Updated May 2026 New Jersey
New Jersey Divorce Filing Fee (2026)
All court costs for filing divorce in New Jersey — including filing fees, service costs, and optional surcharges.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$300
Base Filing Fee
$65
Sheriff Service
$25
Children Surcharge
$365
Est. Total (with service)
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How to File → Divorce Court Costs in New Jersey
Filing for divorce in New Jersey requires paying a base filing fee of $300 to the court. This fee opens your case and is paid by the petitioner (the spouse filing first).
New Jersey requires a parenting class when minor children are involved. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be completed before the divorce is finalized.
Service of Process in New Jersey
After filing, you must legally serve your spouse with the divorce papers:
- Sheriff / constable: $65
- Private process server: $110
New Jersey fees are among the higher in the Northeast. Cases involving children incur additional fees and often require a Case Management Conference.
Uncontested divorce saves thousands
If both spouses agree on property division, custody, and support, an uncontested divorce avoids attorney fees entirely. Court costs are typically the only expense — often under $500 total.Fee waiver available
If you can't afford the $300 filing fee, ask the clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Most New Jersey courts waive fees for filers below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Frequently Asked Questions — New Jersey Divorce
How much does it cost to file for divorce in New Jersey?
Filing for divorce in New Jersey costs $300 for the base court filing fee. Add $65 for sheriff service of process, bringing the estimated court total to $365. If minor children are involved, a $25 children's surcharge also applies. This is the court cost only — attorney fees are additional and vary widely.
What is the divorce filing fee in New Jersey?
The New Jersey divorce filing fee is $300. This is a one-time fee paid to the court clerk when the petitioner files the initial divorce petition. The fee must be paid before the court will process your case.
How can I get the divorce filing fee waived in New Jersey?
To get the divorce filing fee waived in New Jersey, file an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application with the court at the same time as your divorce petition. You must demonstrate that your household income falls below 125–200% of the federal poverty level. If you receive public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, you likely qualify automatically. A judge — not the clerk — must approve the waiver.
Does New Jersey require a parenting class for divorce?
Yes — New Jersey requires divorcing parents with minor children to complete a court-approved parenting class before the divorce is finalized. The class covers the impact of divorce on children and co-parenting strategies. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be paid directly to the approved provider.
How long does a divorce take in New Jersey?
An uncontested divorce in New Jersey where both spouses agree on all terms can be finalized in as little as 1–3 months, depending on the court's schedule and any mandatory waiting periods. A contested divorce — involving disputes over property, custody, or support — typically takes 6–18 months or longer. After filing, most states require a mandatory waiting period before a judge can sign the final decree.
Can I file for divorce online in New Jersey?
Many New Jersey courts allow you to download and print divorce forms from their websites, but in-person filing at the courthouse is still required. For uncontested divorces, online services can prepare all the paperwork you then file locally.
Divorce Filing Fees by County in New Jersey
All New Jersey counties charge the same $300 statewide filing fee — click any county for court address and details.
Bergen
$300–$325
Middlesex
$300–$325
Essex
$300–$325
Hudson
$300–$325
Monmouth
$300–$325
Morris
$300–$325
Camden
$300–$325
Burlington
$300–$325
Ocean
$300–$325
Union
$300–$325
Passaic
$300–$325
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