Middlesex County Divorce Records
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Middlesex County divorce records refer to all files and information regarding divorce events in the county. Persons or entities may access the records to conduct legal processes, such as name changes, remarriage, and refinancing mortgages.
Middlesex County divorce records are mainly accessible to the public. Public members may contact record custodians for instructions on how to find divorce records in Middlesex County. Record custodians may offer online or offline access to documents in their custody. Sometimes, custodians may redact sensitive or confidential information, like abuse claims from public members.
Middlesex County Divorce Rate: Approximately 10.5% of Middlesex County's residents were divorced as of 2023. Additionally, in 2022, the New Jersey divorce rate was 4.8 per 1,000 women who were 15 years old and above.
Are Divorce Records Public in Middlesex County?
Yes, most public divorce records are classified as public documents under New Jersey state laws. Public members can legally view and obtain copies of such records from designated government entities. These entities maintain and issue copies of divorce records online or offline.
Note that there are exceptions to public access to divorce records. Government entities may entirely or partially withhold access to divorce records whose disclosure is not in the public interest. Examples of non-public divorce records include child custody agreements, personal financial details, and abuse claims.
How to Find Divorce Records in Middlesex County
You can look up divorce records in Middlesex County via online or offline resources provided by government entities. The Middlesex County Family Court and the Superior Court Clerk's Office allow in-person inquiries for divorce decrees. In contrast, the New Jersey Court website offers online resources for accessing divorce records.
Online access to Middlesex County divorce records
The New Jersey Court website hosts an online searchable portal for divorce court documents. To conduct searches on the portal, you must create an account and deposit a minimum of $500. The search platform charges $4 per minute spent on the platform. Inquirers must input relevant search data like the case party name, number, and date range to find divorce records on the platform.
Online request for Middlesex County divorce records
The New Jersey Judiciary website also maintains an online request portal for all court documents created in the county courts. Thus, you can request Middlesex County divorce decrees and certificates from the portal by following these steps:
- Download and save the request form on your device.
- Fill it out and include the code for the record custodians. For instance, use "SCCO" for divorce records processed in the superior court.
- Select the "Submit Completed form" to upload the completed document.
- The website will retrieve the requested documents and forward them to you using your preferred contact option.
Divorce certificates cost $10 via the online request portal. On the other hand, the website charges $0.05 and $0.07 per letter and legal-sized page, respectively. You will pay $15 for a certified copy and an additional $10 for a court seal on the document.
In-person request for Middlesex County divorce record
You can find and obtain copies of divorce records created after 2016 from the Middlesex County Family Court at this address:
Middlesex County Superior Court
Middlesex County Family Courthouse
120 New Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: (732) 645-4300.
In contrast, you can access divorce records created prior to 2016 from the New Jersey Superior Court's Record Center at:
Superior Court Clerk's Office
Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex
25 Market Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08625.
Phone: (609) 421-6100 (Records Center).
| Method | Where to Go | Info Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | New Jersey Court website's online search portal. | Case party name, number, and date range. | $4 per minute spent on the platform. | Instant. |
| Online Request Portal | New Jersey Court website's online request portal. | Case party name, docket number, defendant's birthdate. | $0.05 to $0.07 for non-certified; $10 for divorce certificate; $15 for certified divorce decrees. | Not specified. |
| In Person | Middlesex County Family Court. New Jersey County Superior Court's Record Center. | Case party name and number. | Varies | Same day |
Overview of the Middlesex County Court System
The Middlesex County Superior Court, via the Family Court, handles all divorce proceedings within the county. Public members can find the courthouse at this location:
Middlesex County Superior Court
Middlesex County Family Courthouse
120 New Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: (732) 645-4300.
The county family court also keeps records of divorce case proceedings. Inquirers can obtain divorce records by visiting the family court during business hours.
Online Access to Middlesex County Divorce Records
Interested persons and entities can find Middlesex County divorce records online via official resources. For instance, the New Jersey Court website offers an online search portal for divorce cases in Middlesex County. Inquirers must create an account and deposit a minimum of $500 on the platform.
At the same time, you can request a divorce via the state court's online request portal. Inquirers must download the request form and upload it online on the portal.
Third-party search websites also offer online access to divorce records in Middlesex County. Such websites have user-friendly interfaces that allow users to easily locate court records. Nevertheless, the websites operate outside the government and, as such, may not contain accurate information.
What's Typically Included in a Middlesex County Divorce Record
Middlesex County divorce records may provide information on the following:
- Plaintiffs' and defendants' names.
- Divorce date, year, and court location.
- Marriage year and duration.
- Court-related information, including dockets, case numbers, status, and final judgments.
The Middlesex County Family Courthouse may seal specific information that is exempt under state laws. Divorce case parties may also petition the court to seal information that may violate their right to privacy and safety.
| Middlesex County Divorce Record Information | Available to the Public |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff's and defendant's names | Yes |
| Divorce date, year, and court location. | Yes |
| Marriage year and duration. | Yes |
| Court case information, such as docket, case number, status, and final judgment. | Sometimes restricted |
| Child custody arrangements. | No |
| Personal financial statements | No |
How to Get Certified Copies of Middlesex County Divorce Records
You can obtain certified copies of divorce decrees via the New Jersey Court's online request portal. To obtain records, inquirers must follow these steps:
- Download and fill out the online request form.
- Include the code for the processing location. Use "SCCO" for divorce records processed in the superior court.
- Upload the form via the "Submit the Completed form" button.
- The website will process the request form and forward it to the inquirer's preferred contact information.
| Type of Copy | Use Case | Who Can Request | Legally Valid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy | Remarriage, name changes, and mortgage refinancing. | Anyone | Yes |
| Informational Copy | Genealogy, personal information. | Anyone (if public) | No |
Why People Request Middlesex County Divorce Records
There are different reasons for requesting divorce records in Middlesex County, New Jersey. These reasons may include the following:
- To reapply for a new marriage license.
- To change names.
- To refinance a loan application.
- To settle estate and inheritance disputes.
- For genealogy or family research.
Middlesex County Divorce Records Summary
| Custodian | Available Record Type | Access Method | Fees & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex County Family Court | Full case files, judgments | In person | Varies |
| New Jersey Court website | Divorce certificates, case files, and decrees | Online portal and request portal. | Fees vary: $0.05 to $0.07 per page for a non-certified copy; $15 for a certified copy. |
| Third-Party Websites | Aggregated records | Online search (paid) | Convenience at cost; accuracy may vary |