Union County Public Records /Union County Divorce Records

Union County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Union County in 2026

UnionCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to divorce records in Union County. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Clerk of Court's online case search portal, in-person public access terminals at the courthouse, written mail requests, and state vital records systems. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking Union County divorce records.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Union County Clerk of Courts maintains an online case search system through the New Jersey Judiciary's eCourts portal, which provides free basic case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and docket entries. Copies of documents may require a fee.

2. State Court System Portal

The New Jersey Courts public access portal allows members of the public to search across jurisdictions and access consolidated case information statewide, including Union County Family Division matters.

3. State Vital Records

New Jersey does not issue divorce certificates through the vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The New Jersey Department of Health maintains limited divorce index data, but complete divorce records are held by the Superior Court, Family Division.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court Family Division:

Union County Superior Court – Family Division 2 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07207 Phone: (908) 787-1650 New Jersey Courts – Union County

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final judgments and decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived records

Records Department:

The Family Division maintains a separate records unit for archived and historical cases. Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format and require additional retrieval time.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to:

Union County Superior Court – Family Division Records 2 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07207

Include the following with each written request:

Full legal names of both parties
Approximate date of divorce or filing year
Case number, if known
Requestor's full name and contact information
Purpose of request, if required
Payment for applicable copy fees
Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Processing time for mail requests is typically one to three weeks, depending on case age and current volume.

By Phone

Limited Information:

Clerk of Court: (908) 787-1650

By phone, staff may confirm:

Whether a case exists in the system
The assigned case number
Current case status
Original filing date

Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any confidential case information by telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in New Jersey may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed or restricted documents through proper court motion, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The New Jersey State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law attorneys for complex record access matters.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate year or date of divorce
Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in Union County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Divorce proceedings in New Jersey are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under N.J. Court Rule 5:7-1, venue for dissolution matters is established by the residence of either party, not the location of the marriage ceremony.

Residency Requirement:

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2A:34-10, at least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of New Jersey for a minimum of one year immediately preceding the filing of the complaint for divorce, with limited exceptions for adultery-based grounds.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in online systems
Allow standard processing time following the final hearing
Records are typically available within days to a few weeks of entry of final judgment

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
Retrieval of archived records may require additional time and a special request
Pre-1990 records may not be digitized and require in-person or written requests

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

Incorrect county of filing
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences or clerical errors in the original filing
Case still pending and not yet finalized
Very old records held in off-site storage
Case sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Clerk's office at (908) 787-1650 to request a manual search
Attempt alternate name spellings for both parties
Search under both spouses' names independently
Check the New Jersey Department of Health divorce index for confirmation of filing county
Retain a licensed attorney for complex or sealed record access

What Are Union County Divorce Records?

Union County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Superior Court, Family Division. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access rules and confidentiality protections.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files:

Complaint for divorce (petition for dissolution of marriage)
Defendant's answer and counterclaim, if filed
Financial disclosure statements (Case Information Statements)
Proposed and final parenting plans
Property settlement agreements
Motions, certifications, and court orders
Transcripts of court hearings
Final judgment of divorce

Final Decree:

The final judgment of divorce is the official court order terminating the marriage. It serves as legal proof of dissolution and establishes:

The date the marriage was legally dissolved
Division of marital property and debt
Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
Child support obligations, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Clerk of Court upon payment of applicable fees.

Supporting Documents:

Marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
Financial disclosure documents and tax returns
Real and personal property inventories
Parenting plan details and custody evaluations
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Documentation for legal name change
Property transfer and title recording
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration and naturalization proceedings
Social Security survivor and spousal benefit claims

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

Clerk of Court:

The Union County Superior Court, Family Division Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party name and case number. The New Jersey Courts website provides access to case information and court resources.

State Vital Records Office:

New Jersey does not maintain a separate divorce certificate registry comparable to birth or death records. The New Jersey Department of Health holds limited statistical divorce data, but the Superior Court remains the authoritative source for complete divorce documentation.

Legal Framework:

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in New Jersey are governed by N.J.S.A. § 2A:34-1 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for divorce in the state. Public access to court records is governed by the New Jersey Court Rules and the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1 et seq., which establishes the presumption of public access to government records while providing specific exemptions for sensitive personal information.

Are Union County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Union County Superior Court are public court records under New Jersey law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted, redacted, or sealed pursuant to court rules and statutory protections.

What Is Public:

Case number and original filing date
Names of both parties as listed in the complaint
Names of attorneys of record
Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
Court orders and judgments, including the final judgment of divorce
Property division orders
General case status and disposition
Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public-facing documents pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-7
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed financial statements may have limited public access
Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be restricted

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain circumstances
Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
Medical and psychological evaluations of children are restricted
Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Medical records submitted as exhibits

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving domestic violence, abuse allegations, or high-profile parties may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record under New Jersey law.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

The presumption of public access to court records in New Jersey is established by New Jersey Court Rule 1:38, which governs public access to court records and identifies specific categories of information that are excluded from public access. The rule balances the principle of judicial transparency against the privacy interests of litigants and their children.

