Bergen County No Fault Divorce Lawyer — How to File for Divorce in NJ

A no fault divorce in Bergen County, New Jersey, is filed under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 based on irreconcilable differences for six months or more, requiring no proof of marital misconduct. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

New Jersey No Fault Divorce Law

New Jersey is a pure no-fault divorce state. The sole ground for a no-fault divorce is that “irreconcilable differences have caused the breakdown of the marriage for a period of six months” and that there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. This is codified under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2(i). You do not need to prove fault, such as adultery or extreme cruelty, to obtain a divorce. The court’s focus shifts entirely to resolving the ancillary issues of equitable distribution of assets, alimony, child support, and custody.

Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature

Official Resources for Bergen County Divorce

For the official statute, refer to the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) Title 2A. All family law matters for Bergen County are filed at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, Family Division located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Bergen County Divorce Procedure & The Early Settlement Panel

Filing for a no fault divorce in Bergen County initiates a structured process unique to New Jersey. The court mandates participation in an Early Settlement Panel (ESP), where retired judges review your case and recommend settlement terms before extensive litigation can proceed. This often resolves cases more efficiently. A key local procedural fact is that both parties must file a detailed Case Information Statement (CIS), a mandatory financial disclosure, early in the process.

1. File the Complaint: The divorce action begins by filing a Complaint for Divorce with the Bergen County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences.
2. Serve the Other Party: The defendant must be formally served with the complaint and summons.
3. File Case Information Statements: Both parties must complete and exchange sworn CIS forms detailing all income, assets, and liabilities.
4. Attend Case Management Conference: The court sets a conference to establish a discovery schedule and timeline.
5. Participate in Early Settlement Panel: Attorneys present each side’s position to a panel of retired judges who recommend settlement terms.
6. Proceed to Trial if Necessary: If settlement is not reached, the case moves to an Intensive Settlement Conference and, ultimately, a trial before a Family Part judge.

What to Expect in a Bergen County Divorce

In Bergen County, a no fault divorce resolves the issues of asset division, support, and custody under New Jersey’s equitable distribution and child support guidelines.

While the divorce itself is granted on no-fault grounds, the financial and custodial outcomes are determined by New Jersey law:

• Equitable Distribution: Marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on multiple statutory factors.
• Alimony: Post-2014 reform, durational alimony is typically limited to the length of the marriage for marriages under 20 years.
• Child Support: Calculated using the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, an income-shares model.
• Custody & Parenting Time: Determined by the child’s best interests, with no legal presumption favoring either parent.

Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bergen County Divorce

Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of New Jersey’s unique divorce procedures, especially the strategic navigation of the mandatory Early Settlement Panel in Bergen County. We focus on achieving efficient, favorable resolutions while being prepared to advocate vigorously at trial if necessary.

Case Results & Client Focus

SRIS actively practices in Bergen County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team understands the local court’s expectations for the Case Information Statement and Early Settlement Panel, which is crucial for positioning your case favorably from the outset.

Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.

Bergen County No Fault Divorce FAQs

Related Legal Help in Bergen County

If you are facing other legal matters, our firm also provides representation for criminal defense in Bergen County, DUI/DWI charges, and immigration cases. For more information on New Jersey family law, visit our New Jersey family law hub page.

Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance regarding how to file for divorce lawyer Bergen County residents trust.