Camden Public Records /Camden County Divorce Records

Camden County Divorce Records

What Are Camden County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Camden County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to New Jersey Statutes § 2A:34-1, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial complaint for divorce, financial disclosures, property settlement agreements, and the final judgment of divorce.

The Camden County Family Division of the Superior Court processes and maintains these records as part of its official duties. These documents serve several important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits claims
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records are created when one spouse files a complaint for divorce with the Camden County Superior Court. The court then processes this complaint and, upon completion of all required procedures and hearings, issues a final judgment of divorce that legally terminates the marriage.

Are Camden County Divorce Records Public?

Camden County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information sensitivity. Under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), certain divorce record components are accessible to the public, while others remain restricted.

Court divorce case files in Camden County are generally considered public records, with important exceptions:

Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is typically public
Financial affidavits and statements are often sealed or redacted
Records containing sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, birth dates, financial account numbers) are protected under New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-7
Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted access
Matters involving minor children often have additional privacy protections

Certified divorce certificates and divorce decrees have more restricted access. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:8-62, these documents are available only to:

The divorced parties themselves
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with a court order authorizing access
Persons who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record

The Camden County Superior Court Family Division balances the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns when determining access to divorce records.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Camden County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Camden County must follow specific procedures established by the New Jersey Courts system. The primary method for obtaining these records is through the Camden County Superior Court Family Division.

To locate a divorce record:

Determine the appropriate office based on when the divorce was finalized:
- For divorces finalized after 1983: Contact the Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center
- For divorces finalized before 1983: Contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office in the county where the divorce was granted
Prepare the required information:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Docket number (if known)
- County where divorce was granted
Submit a written request using the official Records Request Form available from the New Jersey Courts website
Include proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
Pay the applicable fees:
- $10 for a certification of divorce
- $5 for each additional copy
- Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive searches

Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center
171 Jersey Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
609-421-6100
New Jersey Courts

Camden County Superior Court - Family Division
Hall of Justice
101 S. 5th Street
Camden, NJ 08103
856-379-2200
Camden County Courts

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Camden County Online?

Camden County residents can access certain divorce record information through online platforms maintained by the New Jersey Judiciary. The digital accessibility of these records streamlines the search process while maintaining appropriate privacy safeguards.

To search for divorce records online:

Visit the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal
Select "Case Search" from the available options
Choose "Family Division" from the case type menu
Enter search criteria:
- At minimum, provide the last name of one party
- For more precise results, include first name and case year
- If available, enter the docket number for direct access
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Names of parties
- Docket number
- Filing date
- Case type
- Current status
- Judge assigned (if applicable)

Important limitations to online searches include:

Only basic case information is available online
Full divorce decrees and judgments are not accessible through the online system
Cases with special confidentiality protections may not appear in search results
Records from before 2000 may have limited online availability

For comprehensive divorce record information, including certified copies of divorce decrees, requesters must still contact the appropriate court office directly as outlined in the previous section.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Camden County?

Camden County residents seeking no-cost access to divorce records have limited but viable options. While certified copies and comprehensive searches typically involve fees, basic information may be obtained without charge through several channels.

Free access options include:

Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse
- Located in the Camden County Hall of Justice
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Provide access to basic case information and docket entries
- No fee for on-site viewing, though printing may incur charges
New Jersey Courts Public Access Website
- Basic case information available at no cost
- Search by party name or docket number
- Limited to cases filed after 2000
- Access restricted to public portions of case files
Camden County Law Library
- Located within the Camden County Hall of Justice
- Offers public access computers for legal research
- Staff can provide guidance on accessing court databases
- No fee for on-site research assistance

Camden County Hall of Justice
101 S. 5th Street
Camden, NJ 08103
856-379-2200
Camden County Government

While these resources provide free access to basic divorce record information, users should note that:

Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Comprehensive searches involving multiple years or counties may not be feasible through free resources
Staff assistance for complex searches may be limited at public access points
Records with confidentiality restrictions remain inaccessible regardless of fee status

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Camden County

Divorce records in Camden County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records contain detailed information about the parties involved and the terms of their separation as established through the judicial process.

