Passaic City Family Court Records
Passaic city family court records are filed through the Passaic County Superior Court, Family Division. Passaic is a city in Passaic County, and it should not be confused with the county itself. The city of Passaic and Passaic County share the same name but are different. Family court records for the city cover divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence, paternity, guardianship, adoption, and juvenile matters. You can search these records online through the New Jersey Judiciary or request copies at the Passaic County Courthouse in Paterson.
Passaic City Quick Facts
Where Passaic Family Cases Are Filed
Residents of the city of Passaic file family court cases at the Passaic County Courthouse in Paterson. The Family Division is at 77 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505. There is also an office at the County Administration Building, 8th Floor, 401 Grand Street, Paterson. The phone number is 973-247-8600 or 973-653-2910. All family law matters for the city of Passaic go through these county offices in Paterson.
| Court | Passaic County Superior Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 77 Hamilton Street Paterson, NJ 07505 |
| Phone | 973-247-8600 / 973-653-2910 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/passaic |
The city of Passaic has its own municipal court at 330 Passaic Street, Passaic, NJ 07055. The phone is 973-365-3975. It handles traffic and minor criminal matters. Family court records are not at the municipal court. Always go to the Passaic County courthouse in Paterson for family cases.
Note: Passaic is a city in Passaic County, not the county itself, so family court records for city residents are filed at the county level in Paterson.
Passaic City Government Resources
The City of Passaic official website offers a directory of local departments, services, and community resources for residents who need help with court or family-related matters.
The city of Passaic is a diverse community. Many residents speak languages other than English. The New Jersey Judiciary provides interpreting services for non-English speakers at court proceedings. If you need an interpreter for a family court case, let the court know in advance.
Search Passaic Family Court Records
The New Jersey Judiciary has free online tools for finding court records. The Find a Case portal lets you search by name or docket number. Passaic County uses code "16" in family docket numbers. A family matrimonial case from the city of Passaic starts with "FM-16" followed by the case number and year. Basic information is free to view.
For full documents, fill out the Records Request Form (CN 10200) from the Superior Court Clerk's Office. Open cases are handled by the Passaic County clerk. Closed cases go to the Superior Court Clerk's Office in Trenton. Email SCCORecordReq.Mailbox@njcourts.gov for status questions. If you do not have a docket number, call the Customer Service Unit at 609-421-6100 for help.
Plain copies cost $0.05 per page. Certified copies are $15 per document. The court seal costs $10 more. Payment is by check or money order to "Treasurer-State of New Jersey." Cash is accepted in person only.
Divorce Records in Passaic City
Divorce is a common type of family court record for the city of Passaic. Filing costs $300 with a $25 surcharge for pro se filers. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10, one spouse must live in New Jersey for at least 12 months before filing on no-fault grounds. Most divorce cases use irreconcilable differences as the ground for filing.
Divorce documents from the city of Passaic are only available to parties in the case or their attorneys. A court order is needed for anyone else to get copies. Certified copies of a final judgment cost $25. Extra copies at the same time cost $2 each. Divorce certificates from the NJ Department of Health are a separate document that shows basic facts only and costs $25.
The NJ Courts Self-Help Center has free forms for divorce, custody, and support. You can also file documents through JEDS at any time of day.
Note: Family court records have specific retention periods; divorce judgments are kept permanently, while temporary orders may be kept for shorter terms.
Passaic Custody and Support Records
Custody and child support cases from the city of Passaic go through the Passaic County Family Division in Paterson. The court uses the best interest of the child standard for all custody decisions. Both parents can seek joint or sole custody. Parenting time schedules are part of the court order and family court record.
Child support is set using the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines account for both parents' income, the number of children, and costs like health care. The NJ Child Support hotline at 1-877-655-4371 can answer questions about payments and enforcement. Passaic County Probation services handle collection.
To change an existing order, file a motion to modify. You must prove that your situation has changed since the last order. Forms are available at the NJ Courts Self-Help Center website.
Domestic Violence and Sealed Records
Domestic violence cases from the city of Passaic are heard at the Passaic County Family Division. Victims can get a temporary restraining order at any time. During business hours, go to the courthouse in Paterson. After hours, contact the Passaic city police. A hearing on a final restraining order is set within ten days. These records are sealed under N.J.S.A. 2C:25-33.
Juvenile records from the city of Passaic are confidential under N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60. Adoption records are sealed under N.J.S.A. 9:3-52. Guardianship records are restricted. Only the index is available to attorneys and title examiners. For domestic violence help, call 1-800-572-7233 at any hour.
Paternity Cases in Passaic
Paternity cases for the city of Passaic are filed at the Passaic County Family Division. Establishing paternity gives a father legal rights to custody and parenting time. It also allows the court to order child support. The court can require genetic testing to confirm parentage. Once paternity is established, it becomes part of the family court record. The father's name can then be added to the birth certificate through the NJ Department of Health.
Passaic County Family Court Records
The city of Passaic is in Passaic County. All family court filings for the city go through the Passaic County Superior Court in Paterson. The county court serves every municipality in the county. For full details on the county system, fees, and resources, visit the Passaic County family court records page.