Real numbers for New Jersey — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
The paperwork and terminology differ from state to state, but a New Jersey divorce generally moves through the same five stages:
This is a general roadmap, not legal advice specific to your case — your county's self-help center or a licensed New Jersey family law attorney can walk you through the exact forms you'll need.
Enter your specific situation — children, assets, contested issues — and get a real cost breakdown in 60 seconds. Free, private, no login.
Calculate My New Jersey Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in New Jersey ranges from roughly $3,900 for a simple uncontested case to $44,800 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
New Jersey has no mandatory waiting period but requires 18 months of separation for no-fault divorce or proof of fault grounds.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $300 | $1,275 | $6,500 |
| Uncontested with children | $3,900 | $6,500 | $9,750 |
| Contested, no trial | $15,400 | $28,000 | $44,800 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $44,800 | $53,200 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $21,500 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in New Jersey is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $300 statewide uniform fee
| Bergen County | $300 |
| Essex | $300 |
| Hudson | $300 |
| Middlesex | $300 |
| Ocean | $300 |
| Monmouth | $300 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in New Jersey average $370 per hour.
A Bergen County couple with two children and a shared home going through a cooperative uncontested divorce would spend $300 in filing fees and $4,000–$8,000 in attorney costs — total $4,400–$8,500. A contested custody dispute in NJ can easily reach $40,000–$100,000+ per party.
How much does a divorce cost in New Jersey?
An uncontested divorce in New Jersey typically costs $6,500–$9,750 including the $300 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $28,000–$44,800 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
How long does a New Jersey divorce take?
Uncontested divorces in NJ typically take 3–6 months. Contested cases in busy counties like Bergen or Middlesex can take 2–4 years due to court backlogs.
Does NJ require separation before divorce?
Not for the 'irreconcilable differences' ground — the most common. You can file immediately. The 18-month separation requirement applies only if you use 'separation' as your divorce ground.
How much do divorce attorneys cost in New Jersey?
Attorney rates range from $300/hr in South Jersey to $500+/hr in Bergen and Monmouth counties. Retainers of $5,000–$15,000 are standard.
How is alimony calculated in New Jersey?
New Jersey considers marriage length, each spouse's income and earning capacity, standard of living, and other factors. The 2014 reforms capped 'open duration' alimony at marriages over 20 years.
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Open New Jersey Calculator →Filing fees based on New Jersey court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.