Burlington Public Records /Burlington County Divorce Records

Burlington County Divorce Records

What Are Burlington County Divorce Records?

Burlington County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the New Jersey court system that document the dissolution of marriage within Burlington County. These records are governed by N.J.S.A. § 2A:34-1, which establishes the legal framework for divorce proceedings in New Jersey. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, creating a comprehensive legal record of the marital dissolution.

Divorce records in Burlington County serve as legal evidence of the following:

Termination of a marriage contract
Division of marital assets and debts
Child custody arrangements and parenting time schedules
Child support obligations
Alimony or spousal support determinations
Name change authorizations for either party

These official records are maintained by the Superior Court of New Jersey and are essential for various legal and personal matters. Burlington County residents may require access to divorce records for:

Legal proof of marital status change
Remarriage eligibility verification
Processing name changes with government agencies
Applying for Social Security benefits
Completing loan applications
Addressing immigration matters
Estate planning and probate proceedings

The New Jersey Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics and Registry also maintains a statistical record of divorces granted within the state, though these records contain limited information compared to the full court files.

Are Burlington County Divorce Records Public?

Burlington County divorce records have a complex public access status governed by N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). While court records are generally considered public documents, divorce records contain sensitive personal information that may be subject to privacy protections.

The public accessibility of divorce records in Burlington County is determined by:

The type of divorce document requested
The requestor's relationship to the case
The presence of confidential information
Judicial sealing orders

Court divorce case files are generally accessible to the public with certain limitations. Members of the public may access basic case information such as:

Names of parties involved
Case numbers
Filing dates
General case status
Judgment dates

However, according to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38, certain components of divorce files may be restricted from public access, including:

Financial statements and tax returns
Child custody evaluations
Domestic violence allegations
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Medical and psychological records

Certified divorce certificates and divorce decrees have more restricted access. Pursuant to state regulations, these documents are only available to:

The parties named in the divorce
Their authorized legal representatives
Individuals with a court order authorizing access
Those with a demonstrable legitimate interest as determined by the custodian of records

The Burlington County Superior Court Family Division maintains divorce records filed within the county and processes requests for access in accordance with these state laws and regulations.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Burlington County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Burlington County must follow specific procedures established by the New Jersey Courts. The process varies depending on the type of record sought and the requestor's relationship to the case.

For divorce records less than three years old:

Contact the Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division directly:

Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
New Jersey Courts

Complete the Records Request Form specifying the divorce record being sought.
Provide proper identification and documentation of your relationship to the case if you are a party or attorney of record.
Submit the required fee payment (currently $10-$25 depending on the document requested).
Allow 10-15 business days for processing.

For divorce records more than three years old:

Contact the Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center:

Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center
171 Jersey Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
609-421-6100
New Jersey Courts

Submit a written request including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Docket number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Copy of valid photo identification
Include the required fee payment.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing of older records.

For certified copies of divorce certificates (not full court files):

Contact the New Jersey Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics and Registry:

NJ Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
P.O. Box 370
Trenton, NJ 08625-0370
866-649-8726
Department of Health

Complete the Request for Divorce Certificate form.
Provide proof of identity and relationship to the parties.
Submit the required fee ($25 per copy).

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Burlington County Online?

Burlington County residents have limited options for accessing divorce records online due to privacy considerations and New Jersey court policies. The following online resources are currently available:

New Jersey Judiciary Public Access System:
- Visit the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal
- Select "Case Search" from the available options
- Search by party name or docket number
- Note: This system provides only basic case information (filing date, case type, status) and not actual documents
New Jersey Department of Health Online Vital Records System:
- The Department of Health's online request system allows eligible individuals to order certified copies of divorce certificates
- Only parties to the divorce and their legal representatives may use this service
- Requires creation of an account and identity verification
- Processing fees apply ($25 per certificate plus service fees)
Third-Party Record Services:
- Commercial services may offer searches of public divorce records
- These services typically aggregate information from public sources
- Accuracy and completeness vary significantly
- Additional fees apply
- Not officially endorsed by Burlington County or New Jersey courts

It is important to note that full divorce case files are not available for online viewing or download in Burlington County. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2A:4-30.65, certain family court records contain confidential information that requires in-person verification of identity and eligibility before access is granted.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Burlington County?

