With so much at stake in a divorce proceeding, it is natural for people to want to keep the details private. However, in New Jersey, public divorce records are available for anyone to access.
Acquaintances, potential partners, employers or even strangers can use information from court records to make judgments about someone’s character. Because of the impact divorce records can have, it is important to know how to navigate this sensitive issue.
Understanding public divorce records
Public divorce records typically include details such as the names of the parties involved, the date of the divorce and the grounds for divorce. These records may also include information about child custody arrangements, child support orders and alimony agreements. Additionally, public divorce records may contain financial information, including the division of assets and liabilities.
Keeping information private
New Jersey courts rarely seal public divorce records. However, if a file has Social Security numbers, medical records or other sensitive information, a person can request that the court hides the information from the general public. The records may still be available to certain authorized individuals or entities, such as law enforcement or government agencies.
Another way to safeguard personal information is by pursuing an uncontested divorce. Even though there will still be a public record of the proceeding, a couple may keep some information off the record by agreeing on key issues outside of the courtroom.
Public divorce records may seem invasive, but they exist to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. People should approach these records with a clear understanding of their purpose.