Cost of Divorce in New Jersey

New Jersey costs turn on the issues you must resolve, your level of conflict, and how quickly you exchange financial information. Scheduling practices in your county’s Family Part also affect timelines and expense.

Typical Costs

Expect a court filing fee, plus costs for sheriff/process service, copies, and certified judgments. If you use professionals, you may incur fees for mediation, limited-scope legal review, document preparation, and financial experts (valuation, tracing, tax planning). Parents often pay Parent Education program fees where required.

What Drives Cost Up or Down

Costs rise with complex property (business interests, separate-property claims, retirement division), high-conflict parenting, and late or incomplete disclosures. Costs fall when both sides organize bank, pay, credit, and tax records, agree on valuation dates, work from a single shared settlement draft, and start with mediation.

Ways to Save

Lead with mediation to resolve most issues, then have a lawyer review your final agreement. Use attorneys strategically for coaching and quality checks. For real estate, define an appraisal method and refinance/buyout timeline in your agreement to avoid duplicate work and hearings.

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FAQs

Can I get a filing fee waiver in New Jersey?
Yes. You may request in forma pauperis status if paying fees would be a hardship.

Does filing first make divorce more expensive?
Not usually. Cost is driven more by conflict, organization, and the pace of disclosures and settlement.

Will I have to appear in person?
Many uncontested cases resolve on paperwork or brief hearings; remote options may be available depending on the judge and county.