Burlington County residents seeking no-cost access to divorce records have limited options, as most official record requests involve processing fees. However, the following methods may provide free or low-cost access to certain divorce record information:

Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse:
- Visit the Burlington County Superior Court facility in person:

Burlington County Superior Court
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
New Jersey Courts

Use the public access computer terminals in the courthouse lobby
Search basic case information at no charge
Available during regular court hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Note: While searching is free, printing documents incurs fees

Burlington County Law Library:
- Located within the Burlington County Courts Facility
- Provides public access to legal research tools
- May assist with locating published divorce cases
- No fee for on-site research
New Jersey Judiciary Website:
- Visit the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal
- Search basic case information at no charge
- Limited to case existence verification, not document access
Legal Aid Services:
- Burlington County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service may provide guidance
- Legal Services of New Jersey may assist income-eligible individuals
- South Jersey Legal Services offers assistance to qualifying residents

It is important to note that while basic case information may be available without charge, obtaining certified copies or complete case files typically requires payment of statutory fees. Additionally, pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 22A:2-29, certain court fees may be waived for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship through the filing of an indigency application.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Burlington County

Divorce records in Burlington County contain comprehensive documentation of the entire divorce proceeding. The specific contents vary based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested. A complete divorce file typically includes the following components:

Initial Pleadings:
- Complaint for Divorce (stating grounds and requested relief)
- Summons
- Proof of service
- Answer and/or Counterclaim
- Case Information Statement (financial disclosure)
Interim Orders and Motions:
- Temporary support orders
- Pendente lite custody arrangements
- Motions for discovery
- Court orders on preliminary matters
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosures
- Property valuations
- Income verification
- Interrogatory responses
- Deposition transcripts
Settlement Documents:
- Property Settlement Agreement
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Child Support Worksheets
- Parenting Plans
Final Judgment:
- Judgment of Divorce (Final Decree)
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Incorporated settlement terms
- Court orders regarding:
  - Division of assets and debts
  - Alimony/spousal support
  - Child custody and parenting time
  - Child support obligations
  - Name change authorizations
Post-Judgment Filings (if applicable):
- Motions to modify support or custody
- Enforcement applications
- Appeals documentation

The certified divorce certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Health contains more limited information, typically including:

Names of both parties
Date and place of divorce
Docket number
County where divorce was granted
Date of marriage
Official certification

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2A:34-25, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of divorce records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information pertaining to victims of domestic violence.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Burlington County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Burlington County have several options for obtaining official documentation. The appropriate method depends on the specific purpose for which proof is needed and how recently the divorce was finalized.

For official proof of divorce, Burlington County residents may obtain:

Certified Copy of Final Judgment of Divorce:
- Most comprehensive proof of divorce
- Contains all terms and conditions of the divorce
- Obtain from the court where the divorce was granted:

Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
New Jersey Courts

Complete the Records Request Form
Provide identification and proof of relationship to the case
Pay the required fee ($25 per copy)
Processing time: 10-15 business days

Certified Divorce Certificate:
- Abbreviated proof of divorce
- Contains basic information confirming divorce was granted
- Obtain from the New Jersey Department of Health:

NJ Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
P.O. Box 370
Trenton, NJ 08625-0370
866-649-8726
Department of Health

Complete the application for a certified copy of vital record
Provide required identification
Pay the required fee ($25 per copy)
Processing time: 4-6 weeks by mail; expedited service available

For Older Divorce Records (more than 3 years):
- Contact the Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center:

Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center
171 Jersey Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
609-421-6100
New Jersey Courts

Submit written request with names, approximate date, and docket number if known
Include copy of photo identification
Pay required fee
Processing time: 4-6 weeks

For international use, divorce documents may require additional authentication through apostille or certification. This service is provided by the New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Burlington County?

Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and records in Burlington County may be subject to confidentiality protections. While New Jersey courts generally operate under principles of open access, specific provisions exist to protect sensitive information in divorce cases.

