New Jersey family law resources
Free guides for parents in New Jersey custody and support cases, with links to the official statewide forms
What do you need help with?
I want to file for custody
The FD Verified Complaint or Counterclaim in kit CN 11492, or custody claims in a divorce
I was served with custody papers
An FD response is optional, but your appearance at the hearing is mandatory
I want to change a custody order
The FD Application to Modify (CN 11487) or the FM post-judgment motion (CN 10483)
I need child support or want it changed
Rule 5:6A, the Appendix IX guidelines, and the shared-parenting threshold
I have a consent conference or mediation coming up
The FD education program, consent conferences, and custody mediation
I want to move out of state with my child
N.J.S.A. 9:2-2 and the best interests standard from Bisbing
The other parent is not following the order
Relief to a litigant under R. 1:10-3 and the remedies in R. 5:3-7
I need an emergency order
Emergent hearings by order to show cause and domestic violence restraining orders
The Family Court Playbook: New Jersey Edition
11 guides from start to finish
Step 1
How Custody Court Works in New Jersey
The Family Part, FD and FM dockets, venue, JEDS, and the steps a case moves through
Read guide →
Step 2
Custody Types and the Best Interest Factors in New Jersey
Joint and sole custody and the factors in N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 as amended in 2026
Read guide →
Step 3
How to File for Custody in New Jersey
The FD kit, the forms that go with it, and responding to a complaint
Read guide →
Step 4
How to Change a Custody or Support Order in New Jersey
FD applications, FM post-judgment motions, and changed circumstances
Read guide →
Step 5
Certifications and Affidavits in New Jersey Family Court
The R. 1:4-4(b) certification, notaries, and motion page limits
Read guide →
Step 6
How to Prepare Evidence for a New Jersey Custody Case
Discovery, the Rules of Evidence, experts, investigations, and the child
Read guide →
Step 7
How Child Support Is Calculated in New Jersey
Weekly net income, the Appendix IX-F schedule, parenting time, and age 19
Read guide →
Step 8
Case Information Statements and Financial Statements in New Jersey
The Case Information Statement, the FD Financial Statement, and deadlines
Read guide →
Step 9
How Papers Are Served in a New Jersey Custody Case
Service by mail in FD cases, personal service, motions, and diligent search
Read guide →
Step 10
Custody Mediation and Consent Conferences in New Jersey
Consent conferences, custody mediation, domestic violence exceptions
Read guide →
Step 11
What to Expect at a New Jersey Custody Hearing
Custody plans, the six-month hearing rule, findings, and appeal timing
Read guide →
More guides
Specific topics and situations
Relocation
The removal statute and the Bisbing best interests standard
Read guide →
EnforcementEnforcing an order
Parenting time violations, support enforcement, and the Probation Division
Read guide →
EmergencyEmergency relief
Orders to show cause and domestic violence restraining orders
Read guide →
Official New Jersey sources
Child support and custody (non-dissolution)
NJ Courts self-help for FD cases, with the statewide forms
Post-judgment motions
NJ Courts self-help for changing or enforcing an FM order
Family Part Case Information Statement
CN 10482, revised 08/2025, effective 09/01/2025
Domestic violence
How to apply for a restraining order in New Jersey
Custody schedule builder
Lay out a custody schedule on a real calendar and count each parent’s overnights
Build a schedule →
Onbello is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. These guides are general legal information about New Jersey law and court rules, with sources listed on each page. Many practical steps are handled by the Family Division in your county, so check with that office as well.