.

Cities in Bergen County

Bergen County has 70 municipalities. All divorce decree cases are filed at the Bergen County Superior Court, Family Division in Hackensack. The Justice Center serves the entire county.

Municipalities in Bergen County include Hackensack, Paramus, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Garfield, Englewood, Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Ridgewood, Lodi, and Mahwah. All divorce decree filings go through the Hackensack courthouse.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bergen County. Check the address where you live to make sure you file in the right county. The court must have jurisdiction over your divorce decree case.