Find Affordable Legal Help.

Free legal help for low-income NJ residents in civil matters including family law.

• Hotline: 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529)
• Website: lsnj.org
• Free legal info: LSNJLAW.org
• Coordinates statewide Legal Services system through county affiliates
• Income eligibility required (generally 200% of federal poverty level or below)
• Apply online or call the hotline

Each NJ county has its own bar association offering low-cost initial consultations:

• Consultation fee: $30-$35 for 30 minutes
• NJSBA directory: njsba.com/resources/county-bar-associations
• Call your county bar association for a referral to a family law attorney
• The referral attorney has agreed to the reduced-fee initial consultation
• Bring your questions prepared — 30 minutes goes fast

NJ has a formal board certification for family/matrimonial law attorneys, certified by the Supreme Court of NJ:

• Attorneys must have substantial practice experience in matrimonial law
• Must pass a comprehensive written examination
• Must receive favorable peer evaluations
• Find certified attorneys: lawyerlegion.com/certifications/new-jersey/matrimonial-law
• Look for the designation: "Certified by the Supreme Court of NJ as a Matrimonial Law Attorney"

• Initial consultation: $30-$35 (county bar referral) or $200-$500 (private attorney)
• Retainer fee: $3,000-$10,000+ for contested custody
• Hourly rate: $250-$500+ (varies by county and experience)
• Uncontested case: $2,000-$5,000 total
• Contested case: $10,000-$50,000+
• Fee waiver: Available for filing fees (not attorney fees) based on income
• Ask about flat-fee options for specific tasks (document review, court appearance)

You can represent yourself (pro se) in NJ Family Court. The courts provide self-help resources:

• NJ Courts Self-Help — Child Support & Custody
• Filing a Non-Dissolution Case (FD)
• Filing Fees & Fee Waivers
• Post-Judgment Motions
• FD Initial Application Kit (CN 11492): includes all forms and instructions

NJ Division of Family Development — Child Support Services:

• Website: njchildsupport.gov
• Services: location, establishment, enforcement, modification
• Enforcement tools: income withholding, tax offset, license suspension, passport denial, bank account seizure
• Calculator: QuickCalc (quickcalc.njchildsupport.gov)

• DV Hotline: 1-800-572-7233 (24/7 statewide)
• NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence: njcedv.org
• NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault: 1-800-601-7200
• Address Confidentiality Program: 1-877-218-9133
• National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• FV docket filing is FREE — available 24/7 at Family Court

NJ requires a Parent Education Program in divorce cases with children:

• One-time class about effects of separation/divorce on children
• Fee: $25
• Both parents must attend (separately)
• May be waived if domestic violence is involved
• Complete early in the process

If you need help defending against a DCP&P (formerly DYFS) investigation:

• DCP&P Hotline: 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873)
• Legal Services of NJ: 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (for low-income defense)
• Search for "DCPP lawyer NJ" or "DYFS defense attorney" for specialized attorneys
• County bar referral for initial consultation ($30-$35)
• NJ Department of Children and Families