NJ Divorce Forms

When filing for divorce in New Jersey, there are numerous NJ divorce forms that need to be completed. To initiate the process, a divorce complaint must be filed. The complaint will include the name and current address for the parties involved, the grounds for divorce, the date the couple married and separated and if applicable, information pertaining to any children (names, date of birth, current residence). The complaint will also include a statement verifying the documents are being filed at the proper location and a statement requesting the dissolution of marriage. When referring to each party involved in a divorce case, the spouse that initiated the divorce process is the plaintiff, while the spouse on the receiving end is the defendant.

After the plaintiff has filed for divorce, the defendant has 35 days to respond. If the defendant has no objections to the claims, they file an appearance with the court. They also have the option to submit an answer, which is a written response to the original divorce complaint, or file a counterclaim. If a counterclaim is submitted by the defendant, the plaintiff has twenty days to then file a response.

In the case that a defendant fails to provide a response, they will officially lose their chance to answer or contest the divorce. When this occurs, the plaintiff must place a request to enter divorce by default, which needs to be formally completed in writing and confirmed with an attorney's affidavit. Actions to enter a divorce by default must be taken within six months from when the divorce was defaulted on.

The CIS (Case Information Systems) is often referred to as the most important of all the NJ divorce forms. The CIS identifies all assets and liabilities for each spouse including income, living accommodations, transportation, as well as individual expenses. This document is required to be presented within twenty days of filing an answer or appearance when there are contested family actions. This form is necessary for the courts to make decisions regarding equitable distribution, child support, and alimony.

Filing for divorce can feel overwhelming and is often a very stressful time in people's lives, especially with the various guidelines and forms required to carry out the divorce process. Rest assured - you don't have to feel this way and the lawyers at Reinherz & Reinherz Law Offices are here to help. Our licensed professionals will walk you through each process and assist you with all the necessary NJ divorce forms relevant to your case.