A complete divorce file typically includes:

Complaint for Divorce - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and requested relief
Answer and Counterclaim - The responding spouse's formal reply and any counter-requests
Case Information Statement - Detailed financial disclosures from both parties
Property Settlement Agreement - Documentation of how marital assets and debts are divided
Child Custody and Support Provisions - Arrangements for minor children, if applicable
Alimony Determinations - Details of spousal support obligations
Name Change Orders - If a spouse is resuming a previous name
Final Judgment of Divorce - The court's official decree terminating the marriage

The certified divorce decree, which serves as official proof of divorce, contains:

Full legal names of both parties
Date and place of marriage
Date the divorce was granted
Docket number assigned to the case
County where the divorce was finalized
Judge's signature and court seal

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:34-25, divorce records must also document any specific conditions attached to the divorce judgment, such as ongoing financial obligations or restrictions on relocation with minor children.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Camden County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Camden County must obtain a certified copy of their divorce decree from the appropriate state authority. This document serves as legal verification of marital dissolution for various personal and administrative purposes.

To obtain proof of divorce:

Contact the Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center, which maintains divorce records for the entire state
Submit a written request including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (month and year)
- County where divorce was granted
- Docket number (if known)
- Reason for requesting the record
- Return address for mailing
Provide proof of identity:
- Government-issued photo ID
- If requesting another person's record, documentation showing legal right to access
Include the required fee:
- $25 for a certified copy of the divorce decree
- Payment by check or money order made payable to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey"

Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center
171 Jersey Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
609-421-6100
New Jersey Department of Health

For expedited service, requesters may visit the Records Center in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM). Same-day service may be available for in-person requests submitted before 3:00 PM.

Acceptable proof of divorce documents include:

Certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce
Certificate of Divorce issued by the Superior Court
Exemplified copy of the divorce decree (for international use)

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Camden County?

Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and associated records in Camden County may receive confidential treatment. New Jersey courts recognize legitimate privacy concerns in matrimonial matters and have established mechanisms to protect sensitive information.

Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-3, the following divorce-related records receive automatic confidential treatment:

Family Case Information Statements containing detailed financial disclosures
Records pertaining to child victims of abuse or neglect
Records of domestic violence proceedings
Child custody evaluations and reports
Paternity test results
Records containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, or other personal identifiers

Additionally, parties may petition the court for enhanced confidentiality protections by:

Filing a motion for a protective order demonstrating good cause
Requesting specific documents be placed under seal
Seeking to use pseudonyms or initials in place of full names in public filings
Requesting redaction of sensitive information from publicly accessible documents

The court balances confidentiality requests against the presumption of public access to court records. Factors considered include:

Risk of harm from disclosure
Privacy interests of parties and children
Public interest in access to information
Availability of less restrictive alternatives

Even when records receive confidential treatment, certain authorized individuals maintain access rights, including:

The parties to the divorce
Their attorneys of record
Court personnel with legitimate need
Individuals granted access by court order

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Camden County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Camden County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court calendar congestion. New Jersey's divorce process includes mandatory waiting periods and procedural requirements that establish minimum timeframes.

For uncontested divorces where parties have reached full agreement on all issues:

Minimum processing time: 2-3 months
Average completion time: 3-6 months
Required 35-day waiting period after filing before judgment can be entered

For contested divorces requiring judicial intervention:

Average duration: 8-14 months
Complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes: 1-2+ years
Cases requiring trial: typically 12-18 months minimum

According to New Jersey Courts statistics, factors that significantly impact timeline include:

Grounds for divorce (no-fault "irreconcilable differences" typically processes faster)
Complexity of asset division and financial arrangements
Presence of minor children and associated custody determinations
Court calendar congestion (Camden County currently averages 8-10 months for standard contested cases)
Willingness of parties to engage in alternative dispute resolution
Completeness of initial financial disclosures

The COVID-19 pandemic created additional backlogs in the Camden County family court system, though virtual proceedings have helped address these delays. Currently, the court prioritizes cases involving children's welfare and domestic violence concerns.

How Long Does Camden County Keep Divorce Records?

Camden County maintains divorce records in accordance with the New Jersey Judiciary's records retention schedule, which establishes standardized timeframes for preserving various court documents. These retention periods ensure the long-term availability of important legal records while managing storage resources effectively.

