Are New Jersey Marriage Records Public?
Yes, New Jersey Marriage Records are public. However, they represent some of the most difficult records to obtain due to the personal nature of the information. Government organizations often offer marriage verification letters rather than original marriage records because marriage records must remain intact and unchanged with regard to the people involved in the marriage. If changes need to be made, these records are critical to that procedure.
Family Court Records also include marriage records and dissolution of marriage records. These records contain the personal records and information of those involved, and their maintenance is critical should anyone wish to make changes. Because of this, both marriage and dissolution of marriage records can be more difficult to locate and obtain than other public records and may not be available through government sources or third-party public record websites.
How to Find New Jersey Marriage Records
In New Jersey, a marriage is a legally recognized union of two people who have chosen to become life partners. It is also, however, a legal contract that the couple willingly enters into. This contract can involve any children the parties may have, property rights, and other obligations or agreements between the two parties. Unless otherwise specified by law or judicial order, marriage records are categorized as New Jersey public records. Hence, they are generated and maintained by the official state and local custodians and made available to members of the public upon request. It is necessary to note that the documents found inside a marriage record are not all the same and serve different purposes; therefore the requesting party should make sure that they are applying for the correct document to fulfill their needs.
Some documents that constitute marriage records in New Jersey are marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Anyone not a party in a marriage and not related to the couple can only access New Jersey public marriage records and not a certified copy of the marriage record.
Marriage records, like other state vital records such as birth, death, and divorce certificates in New Jersey, are maintained by the vital records office. Anyone can perform a marriage record search in New Jersey by sending a request to the appropriate custodian. The search queries typically used to perform a marriage record search include the full name of the parties, the license issuing and marriage dates as well as other relevant information.
How to Find Out if Someone is Married in New Jersey?
Since marriage records are public records in New Jersey, interested persons can find out if someone is married by viewing their vital records or public information. Firstly, individuals willing to find out if anyone is married in New Jersey can contact the New Jersey Vital Records Office or the Local Vital Records Offices in the counties the individual may have lived for an uncertified marriage record. Alternatively, individuals can check with the county clerk or registrar of any county where the person of interest may have lived to get uncertified marriage records.
How to Check Marriage Status Online
Interested members of the public may check marriage status online by utilizing the online search databases of the county clerk or court clerk in the judicial district where the marriage is held. These databases typically feature the personal information of individuals resident in a specific county or jurisdiction.
Alternatively, inquirers can also use the search tools offered by numerous third-party agencies to find the marriage records of the person of interest or look through various social media for any information about the marital status of the person of interest.
What is Considered a Marriage Record in New Jersey?
New Jersey marriage records are complete records of a legal marriage process. The documents which are included in this record are the marriage licenses issued to the couple, along with the marriage certificates issued after the marriage happened. A full marriage record is the most legally grounding proof that a marriage occurred between two people.
Both government websites and organizations may offer divorce and marriage records. Similarly, third-party public record websites can also provide these types of records. But because third-party organizations are not operated or sponsored by the government, record availability may vary. Furthermore, marriage and divorce certificates in New Jersey are considered highly private and are often sealed, meaning that the availability of these types of records cannot be guaranteed.
How to Find Public Marriage Records for Free
Inquirers are unlikely to find free New Jersey marriage records. However, their copies are available at reasonably low costs. These copies are not like certified copies bearing a raised seal. Consequently, they may need certification to fulfill certain legal needs and the certification process attracts additional costs. Members of the public may access uncertified copies of New Jersey marriage records through the state Vital Records Office or the local Vital Records Office in the county where the marriage occurred.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in New Jersey
Parties who want to change their name after marriage in New Jersey must alter certain essential documents like their Social Security Card, driver’s license, and passport. However, to make this change, the applicant must possess a certified copy of their marriage license. Applicants typically receive original copies when they marry. However, if lost, they may obtain certified copies by contacting the county that issued the original copy.