Who Can Access Records:

General Public:

May access most case information and docket entries
May obtain copies of public documents upon payment of fees
May be required to present identification at the courthouse
May use public access terminals in the courthouse

Parties to the Case:

Have full access to their own complete case file
May obtain all documents, including those with restricted information
Are not subject to the same redaction requirements as third-party requestors

Attorneys:

Have professional access to case files for represented clients
May file motions to access sealed or restricted documents upon a showing of need

Researchers and Media:

Have access to the public portions of divorce records
May petition the court for access to sealed records under First Amendment and common law access principles
Academic researchers may seek court permission for access to restricted materials

Restrictions on Use:

Prohibited uses of divorce record information include stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, and any use that violates an existing protective or restraining order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, academic research, and personal verification of divorce status.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or confidential divorce records must file a formal motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the requestor's need and the privacy interests of the parties and any children involved. Certain government entities, including law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and court-appointed evaluators, may have statutory authority to access restricted records without a court motion.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Union County?

The Union County Superior Court, Family Division charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 22A:2-37.1 and applicable New Jersey Court Rules governing court filing and copy fees.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Service	Current Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.05 per page
Certified copy of final judgment	$10.00 per document
Exemplified (triple-certified) copy	$25.00 per document
Certification fee	$10.00
Online case information (basic)	Free
Electronic document download (eCourts)	Varies by document

Additional Fee Information:

Inspection of public records at the courthouse is free of charge; no fee is assessed for viewing documents at public access terminals
Fees for copies of documents obtained through the eCourts electronic filing system may differ from in-person copy fees
Requests for archived or off-site records may incur retrieval fees
Expedited processing is not guaranteed and may not be available for all record types

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Money order (for mail requests)
Certified check (for mail requests)
Credit and debit cards (accepted at most courthouse locations)

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who demonstrate financial hardship may apply for a fee waiver through the court. Indigent parties to the original divorce proceeding may be eligible for waived copy fees upon submission of a completed fee waiver application to the Family Division. Attorneys representing clients under legal aid or pro bono arrangements should inquire directly with the Clerk's office regarding applicable waiver procedures.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Basic case information through the New Jersey Courts public access portal
Docket entries and case status information online
In-person inspection of public documents at courthouse terminals

What's Included in Divorce Records in Union County

A complete Union County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Superior Court, Family Division from the initial complaint through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of the file depends on whether the matter was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information

Case Caption:

Assigned case number (docket number)
Court name and division (Superior Court, Family Division, Union County)
Petitioner/Plaintiff's full legal name
Respondent/Defendant's full legal name
Judge assigned to the matter
Attorneys of record for each party

Filing Information:

Date the complaint was filed
Filing fees paid and receipt information
Case type designation (dissolution of marriage)
Jurisdictional basis for filing

Initial Pleadings

Complaint for Divorce:

Petitioner's identifying information
Respondent's identifying information
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation, if applicable
Grounds for divorce (New Jersey is a no-fault state; the most common ground is irreconcilable differences under N.J.S.A. § 2A:34-2)
Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
Claims regarding property, support, and custody
Relief requested by the petitioner

Answer and Counterclaim:

Respondent's admissions or denials of the complaint's allegations
Respondent's own requests for relief
Counterclaim for divorce, if filed

Case Information Statement (Financial Affidavit):

Both parties are required to file a Case Information Statement disclosing:
- All sources and amounts of income
- Monthly living expenses
- All assets, including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts
- All liabilities, including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt
- Standard of living during the marriage

Discovery Documents

Financial Disclosure:

Recent federal and state tax returns
Pay stubs and employer verification
Bank and investment account statements
Retirement account statements
Credit card and loan statements
Business financial records, if applicable

Interrogatories and Responses:

Written questions submitted by each party
Sworn written answers
Background, financial, and custody-related information

Requests for Production:

Formal document requests between parties
Property inventories and supporting records
Financial records and communications, as ordered

Property-Related Documents

Marital Asset Inventory:

Real property descriptions, addresses, and estimated values
Motor vehicles and values
Bank and investment account balances
Retirement and pension account values
Business interests and valuations
Personal property, jewelry, art, and collectibles

Debt Inventory:

Mortgage balances and lender information
Vehicle loan balances
Credit card debt by account
Personal and business loans
Tax obligations and arrearages

Appraisals and Expert Reports:

Real property appraisals
Business valuations
Personal property appraisals
Expert witness reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)

Parenting Plan:

Legal custody designation (sole or joint decision-making authority)
Physical custody and primary residence
Parenting time schedule, including regular, holiday, and summer provisions
Transportation and exchange arrangements
Communication protocols between parents and with children
Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
Relocation restrictions

Child Support:

Child support calculation worksheet using New Jersey Child Support Guidelines
Income information for both parties
Number of overnight parenting time days
Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
Ordered support amount and payment schedule
Income withholding order, if applicable

Custody Evaluations (If Ordered):

