Divorce records in Monmouth County, New Jersey, are available through several official channels. MonmouthCourt.us allows you to quickly begin searching for public divorce information in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the New Jersey Supreme Court's Family Division, which operates at the county courthouse, at the Monmouth County Clerk's Office, and at the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. Each of these institutions maintains different types of documents, so the choice depends on the specific information you are seeking.
Monmouth Divorce Records Search
Divorce cases in Monmouth County are handled by the Family Division of the New Jersey Supreme Court. This division maintains case materials: divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents. The County Clerk's Archive does not issue copies of divorce records — these must be obtained directly from the court.
The New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics and Registry records the fact of divorce, but for certified copies of decrees, applicants are directed to the Supreme Court Records Center.
Monmouth County Courthouse — Family Division
Basic case information — number, filing date, status — can often be checked through the New Jersey court system's online case search system. However, the full text of a decree or a certified copy is issued only upon written request.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Monmouth
The structure for storing divorce records in New Jersey differs from many other states. Below is a brief overview of where to go depending on your needs.
Court: Family Division
All divorce petitions are filed with the Family Division of the Supreme Court in the respective county. Once a decision is made, the case is closed and sent for storage. If you need:
- the full text of the Judgment of Divorce,
- a Property Settlement Agreement,
- custody or support orders,
- any procedural documents from the case —
contact the Family Division office in Freehold.
Records Center
After a case is closed, materials are eventually moved to the New Jersey Supreme Court Records Center. For older cases, requests for copies are submitted there. The request form can be found on the state court system's website.
Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
The Office of Vital Statistics and Registry at the New Jersey Department of Health maintains a registry of events — births, marriages, deaths. The fact of divorce is also recorded, but this office does not issue certified copies of the court decree. Instead, it directs applicants to the court's Records Center.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Monmouth
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (regular) | $0.75 per page | 7–10 business days |
| Certified copy of court document | $15.00 | 7–10 business days |
| Request to Records Center (closed cases) | $15.00 per certified copy | 2–4 weeks |