The following aspects of divorce proceedings may be confidential:

Sealed Records by Court Order:
- Pursuant to N.J. Court Rule 1:38-11, a judge may order records sealed upon showing of good cause
- Requires demonstration that disclosure would cause serious injury to:
  - Personal privacy interests
  - Proprietary business information
  - Safety of parties or children
- Motion to seal must be filed with the court
- Even when granted, basic case information remains public
Automatically Protected Information:
- Certain documents are confidential by statute or court rule:
  - Child custody evaluations and reports
  - Financial statements and tax returns
  - Medical and psychological records
  - Victim statements in cases involving domestic violence
  - Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Confidential Litigant Information Sheet:
- Filed with initial pleadings
- Contains personal identifying information
- Not accessible to the public
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Mediation communications are confidential per N.J.S.A. § 2A:23C-1
- Settlement negotiations generally not admissible in court
- Collaborative divorce processes maintain privacy
Domestic Violence Considerations:
- Address Confidentiality Program available for victims
- Protective orders may include confidentiality provisions
- Safety concerns may justify additional privacy protections

It is important to note that complete confidentiality of an entire divorce case is rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances. Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel to determine available options and file appropriate motions with the court. Even when certain aspects of a case are confidential, the existence of the divorce proceeding itself typically remains a matter of public record.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Burlington County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Burlington County varies significantly based on multiple factors. Under current New Jersey law and court procedures, divorcing couples should anticipate the following timeframes:

Uncontested Divorces:
- Minimum waiting period: 35 days from service of complaint
- Typical timeframe with agreement on all issues: 3-6 months
- Factors affecting duration:
  - Court calendar congestion
  - Completeness of paperwork
  - Responsiveness of parties
  - Statutory waiting periods
Contested Divorces:
- Average duration: 12-18 months
- Complex cases may extend to 24+ months
- Factors affecting duration:
  - Complexity of assets/debts
  - Child custody disputes
  - Business valuation requirements
  - Expert witness involvement
  - Discovery complications
  - Court scheduling
Divorce Tracks in Burlington County:
- Priority Track: 3-4 months (simple cases with minimal issues)
- Standard Track: 8-12 months (moderate complexity)
- Complex Track: 12+ months (significant assets, custody disputes)
- Track assignment determined at Case Management Conference
Mandatory Waiting Periods:
- No-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences: 6-month separation period
- No-fault divorce based on separation: 18-month living separate and apart
- Fault-based grounds: no mandatory waiting period but may take longer to prove

According to the New Jersey Judiciary's statistical reports, the median time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Burlington County is approximately 10 months. However, this varies significantly based on case complexity and the court's current caseload.

Expedited processes are available in limited circumstances, such as:

Military deployments
Terminal illness
Domestic violence situations
Pregnancy or recent childbirth

Parties seeking to minimize the duration of divorce proceedings are encouraged to utilize alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or collaborative divorce, which can significantly reduce timeframes when successful.

How Long Does Burlington County Keep Divorce Records?

Burlington County adheres to the New Jersey Judiciary's records retention schedule for divorce records. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage requirements. The retention periods vary by document type and case status.

Current retention policies for divorce records in Burlington County include:

Active Case Files:
- Maintained by the Family Division of Superior Court
- Retained on-site for 3 years after case disposition
- After 3 years, transferred to the Superior Court Records Center
Closed Case Files:
- Maintained by the Superior Court Records Center
- Complete case files retained for 15 years after judgment
- After 15 years, selected documents are preserved permanently:
  - Final Judgment of Divorce
  - Property Settlement Agreements
  - Child Custody and Support Orders
  - Name Change Orders
Microfilm/Digital Archives:
- Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:3-26, certain records are microfilmed or digitized
- Judgments of Divorce are preserved permanently in these formats
- Provides backup to physical records and long-term preservation
Vital Statistics Records:
- The New Jersey Department of Health maintains statistical divorce records
- These records are maintained permanently
- Contain limited information (names, date, place of divorce)
Expunged or Sealed Records:
- Records ordered sealed by a judge remain in secure storage
- Access restricted according to terms of sealing order
- Retention periods still apply but with restricted access

It is important to note that while the physical case files may be destroyed after the retention period, the fact that a divorce occurred remains a permanent public record. The New Jersey Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics and Registry maintains a permanent index of all divorces granted in the state.