Under New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-7 and associated administrative directives, divorce records are retained as follows:

Final Judgments of Divorce: Permanent retention (never destroyed)
Case docket information: Permanent retention in electronic format
Complete case files for divorces granted after 1983: 75 years from date of final judgment
Complete case files for divorces granted before 1983: Permanent retention
Financial statements and supporting documentation: 15 years after case closure
Temporary orders and procedural motions: 10 years after case closure

After the applicable retention period expires, non-permanent records may be:

Destroyed according to secure document disposal protocols
Transferred to microfilm or digital format for space-saving storage
Relocated to off-site archival facilities

Individuals seeking older divorce records should note:

Pre-1983 records may be stored in county courthouses rather than the central Records Center
Some historical records may have been transferred to the New Jersey State Archives
Retrieval of older records typically requires additional processing time
Records damaged by fire, flood, or improper storage may be partially or completely unavailable

The permanent retention of final divorce judgments ensures that proof of divorce remains available regardless of when the divorce occurred.

How To Get a Divorce In Camden County

Residents seeking to dissolve a marriage in Camden County must navigate New Jersey's established legal process for divorce. The procedure involves multiple steps and varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

To initiate a divorce in Camden County:

Establish eligibility by meeting residency requirements:
- At least one spouse must have been a New Jersey resident for at least 12 months prior to filing
- Exception: For divorces based on adultery, only current residency is required
Determine appropriate grounds for divorce:
- No-fault option: "Irreconcilable differences" for at least six months
- Fault-based options include: adultery, desertion, extreme cruelty, addiction, imprisonment, or institutionalization
Prepare and file the Complaint for Divorce with:
- Camden County Superior Court - Family Division
- Required forms available through the New Jersey Courts Self-Help Center
- Filing fee of $300 (fee waivers available for financial hardship)
Serve divorce papers on your spouse:
- By certified mail with return receipt
- Through county sheriff's office (additional fee applies)
- Via private process server
- Alternative service methods with court approval if spouse cannot be located
Complete mandatory financial disclosures:
- Case Information Statement detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
- Supporting documentation including tax returns and account statements
Attend mandatory parent education program if minor children are involved

Camden County Superior Court - Family Division
Hall of Justice
101 S. 5th Street
Camden, NJ 08103
856-379-2200
Camden County Courts

For uncontested divorces, parties may qualify for simplified procedures if they:

Agree on all issues including property division, support, and custody
Complete and file a Property Settlement Agreement
Request an uncontested hearing date after the mandatory waiting period

For contested divorces, additional steps include:

Case management conferences
Possible court-ordered mediation
Motion hearings for temporary relief
Discovery process to exchange information
Trial if settlement cannot be reached

How To Get Divorce Papers In Camden County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Camden County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The New Jersey Judiciary provides standardized divorce documents that meet court requirements for proper filing.

To obtain divorce papers:

Access forms through the New Jersey Courts website:
- Visit the New Jersey Courts Self-Help Resource Center
- Navigate to the Family Division section
- Download and print the divorce packet appropriate to your situation
- Available packets include contested, uncontested, and simplified options
Visit the Camden County Law Library:
- Located in the Camden County Hall of Justice
- Reference librarians can direct you to appropriate form books
- Public computers available for accessing and printing online forms
- Nominal fee for printing services
Request forms in person from the Family Division:
- Camden County Superior Court - Family Division
- Staff can provide basic procedural information
- Forms available during regular business hours
- No appointment necessary for form pickup
Utilize legal self-help services:
- Camden County Bar Association offers periodic divorce clinics
- Legal Services of New Jersey provides resources for low-income residents
- Court-based self-help center offers guidance on form completion

Camden County Superior Court - Family Division
Hall of Justice
101 S. 5th Street
Camden, NJ 08103
856-379-2200
Camden County Government

Essential divorce forms typically include:

Complaint for Divorce
Confidential Litigant Information Sheet
Certification of Insurance
Certification of Notification of Complementary Dispute Resolution
Case Information Statement (for cases involving financial issues)
Certification of No Pending Appeals
Final Judgment of Divorce (to be completed by the court)

While court staff can provide forms and procedural information, they cannot offer legal advice. Individuals with complex situations may benefit from consulting with an attorney before proceeding.

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