Getting a divorce in Newark
Essex Vicinage also offers mediation
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Local info here, but we also have state-level insights
Please see our three-part overview of New Jersey statutes and courts, the role of an attorney and the benefits of professional counseling to help with the potentially traumatic emotions associated with divorce:
In Part 1, we also discuss domestic violence and provide links to state-level resources for help with domestic violence; family experts and legal authorities advise that if domestic violence is part of the equation, it must be the first thing to get addressed. Besides the legal counsel a trained, experienced divorce attorney can provide–as well as referrals to professional therapists–a lawyer can also help with domestic violence, including restraining/protective orders and referrals to professionals regarding escape plans, emergencies and temporary shelter.
Residents of Newark and Essex County also have local agencies and facilities that can help, including these online resources:
- Newark Police Department—
- Domestic Violence 973-733-7273 — 1 Lincoln Ave.
- Emergency 911 — 31 Green St.;
- Essex County Sheriff’s Office (973-621-4266 ), Domestic Relations Squad & Domestic Violence Enforcement Squad (scroll down);
- New Jersey Courts, Domestic Violence Unit, includes a thorough FAQ page;
- Essex County Shelters (few of these are linked, so have a pen/pencil & paper to copy numbers);
- Applying for Family Violence Assistance Program (hotlines: 973-484-4446 or 973-759-2154);
- the Essex County Prosecutor’s FAQ, which may be your best intro to the subject, unless you have a good lawyer.
Your Essex County Court
The Essex Vicinage Family Division is “located in the Wilentz Justice Complex, formerly known as the Gibraltar Building. The complex has three entrances, Halsey Street to the east, Washington Street to the west, and Academy Street to the north. The Family Court occupies the 1st and 9th through 14th floors. Additionally, the Child Support Enforcement Office is located on the 11th Floor and Chancery and General Equity Court Offices are located on the 8th Floor.”
The Family Division also welcomes e-mail questions about court processes or procedures “involving issues of paternity, custody, parenting time (visitation), child support or spousal support,” and says replies are sent within 24 hours during the week or on Monday for questions submitted on Friday.
Mediation
It’s possible that you might not “have to go to court” in a legal battle. The Family Law Division offers help with mediation. From the court’s mediation page:
Family mediation is a confidential process in which parents meet with a Family Mediator (a neutral third party) who helps them develop a custody and parenting time plan, which includes child custody and the time parents spend with their children (visitation). The mediator guides the process, facilitates discussion, manages conflict, looks for common interests and may suggest creative solutions. The mediator assists the parties in working out their own plan but does not make decisions for them. If they reach an agreement, it will reflect decisions made by the parents in their child’s best interest. Afterward, the mediator will prepare the agreement and send it to the parties and their attorneys.
Family Law court also links to the Self-Help Center, for those who file without an attorney. Here’s the intro:
Welcome to the New Jersey Courts On-Line Self-Help Center. The services offered here include general information about representing yourself in court, what the court can and cannot do for you, contact information, brochures, forms and kits. The New Jersey Judiciary prepared these materials for individuals who choose to represent themselves in some legal matters. (Someone who chooses to represent himself or herself in a court proceeding is often referred to as pro se which is a Latin term that means for self.)
The information provided may not be appropriate for your situation. It is not legal advice and should not be substituted for it. If you have legal questions you should contact a lawyer.
A word of caution: the courts are not playing around when they recommend that you not represent yourself. Yes, it’s legal to do so. BUT, a mistake now could be very costly later, and if you went pro se, a later judge/court might not be sympathetic to any changes you want to make.
Free evaluation
No matter your marital situation, we can help. If you’re ready to begin the search for a compatible, well trained, experienced divorce attorney, you can start with our free case evaluation. If you need more information, please browse our site, using the tabs at the top of the page.
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