Individuals seeking older divorce records should contact:

Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center
171 Jersey Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
609-421-6100
New Jersey Courts

How To Get a Divorce In Burlington County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Burlington County must follow specific procedures established by the New Jersey courts. The process involves multiple steps and varies depending on the circumstances of the marriage dissolution.

To file for divorce in Burlington County, residents must:

Establish Eligibility:
- Either spouse must have been a New Jersey resident for at least 12 months prior to filing
- Exception: For adultery grounds, only current residency is required
- File in Burlington County if either spouse resides there
Determine Grounds for Divorce:
- No-fault options:
  - Irreconcilable differences for 6+ months
  - Separation for 18+ consecutive months
- Fault-based grounds:
  - Adultery
  - Desertion for 12+ months
  - Extreme cruelty
  - Addiction
  - Imprisonment
  - Institutionalization
Prepare and File Documents:
- Visit the Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division:

Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
New Jersey Courts

Required initial documents include:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Confidential Litigant Information Sheet
- Certification of Insurance Coverage
- Certification of Notification of Complementary Dispute Resolution
- Filing fee (currently $300, plus $25 for parent education if children involved)

Serve Documents on Spouse:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Alternative service if ordered by court
- Spouse has 35 days to respond
Financial Disclosure:
- Both parties must complete Case Information Statements
- Exchange tax returns, pay stubs, and other financial documents
- Mandatory disclosure of assets, debts, income, and expenses
Attend Early Settlement Panel (if applicable):
- Mandatory for cases involving financial issues
- Panel of attorneys reviews case and suggests settlement
- No cost to parties
Participate in Mediation (if ordered):
- Mandatory for custody and parenting time disputes
- May be ordered for economic issues
- First 2 hours provided at no cost to parties
Proceed to Trial (if necessary):
- If settlement not reached, case proceeds to trial
- Judge makes final determinations on all disputed issues
- Trial date typically 12+ months after filing
Obtain Final Judgment:
- Either through settlement agreement or trial
- Judge signs Final Judgment of Divorce
- Becomes effective immediately

Self-represented litigants can access forms and guidance through the New Jersey Courts Self-Help Center. The Burlington County Law Library also provides resources for individuals navigating the divorce process without an attorney.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Burlington County

Individuals seeking divorce papers in Burlington County have several options for obtaining the necessary forms to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings. The appropriate method depends on whether the person is filing for divorce, responding to a divorce complaint, or seeking copies of documents from a completed divorce case.

For obtaining divorce filing forms:

Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division:
- Visit in person to obtain paper forms:

Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
New Jersey Courts

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Staff can provide basic procedural information
Forms available include:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons
- Confidential Litigant Information Sheet
- Financial disclosure forms

New Jersey Judiciary Website:
- Access New Jersey Courts Divorce Forms
- Download and print forms at no cost
- Available forms include:
  - Divorce complaint packets (contested and uncontested)
  - Answer and counterclaim forms
  - Financial disclosure documents
  - Fee waiver applications
Burlington County Law Library:
- Located within the Burlington County Courts Facility
- Provides access to forms and legal reference materials
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can direct to appropriate resources

For obtaining copies of documents from completed divorce cases:

For Recent Cases (less than 3 years old):
- Submit a Records Request Form to the Burlington County Superior Court
- Provide case information and specify documents needed
- Pay required fees ($10-$25 depending on document type)
For Older Cases:
- Contact the Superior Court Records Center:

Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center
171 Jersey Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
609-421-6100
New Jersey Courts

Submit written request with case information
Include copy of photo identification
Pay required fees

For Certified Divorce Certificates:
- Contact the New Jersey Department of Health:

NJ Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
P.O. Box 370
Trenton, NJ 08625-0370
866-649-8726
Department of Health

Complete application for certified copy
Provide identification and proof of relationship
Pay required fee ($25 per copy)

Individuals with limited income may qualify for fee waivers by filing an application for indigency status with the court. Legal assistance for low-income residents may be available through South Jersey Legal Services or the Burlington County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service.

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