At least one spouse must have been a resident of the State of New Jersey for a minimum of 12 consecutive months before filing for divorce.
In addition to state residency, you (or your spouse) must also have lived in the county where you plan to file for divorce for at least 90 days before filing.
These residency rules are in place so that New Jersey courts can properly handle matters such as property division, alimony, child custody, parenting time, and child support in a way that reflects the state's laws and the best interests of any children involved.
If you do not meet the residency requirements, the court may dismiss your case. In that situation, you would need to either wait until the requirements are met or explore filing in a different state where you quality.
Understanding and meeting residency requirements is just the first step in the divorce process. An experienced New Jersey divorce attorney can help you determine if you qualify, address any potential issues, and ensure your case is filed correctly and efficiently. If you have questions about whether you meet New Jersey's residency requirements or are ready to start the divorce process, contact our office today. We are here to guide you every step of the way