Reports from court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
Recommendations regarding custody and parenting time
Home study reports
Parenting capacity assessments

Guardian ad Litem Reports (If Appointed):

Attorney for the children's findings and recommendations
Best interests analysis

Support Documents

Alimony/Spousal Support:

Type of alimony ordered (limited duration, open durational, rehabilitative, or reimbursement, as applicable under New Jersey law)
Monthly amount and payment schedule
Duration of support obligation
Modification and termination provisions
Tax treatment provisions

Settlement Documents

Property Settlement Agreement (PSA):

Comprehensive written agreement resolving all marital issues
Real and personal property distribution
Asset and debt allocation
Spousal support terms
Child custody and parenting time provisions
Child support terms
Tax filing and dependency exemption provisions
Attorney fee allocation
Signatures of both parties and notarization

Mediation Agreement (If Applicable):

Terms reached through mediation
Incorporated into the PSA or final judgment

Court Orders and Judgments

Temporary Orders:

Temporary custody and parenting time
Pendente lite support (temporary support during proceedings)
Temporary use and possession of marital home
Temporary restraining orders, if applicable

Final Judgment of Divorce:

Court's official order dissolving the marriage
Date of dissolution
Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Complete property division
Spousal support orders
Child custody and parenting time orders
Child support orders
Name restoration, if requested
Judge's signature and court seal

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):

Separate order directing division of retirement plan benefits
Instructions to plan administrator
Issued when retirement accounts are divided as part of the settlement

Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)

Modifications:

Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support
Evidence of changed circumstances
Court orders on modification requests

Enforcement Actions:

Income withholding orders
Contempt motions and orders
Liens filed against property
Wage garnishment orders

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence (may be sealed)
Mental health evaluations and treatment records
Substance abuse records
Trade secrets in business valuations
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents

How Information Is Organized

Case files are organized chronologically by filing date, with each document assigned a sequential docket entry number. The docket sheet serves as an index of all filed documents, listing document type, filing date, and document number. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the eCourts system; older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned images. Hybrid files containing both paper and electronic documents are common for cases filed during the transition to electronic filing.

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Union County

Proof of divorce in Union County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Superior Court, Family Division. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the Clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.

Step 1: Identify the Case

Locate the case number and filing year using the New Jersey Courts public access portal or by contacting the Clerk's office directly at (908) 787-1650.

Step 2: Submit a Request

Requests for certified copies may be submitted:

In person at the Union County Superior Court, Family Division, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
By mail to the same address, with a completed request form, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope
Through eCourts for electronically filed cases, where available

Step 3: Provide Required Information

Each request must include:

Full names of both parties as listed in the original filing
Approximate year of divorce or case number
Requestor's name, address, and contact information
Relationship to the case or purpose of request, if required
Payment of the applicable certification fee ($10.00 per certified copy)

Step 4: Receive the Document

In-person requests are processed at the time of the visit when staff and records are available. Mail requests are processed within one to three weeks. The certified copy of the final judgment of divorce serves as the official proof of divorce recognized by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts.

Union County Superior Court – Family Division 2 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07207 Phone: (908) 787-1650 New Jersey Courts – Union County

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Union County?

Divorce proceedings in Union County are presumptively public, but certain cases or portions of case files may be made confidential by court order or by operation of law. Confidentiality in divorce matters is the exception rather than the rule and requires a specific legal basis.

Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:

Court-ordered sealing: A judge may seal all or part of a divorce file upon a finding of good cause, such as the presence of sensitive personal information, ongoing safety concerns, or the involvement of minor children whose welfare requires protection.
Domestic violence cases: Records related to domestic violence restraining orders and related proceedings may be restricted to protect the safety of victims under New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.
Redacted information: Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-7, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain identifying information about minor children are redacted from publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard practice.
Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
Mental health and medical records: Psychological evaluations, mental health treatment records, and medical records submitted in custody proceedings may be restricted by court order.
High-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to limit public access to cases where disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.

Members of the public seeking access to a sealed divorce file must file a formal motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.

How Long Does Union County Keep Divorce Records?

Union County divorce records are maintained by the Superior Court, Family Division in accordance with New Jersey's records retention schedules established by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts.

Retention Periods:

Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently as part of the court's permanent record. Final judgments are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
Complete case files (active and closed): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the date of final judgment for most dissolution matters.
Cases involving minor children: Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of final judgment or until the youngest child reaches the age of majority plus an additional period, whichever is longer.
Financial disclosure documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the applicable retention period; may be purged from the file after a set number of years while the final judgment is preserved.
Post-judgment modification and enforcement records: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period.
Archived paper records: Older paper case files may be transferred to off-site storage but remain retrievable upon request; retrieval may require additional processing time.
Electronic records: Cases filed through the eCourts system are maintained in the electronic case management system for the applicable retention period.

The New Jersey Judiciary Records Retention Schedule governs the preservation and disposition of all court records, including family law matters, and is updated periodically by the Administrative Office of the Courts.