Divorce & Family Law in New Jersey

New Jersey divorce law does not use "alimony" — it uses the term "spousal support" or "maintenance," recalculated under the 2014 Alimony Reform Act. This act limits open-duration alimony to marriages of 20+ years and provides specific factors for courts to consider. Filing fees are $300 with an additional $25 surcharge. Uncontested divorces cost $6,000-$10,000, while contested cases average $17,000 and frequently exceed $55,000 in affluent communities like Bergen, Morris, and Somerset counties. New Jersey follows equitable distribution and requires detailed Case Information Statements (CIS) disclosing all financial information. Child custody is determined under a "best interests of the child" standard with 14 statutory factors. Mediation is encouraged and often required before trial. New Jersey attorney hourly rates vary significantly — northern New Jersey (near NYC) commands $400-$700/hr while southern New Jersey rates are $250-$400/hr.