Paterson Family Court Records
Paterson family court records are filed at the Passaic County Superior Court, Family Division. Paterson is the county seat of Passaic County and the third largest city in New Jersey. The court manages divorce cases, custody disputes, child support orders, domestic violence restraining orders, juvenile matters, guardianship filings, adoption records, and paternity cases. The Passaic County Courthouse is at 77 Hamilton Street in downtown Paterson. You can search family court records online through the New Jersey Courts website or visit the clerk office in person to get copies of case documents.
Paterson Quick Facts
Where to File Family Cases in Paterson
Paterson residents file family court cases at the Passaic County Superior Court, Family Division. The main courthouse is at 77 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505. Some family court offices are in the County Administration Building at 401 Grand Street, 8th Floor. Since Paterson is the county seat, the main court complex is right in the city center.
| Court | Passaic County Superior Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 77 Hamilton Street Paterson, NJ 07505 |
| Family Division Main | (973) 247-8600 |
| Matrimonial | (973) 653-2910 ext. 24440 |
| Domestic Violence | (973) 653-2910 ext. 24420 |
| Juvenile | (973) 653-2910 ext. 24430 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/passaic |
The courthouse area in downtown Paterson is served by NJ Transit bus routes. Street parking and paid lots are nearby. Security screens all visitors at the entrance. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit to file or search family court records in Paterson.
Note: The Passaic County Surrogate's Office is at 71 Hamilton Street, Room 101, and can be reached at (973) 881-4760 for guardianship and estate matters.
Search Paterson Family Court Records
You can search for family court records in Paterson online or at the courthouse. The Find a Case tool on the NJ Courts website lets you look up cases by party name or docket number. Basic case info is free. For copies of actual court documents, contact the clerk or visit the courthouse in Paterson.
The Paterson Municipal Court at 111 Broadway handles traffic and minor criminal matters. It does not process family court records. All family cases for Paterson residents go through the Superior Court, Family Division at the Passaic County Courthouse.
The municipal court serves Paterson for local matters, but family court records are only at the county courthouse. For in-person record searches, the clerk staff can look up cases and provide copies. Certified copies cost $15 per document. Plain copies are $0.05 per page. Call (973) 247-8600 to ask what to bring when visiting for Paterson family court records.
Family Court Filing Steps in Paterson
Filing a family court case in Paterson follows New Jersey state rules. You file at the Passaic County Superior Court since Paterson is in Passaic County. The type of case sets which forms and fees apply.
For divorce cases, at least one spouse must have lived in New Jersey for 12 months under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10. Most Paterson divorces use the no-fault ground of irreconcilable differences under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2. The filing fee is $300, with a $25 surcharge if filing without a lawyer. After filing, serve the other spouse through the sheriff, a process server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in the court file.
Custody and child support cases can be filed as part of a divorce or on their own. For unmarried parents in Paterson, paternity must be set first. Child support follows the New Jersey Guidelines. Domestic violence cases follow N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17, and temporary restraining orders can be filed at any time through the court or police. Juvenile matters in Paterson are handled by the juvenile unit at (973) 653-2910 ext. 24430.
Most family court records in Paterson have privacy protections under Rule 1:38. Domestic violence records, juvenile records, and adoption records are not open to the public. Divorce judgments are accessible to parties and their attorneys. The final judgment becomes part of the public record under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1, though access restrictions still apply to sensitive documents.
Note: Court sessions in Paterson are held weekdays at 9:00 AM with extra sessions as needed.
Paterson Family Court Fees
Fees at the Passaic County courthouse follow the state schedule. The main fees for family court cases in Paterson are:
- Divorce complaint: $300.00
- Pro se surcharge: $25.00
- Motion filing: $15.00
- Post-judgment motion: $30.00
- Certified copy of judgment: $25.00
Low-income Paterson residents can apply for a fee waiver at the court. Complete the Fee Waiver Application and show proof that you cannot pay. Payment for fees is by check or money order to "Treasurer-State of New Jersey." Cash is accepted in person only. For copies of existing family court records in Paterson, plain copies are $0.05 per page. Certified copies cost $15 per document, and the Seal of the Court adds $10. Check the Superior Court Clerk's Office page for full fee details.
Legal Help for Paterson Family Court
Legal Services of New Jersey provides free legal help for people who qualify based on income. Call the LSNJLAWSM hotline at (888) 576-5529. Their website at lsnj.org lists all services open to Passaic County residents, including those in Paterson who need help with family court records.
The New Jersey State Bar Association lawyer referral service is at 1-800-792-8315. The first talk lasts up to 30 minutes. The NJ Courts Self-Help Center has forms, guides, and step-by-step instructions for people handling their own family court cases. The Surrogate Night Court is held at Clifton City Hall on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, and it serves Paterson and surrounding areas for guardianship matters.
Paterson Community Resources
The City of Paterson offers programs to help residents during family court matters. These are not legal services, but they cover needs like child care, housing, and crisis support that come up during family cases.
The city site links to local programs and county services. For domestic violence help, contact the NJ Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-7233 at any hour. Child support questions go to the New Jersey Child Support hotline at 1-877-655-4371. Mental health services and counseling referrals are available through Passaic County government offices. The Passaic Police Department Records Bureau at 330 Passaic Street, (973) 365-3910, handles police reports that may relate to family court cases in Paterson.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Paterson
Some Paterson residents file family court cases pro se. The NJ Courts Self-Help Center has all the forms you need. Complaint forms, answer forms, and family papers are grouped for easy access. All forms are free and need Adobe Reader to open.
The Passaic County courthouse in Paterson has a self-help area where staff can help with form selection. If children are part of your case, you will need extra forms like a Case Information Statement and child support worksheets. You can submit documents online through JEDS or file at the courthouse in person. The clerk can tell you which forms are needed for your specific family court matter in Paterson.
Family Court Certificates in Paterson
The New Jersey Department of Health issues divorce certificates. Mail your request to P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370. The fee is $25 for one copy and $2 for extras at the same time. Same-day service is at 140 East Front Street in Trenton, or order by phone through VitalChek at 877-622-7549.
For the full divorce judgment, contact the Passaic County Superior Court clerk in Paterson. The judgment lists property division, custody, support, and all court orders. Archived cases may be at the Records Imaging Center in Trenton. Call 609-421-6100 for archived family court records. Custody orders, child support orders, and other family court documents from Paterson are also available through the clerk office at the courthouse.
Note: Divorce documents are only released to parties in the case or their attorney of record.
Passaic County Family Court Records
Paterson is in Passaic County, and all family court filings go through the Passaic County Superior Court. The county court handles cases for all municipalities in the county, with Paterson being the county seat. For more on the county court system, fees, and resources, visit the Passaic County family court records page.