Search Union City Family Court Records
Union City family court records are managed through the Hudson County Superior Court, Family Division. Union City is in Hudson County and is the most densely populated city in the United States with about 66,455 people packed into just over one square mile. Family court records here cover divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence, paternity, guardianship, adoption, and juvenile cases. All family law matters for Union City residents go through the Hudson County courthouse in Jersey City. You can search for family court records online or visit the court to request copies.
Union City Quick Facts
Where Union City Family Cases Are Filed
Union City residents file family court cases at the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City. The Family Division is at 595 Newark Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07306. The phone number is 201-748-4400 ext. 66080. All family law matters for Union City go to this courthouse. Jersey City is the county seat of Hudson County and is a short trip from Union City.
| Court | Hudson County Superior Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 595 Newark Avenue, 2nd Floor Jersey City, NJ 07306 |
| Phone | 201-748-4400 ext. 66080 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/hudson |
Union City has its own municipal court at 3715 Palisade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Union City, NJ 07087. The phone is 201-348-5763. The court is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The presiding judge is Hon. Lilia A. Munoz. The municipal court handles traffic and minor offenses. It does not handle family court records. Those go to the Hudson County court.
Union City Municipal Court
The Union City Municipal Court handles local criminal and traffic matters. For family court records, Union City residents must go to the Hudson County courthouse.
The court administrator is Dorys Rosado. Additional judges include Hon. Carlos H. Acosta, Jr. Municipal prosecutors are Norman Albert, Craig Kojac, and Thomas Legg. For any questions about family court records in Union City, contact the Hudson County Family Division directly at 201-748-4400 ext. 66080.
Search Union City Family Court Records Online
The New Jersey Judiciary provides free tools to search court records. Use the Find a Case portal to look up cases by name or docket number. Hudson County uses code "09" in docket numbers. A family matrimonial case from Union City starts with "FM-09" followed by the case number and year. Basic case data is free to view online.
Full documents require a formal request. Fill out form CN 10200 from the Superior Court Clerk's Office. For open Union City family court cases, contact the Hudson County court. Closed cases go through the Clerk's Office in Trenton. You can email SCCORecordReq.Mailbox@njcourts.gov with questions about your request status.
If you do not have a docket number, call 609-421-6100. The Customer Service Unit can help you find case information for Union City family court records.
City of Union City Resources
The City of Union City official website provides information about local departments, community programs, and city services for residents.
Union City is the most densely populated city in the country. Its compact size means that many services are close by. The city has a diverse population with many Spanish-speaking residents. The New Jersey Judiciary offers interpreter services for non-English speakers at family court hearings. Let the court know ahead of time if you need an interpreter.
Note: Union City has 66,455 people in just over one square mile, making it the most densely populated city in the United States.
Union City Divorce Records
Divorce is one of the most common types of family court records in Union City. Filing a new divorce case costs $300. A $25 surcharge applies for those filing without a lawyer. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2, most Union City residents use irreconcilable differences as the no-fault ground. At least one spouse must live in New Jersey for 12 months before filing.
Divorce documents are only released to parties in the case or their attorneys of record. A court order is needed for anyone else. Certified copies of a final judgment cost $25 for the first copy, with extras at $2 each. The NJ Department of Health issues separate divorce certificates through the Office of Vital Statistics for $25. The NJ Courts Self-Help Center has free forms for people who want to handle their own divorce.
Custody and Support Cases in Union City
Custody and child support cases for Union City go through the Hudson County Family Division. The court decides custody based on what is best for the child. Parents can ask for joint or sole custody. Parenting time schedules are set by the court order. All of these become part of the family court record.
Child support in Union City follows the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. Both parents' income is used to calculate the amount. Health care, child care, and other expenses are factored in. The NJ Child Support hotline at 1-877-655-4371 answers questions about payments and enforcement. Hudson County Probation handles the collection of support payments.
To change an existing order, you must file a motion to modify with the Hudson County court and show that your situation has changed.
Confidential Records in Union City
Several types of family court records from Union City are not open to the public. Domestic violence records are sealed under N.J.S.A. 2C:25-33. Victims in Union City can get a temporary restraining order during court hours at the Hudson County courthouse. After hours, contact the Union City police. A final restraining order hearing is set within ten days.
Juvenile records 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, with only the index viewable by attorneys and title examiners. Child support payment records are confidential under Rule 1:38-3(d).
For domestic violence help, call 1-800-572-7233 at any time. The line is free and available around the clock.
Note: Under Rule 1:38, thirty of the thirty-eight exceptions to public court record access relate to family and criminal cases.
Copy Fees for Union City Records
Fees for copies of Union City family court records follow the New Jersey statewide schedule.
- Plain copies: $0.05 per page (letter size)
- Certified copy: $15 per document
- Court seal: $10 additional
- Exemplified copy: $50 plus copy fees
- Divorce judgment: $25 first, $2 each extra
Payment is by check or money order to "Treasurer-State of New Jersey." Cash is accepted in person at the courthouse. If you cannot afford the fees, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. You will need to show proof that you qualify based on income or public assistance.
Hudson County Family Court Records
Union City is in Hudson County. All family court filings for Union City go through the Hudson County Superior Court in Jersey City. The county court handles cases for every municipality in the county. For full details on the county system, fees, and resources, visit the Hudson County family court records page.