Yes it is true that court records are required for a variety of reasons. But, it is perhaps for genealogy research that most people want to access the records. However, divorce records are not so popular here, because it does not give as much information as some other records. Divorce records can though help in many other situations.
The record can certainly clear a lot of confusion particularly if you are deciding to get married again. Can you ask your lover straight up whether he or she is officially divorced or not or is the case still in court? Most people can’t. It is surely an uncomfortable question to ask. However, you can seek the report silently and find out what the real truth is. This will clear your mind about whether you should proceed with your marriage plan or not. After all, you cannot legally marry someone who is already married, and is not yet officially divorced.
Of course, you may want to access your own divorce decree so that you can keep it in the file. And sometimes, divorce records can indeed help in genealogy research too.
Yes, the information is in the public domain, and thus, you can legally ask for it, but you should know that the divorce record cannot be shared with anyone in the state. Your application for the divorce decree will be honored if you are one of the two people in the record, or if you are directly related to the person. So, you can get it if you are a child, parent, or even the legal representative. Remember, anyone else cannot access the record.
In the US state of New Jersey, you can get these records from the Records Center of the Superior Court. So, the first thing you should do is write the application and address it to the Clerk's office at the state's Superior Court. Be sure to include as much information as you can while you are applying. Include the names of people involved in the divorce (the wife and husband), and date as well as the place of divorce. You should also mention in the application the reason why you want the record accessed. Plus, you should also include with the application, a copy of your valid photo ID.
The search and retrieval of the record is a paid service in New Jersey. The payment for this is $10, and the money is to be paid to the Clerk’s office at the court. So include the payment as a money order or a check with the application.
To receive a New Jersey divorce certificate, follow these instructions:
Step 1.
Write a request to the Clerk of Superior Court at the address below. In your request, include as much information about the divorce as possible, such as the names of the husband and wife, date of divorce, and place of divorce.
Step 2.
Explain the reason for your request, and include a legible copy of your government issued ID to verify your qualification.
Step 3.
Send your written request, along with a check or money order for $10 payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court to the address below.
Send your written request to:
Clerk of the Superior Court
Superior Court of New Jersey
171 Jersey Street
PO Box 967
Trenton, NJ 08625-0967
About New Jersey Vital Records
Vital records in the state of New Jersey are kept at the Bureau of Vital Statistics with the Department of Health. Vital records kept at this office include birth, death, and marriage certificates. Divorce records, however, are not maintained at the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Where to Find New Jersey Divorce Records
In New Jersey, divorce records are only available through the Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center.
Who May Obtain a Certified Divorce Record?
Certified copies of divorce decrees are available only to qualified individuals. Persons who can identify themselves as a subject of the divorce decree, or direct family such as a parent, child, or legal representative, may obtain a certified divorce decree.
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