The next step in conducting a name change after marriage is to affect the change on their social security card. Applicants must complete a social security card form, attach copies of their birth certificate and state-provided ID, and send it to their local social security office.
After getting a new social security card, individuals can change the name on a driver’s license at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Interested persons can also update their vehicle’s registration cards and voter registration cards. Applicants must provide their marriage license (as proof of name change) and their current driver’s license. They will also need to provide their updated social security card. The final step for changing their name after marriage is getting an updated passport. The individual will need to apply for a new passport. The application process depends on multiple factors and is explained in detail on the U.S. Department of State website.
What is Considered a Marriage Certificate in New Jersey?
A marriage certificate in New Jersey is an official document stating that a marriage took place. This document is usually granted to the parties after a marriage has been performed and they are legally married. Unlike a marriage license, this offers legal evidence of marriage and not an authorization to be married.
How Do I Get My Marriage Certificate in New Jersey?
Marriage certificates like divorce certificates in New Jersey are available from Vital Records from 1919 to present. The marriage certificate will state that a marriage took place. It will name the two parties, the date of the marriage, and the location of the marriage. To obtain one’s own marriage certificate in New Jersey, there are several steps one must take. To apply to access a marriage certificate, fill out the Marriage Certification Application provided on the New Jersey Vital Records Website. Individuals can choose to complete the process online, via mail, or in person. However, the processing time may depend on the application route. The fees to be included with this application vary by county. It can be made via check, or money order payable to NJDH Vital Records. For each record request, applicants are to fill out another application. On the application form, the information requested is as follows:
- The name of the married couple
- The license issuing and marriage dates
- The exact city or county where the marriage took place
- Both dates of birth of the couple
- The age of both of the parties when the marriage was concluded
Mail this application to:
New Jersey Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
P.O. Box 370
Trenton, NJ 08625-0370
Or, find the address of a local Vital Records Office.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in New Jersey
In order for someone to access and obtain a copy of their own New Jersey marriage certificate, visit the local registrar and apply to access one. A copy will be relatively cheap, but fees and requirements for requests may differ depending on which county the requesting party is in. It is also possible to obtain an online marriage certificate, like other vital statistics documents, from the state vital records office.
What is Considered a Marriage License in New Jersey?
A New Jersey marriage license essentially gives legal permission for two people to become married. This is not to be confused with a marriage certificate. To access this document, the couple must visit any Local Registrar and apply. There is certain information required in the marriage application process that can be found in Doc format on the New Jersey Department of Health, Health Department Forms Forms webpage. This information is general and typically includes the names of both parties, the planned date of their marriage, and a declaration from both parties. Make sure not to sign the application until in the presence of the local registrar, There are also certain regulations that a couple must abide by in order to acquire a license to be married:
- Both applicants must be 18 years old
- A fee of $28.00 must be paid at the time of applying
- If either party was married in the past, offer proof of divorce or death
- Sign the application
- Wait 72 hours
New Jersey marriage licenses are valid for 6 months. If neither of the applicants is a resident of New Jersey, the application must be submitted to the county where the marriage will be held. If one or both parties reside in New Jersey, the marriage can be held in any county within the state.
Are Prenups Public Records in New Jersey?
No, prenups are not typically public record in New Jersey. A Prenup is a written agreement by intending couples before they are married. A prenuptial agreement contains an inventory of all assets each person owns and all the debts each party owes before the marriage is established. Also, the agreement states the individual property rights in case of divorce or death. The New Jersey Statutes 37 § 2-31, referred to as the Uniform Premarital and Pre-Civil Union Agreement Act has detailed information about prenuptial agreements in the state.
In most cases, the party keeps the agreement private because of its many details. However, a memorandum of the agreement containing essential provisions can be recorded with the County Clerk's office. This copy will be readily available in case the copies with the parties go missing. It will also serve as notice to creditors.
