To file for divorce in New Jersey, either you or your spouse must reside in the state for at least one year prior to filing the necessary paperwork. When you complete your complaint for divorce, you must state a reason, or ground, for the divorce. New Jersey recognizes both at-fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. If you file for divorce based upon an at-fault ground for divorce you will have to provide evidence to the court that your spouse committed some form of wrongdoing which is causing you to file for divorce. Examples of at-fault grounds for divorce include adultery, extreme cruelty and desertion. In addition, if you and your spouse have lived apart for 18 consecutive months, you have the option of filing for a no-fault divorce. For more information about the various grounds for divorce in New Jersey, see http://www.freelegalaid.com/nav/new-jersey/divorce/article/grounds-divor....

After you file the divorce complaint in the county where either you or your spouse live, you must provide notice to your spouse of the pending case. This is done by personally delivering a copy of the filed documents to your spouse. Then, your spouse has an opportunity to respond to the divorce case by filing an answer.

If you have questions about filing for divorce in New Jersey, contact a family law attorney in your state. In addition, you can learn more about the divorce process by visiting http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/hudson/family/divorce.htm.