Follow these steps to file your case in family court.
If you want to change an existing court order, see How to File a Post-Judgment Family Motion.
8 Steps for Filing a Non-Dissolution case in Superior Court
- Fill out the following form. You are the "Plaintiff."
- Include the current address of the other party. This is very important. The other party will receive a Notice to Appear in court and a copy of your court papers. If the other party cannot be reached, your case might be dismissed or delayed.
- What to do if you cannot find the other party
- If you are asking for child support, your county welfare office can help you locate the other parent. They receive federal funding to perform this service for child support recipients.
- If you are not asking for child support, you can complete the Diligent Search Kit to show that you tried to find the other party.
- Your case cannot proceed until the other party is found.
- Fill out the Confidential Litigant Information Sheet
- Complete other forms as needed.
For child support, establishment of paternity, spousal support, and/or health insurance coverage, fill out these forms:- Certification in Support of Establishing Paternity
- Summary Form for Financial Information
- Family Case Information Statement
- Also complete the child support application form at njchildsupport.org.
- Double check the forms. Do not leave any blank spaces. Write N/A if something does not apply to you. Make sure you sign them where it is required.
- Make a copy of the forms and keep them in a safe place.
- There are 3 ways to deliver the forms.
- Option 1: You can upload your forms on Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS). If you are asking for child support, include the child support application form. You can pay the $6 fee with a credit card.
- Option 2: You can deliver your forms to the county courthouse. If you are asking for child support, bring the child support application form and a $6 check or a money order payable to Treasurer, State of NJ.
- Option 3: You can mail your forms to the county courthouse. If you are asking for child support, include the child support application and a $6 check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of NJ.