title: "New Jersey Child Custody - LSC-Grade Legal Packet"
state: "NJ"
category: "Child Custody"
date: "2026-03-20"
price: "$67"
lsc_grade: true
New Jersey Child Custody Packet
Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.
ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST
- [ ] Your child has lived in New Jersey for at least 6 consecutive months before filing
- [ ] OR New Jersey is your child's "home state" (lived with a parent here for 6+ months)
- [ ] You are the child's parent, legal guardian, or standing in loco parentis
- [ ] If unmarried father: paternity must be established before filing for custody
- [ ] No active DYFS/DCP&P abuse or neglect proceeding involving this child
- [ ] No other state has an existing custody order (if so, modification must be filed there)
- [ ] You are NOT seeking to terminate parental rights (different proceeding)
- [ ] For grandparent/step-parent: additional showing of parental unfitness or harm required
- [ ] All parties and child currently reside or are present in New Jersey
FILING STEPS
- Determine your custody goals — physical custody, legal custody, or both — and what schedule serves the child's best interests.
- Confirm jurisdiction: the child must have lived in NJ for 6+ months; if not, check whether another state's court has jurisdiction.
- Obtain the Complaint for Custody form from the County Clerk's office or njcourts.gov/self-help.
- Complete the Complaint for Custody listing the child's name, birth date, current address, and the custody arrangement you are requesting.
- Complete the Confidential Litigant Information Sheet (required for all family cases; includes Social Security numbers).
- Complete the Certification of Insurance Coverage listing all health, dental, and vision insurance for the child.
- Draft your Custody and Parenting Time Proposal — include a regular weekly schedule, holiday and vacation schedule, and transportation arrangements.
- File all documents at the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part in the county where the child lives; pay the filing fee (~$275–$300) or request a fee waiver application.
- Serve the other parent by sheriff or private process server within 10 days of filing; the other parent has 35 days to file an Answer.
- Attend mandatory custody mediation — the court will schedule this; bring your proposed parenting plan.
- If custody is part of a divorce, both parents must complete a Parent Education Program before the final hearing (~$25–$50).
- Attend your court hearing: arrive 30 minutes early, bring all documents and evidence, address the judge as "Your Honor."
- After the order: follow it exactly — violations can result in contempt charges; to modify, you must show a substantial change in circumstances.
COURT INFORMATION
| County | Family Part Court | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Essex | Superior Court Family Part, 212 Washington St, Newark, (973) 693-5725 | ~$300 |
| Bergen | Superior Court Family Part, 10 Main St, Hackensack, (201) 646-2300 | ~$275 |
| Hudson | Superior Court Family Part, 595 Newark Ave, Jersey City, (201) 795-6600 | ~$275 |
| Middlesex | Superior Court Family Part, 56 Paterson St, New Brunswick, (732) 519-3200 | ~$275 |
| Monmouth | Superior Court Family Part, 71 Monument St, Freehold, (732) 677-4300 | ~$275 |
| Camden | Superior Court Family Part, 101 S. 5th St, Camden, (856) 650-9100 | ~$275 |
| Union | Superior Court Family Part, 2 Broad St, Elizabeth, (908) 659-4600 | ~$275 |
| Passaic | Superior Court Family Part, 77 Hamilton St, Paterson, (973) 247-8500 | ~$275 |
Forms available at njcourts.gov/self-help or at any county clerk's office.
FILING CHECKLIST
Before Filing
- [ ] Determined New Jersey has jurisdiction over custody
- [ ] Complaint for Custody (original + 2 copies)
- [ ] Confidential Litigant Information Sheet
- [ ] Certification of Insurance Coverage
- [ ] Custody and Parenting Time Proposal
- [ ] Parenting Plan (if drafted)
- [ ] Filing fee or fee waiver application
- [ ] Photo ID
- [ ] Children's birth certificates
- [ ] Proof of residency (driver's license, utility bill)
- [ ] Any existing court orders
Information to Have Ready
- [ ] Your Social Security number
- [ ] Other parent's full name and address (for service)
- [ ] Children's Social Security numbers and birth dates
- [ ] Children's school information
- [ ] Children's doctor and medical information
- [ ] Work schedules for both parents
At the Hearing
- [ ] Copy of filed Complaint (stamped)
- [ ] Custody and Parenting Time Proposal
- [ ] Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- [ ] Children's school records
- [ ] Parent education certificate (if required)
- [ ] All evidence organized in order
- [ ] Photo ID
- [ ] Arrive 30 minutes early
STATUTE REFERENCES
| Topic | Citation |
|---|---|
| Child Custody — General | N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 |
| Best Interests of the Child | N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c) |
| Joint Custody | N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(d) |
| Parenting Time / Visitation | N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(e) |
| Modification of Custody | N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(f) |
| Grandparent Visitation | N.J.S.A. 9:2-7.1 |
| Paternity | N.J.S.A. 9:17-38 et seq. |
| Child Support | N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 |
| Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act | N.J.S.A. 2A:34-28 et seq. |
| Family Part Practice | R. 5:1 et seq. |
| Custody Mediation | R. 5:8-1 et seq. |
| Parent Education Program | R. 5:12-1 et seq. |
DISCLAIMER
Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.
- Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
- Custody laws vary and individual circumstances differ significantly.
- If your case involves domestic violence, child abuse, relocation, or international custody issues, consult a licensed New Jersey family law attorney.
Need help? Find free legal aid at lsnjlaw.org or call 1-888-LSNJ-LAW.