New Jersey Divorce Forms: Every Document You Need to File

The Initial Filing Packet

Every New Jersey divorce begins with a packet of forms submitted to the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part in your county. The state provides these forms free on njcourts.gov, but they don't explain the order, the dependencies between them, or the upload rules that trip up most self-represented filers.

Here's the full inventory. Each form has a CN number — the judiciary's catalog code — which is the fastest way to find the correct version on the court website.

Divorce Complaint

The complaint is the core pleading. It states your grounds for divorce (irreconcilable differences lasting at least six months is the most common), identifies both spouses, and requests specific relief — property division, custody, support, or all of the above.

New Jersey does not have a single fill-in-the-blank complaint form for self-represented filers. You draft it as a typed document following the format laid out in Court Rule 5:4-1. The complaint must include a Certification of Verification and Non-Collusion — a sworn statement that the allegations are true and that you and your spouse haven't colluded to deceive the court.

Summons (CN 10792)

The Summons officially notifies your spouse that a divorce action has been filed. It warns them that they have 35 calendar days to file a written response — an Answer, an Answer and Counterclaim, or a Notice of Appearance.

You fill out the header section with the docket number (left blank until the court assigns one), your name and address, and your spouse's name. The court clerk stamps and returns a filed copy once you submit it with the rest of your packet.

Confidential Litigant Information Sheet (CN 10486)

This is the form most filers overlook and the one most likely to trigger a clerk rejection if it's missing.

Required under N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.60, it collects personal identifiers for both parties: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, dates of birth, and employer addresses. If you have children, you must include their names, birth dates, and health insurance details.

The critical distinction: this form is confidential. It is shielded from the public record and never shared with the opposing party. That's why your full Social Security number goes here — and only here. On every other document, Rule 1:38-7 requires confidential personal identifiers to be omitted; an active financial account may be identified by its last four digits only when it is the subject of the litigation and cannot otherwise be identified.

CDR Alternatives Certification (CN 10889)

CN 10889 is a one-page certification that you've read Form CN 10888 — a descriptive brochure about Complementary Dispute Resolution alternatives like mediation and arbitration. Court Rule 5:4-2(h) requires this certification with every initial divorce filing.

The form itself is straightforward: check the box confirming you read CN 10888, sign, and date. But if it's not in your packet, the clerk sends everything back.

Certification of Insurance Coverage

Under Court Rule 5:4-2(f), you must list all known health, life, automobile, and property insurance policies currently covering either spouse and any children. This isn't a specific CN-numbered form — you prepare it as a typed certification following the court's format guidance.

Case Information Statement — CIS (CN 10482)

For cases involving disputed custody, child support, alimony, or property division, the CIS is the most detailed form in the entire divorce process, and it isn't filed with your initial packet. It's due within 20 days after your spouse files an Answer or Appearance.

CN 10482 is a comprehensive financial disclosure: income, assets, debts, monthly expenses calculated from the last 24 months, and your proposed position on support and equitable distribution. You must attach your most recent federal and state tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and three consecutive recent paystubs. If college contributions are in dispute, add tuition invoices, financial aid letters, and enrollment proof.

The CIS has an ongoing duty to update — if your financial circumstances change while the case is pending, you must file an amended version.

How to Submit: JEDS, In Person, or By Mail

Self-represented filers use the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) portal — not eCourts, which is reserved for attorneys. JEDS is available 24/7 from any computer (not mobile devices).

The upload rules are strict and non-obvious:

• Separate files only. Each form must be uploaded as its own PDF, DOCX, or JPG. If you scan your entire packet into one combined PDF, the clerk will reject it.
• 35 MB maximum per file, with file descriptions under 56 characters and no special characters.
• Unencrypted files only. Password-protected PDFs are returned.

You can also file in person at your county courthouse (original plus two copies, fee paid by cash, check, or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey") or by certified mail with return receipt requested plus a self-addressed stamped envelope.

The filing fee is $300 for the complaint. If the action involves custody, visitation, or support of minor children, add a $25 parenting workshop fee. Your spouse pays $175 to file a response.

Post-Judgment Form: CN 10483

If you need to modify a custody, support, or alimony order after your divorce is finalized, the Family Multi-Purpose Post-Judgment Motion Packet (CN 10483) is the form to use. It carries a $50 motion filing fee and strict service deadlines — your ex-spouse must receive the motion papers at least 24 days before the scheduled court date (27 days if served by mail).

Avoiding the Common Rejection Triggers

Three mistakes cause the majority of clerk rejections for self-represented filers:

1. Missing CN 10486 or CN 10889. Both must be in the initial packet. The court won't process your complaint without them.
2. Unredacted personal information. Confidential personal identifiers must be omitted from every public filing. The Confidential Litigant Information Sheet carries the identifiers required there.
3. Combined uploads on JEDS. One file per document. No exceptions.

Getting the forms right is the first step. Knowing the sequence — what goes where, what triggers what, and how to avoid the delays that add weeks to your timeline — is what our filing process guide walks you through.

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