Emergency Family-Law Resources in New Jersey
Official starting points for immediate safety, interim custody orders, domestic violence restraining orders, and New Jersey DCPP.
Temporary orders involving children
New Jersey does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim custody filing. Use the Family Part of the Superior Court interim / emergency procedure and county forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.
A parent can request interim custody through the Family Part procedure. For an immediate threat, a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (TRO) petition is a separate, faster route.
Domestic Violence Restraining Order (TRO/FRO)
A New Jersey restraining order is issued under N.J.S.A. 2C:25-28 and 2C:25-29 — no filing fee. A judge can grant a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) ex parte; a final hearing follows within 10 days. A Final Restraining Order (FRO) has no end date and lasts until modified by the court. Obey every term; only the issuing court can change it.
New Jersey child protective (DCPP)
Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) at 1-877-652-2873 (24/7); call 911 for an immediate emergency. A report can lead to a DCPP child protective investigation. An unfounded/expunged report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end parenting time.
- N.J.S.A. 2C:25-28 — Domestic Violence Restraining Order
- N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 — custody
- NJ DCF — Hotlines & Helplines
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the New Jersey Family Part of the Superior Court clerk handling your case.