If you have a divorce or family law matter in Monmouth County, there's a good chance that at some point you'll find yourself at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold. For someone who has never been there before, simply figuring out where to go and what to expect can add unnecessary stress to an already stressful day.
So let's make the courthouse a little less intimidating.
Where Is the Monmouth County Courthouse?
The Monmouth County Courthouse is located at:
71 Monument Park
Freehold, New Jersey 07728
It's in downtown Freehold, adjacent to Monument Park.
If you're appearing for a divorce or another Family Part matter, your paperwork or your lawyer should tell you where and when you're expected to appear.
Don't assume that every family law proceeding will take place in the same courtroom. Courtroom assignments and locations can vary, so check your court notice carefully.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
This is probably my simplest courthouse advice: Don't cut it close. You have to park, walk to the courthouse, go through security and find the correct courtroom or meeting location.
If you've never been there before, give yourself additional time.
I'd much rather have a client arrive early and sit for a few minutes than walk into the courthouse already stressed because they're worried about being late.
Where Do You Enter?
The courthouse has changed over the years, including significant improvements to its West Wing entrance and security area. Because courthouse access and construction can change, don't rely on an old article, an old photograph or what someone remembers from a court appearance several years ago.
Follow the current courthouse signage when you arrive. And if you're not sure where you're going, ask. The Sheriff's Officers and courthouse personnel deal with people who have never been inside the building every day.
Expect to Go Through Security
Like other New Jersey courthouses, the Monmouth County Courthouse has security screening before you enter. Think about what you're carrying before you leave home.
Bring what you actually need for court and leave unnecessary items behind. If you're unsure whether something is permitted inside the courthouse, check the current court rules or courthouse guidance before your appearance.
Also remember that going through security takes time. That's another reason I tell clients not to arrive at the last minute.
How Do You Find Your Courtroom?
Once you're inside, check your court paperwork and the courthouse directories for the location of your proceeding. If you still don't know where you're supposed to go, ask a Sheriff's Officer or courthouse employee for directions. Don't wander around hoping you'll eventually find the right place.
The courthouse handles many different types of cases, and your divorce or family matter may be taking place in a different area from another Family Part proceeding.
What Is the Family Division?
The Family Division handles matters involving divorce and many other family-related disputes. Depending upon why you're at the courthouse, you may be there for a motion, case management conference, custody or parenting-time matter, domestic violence proceeding, settlement proceeding or another type of hearing.
Not every trip to the courthouse means you're going to have a trial. In fact, depending upon your case and the type of proceeding, you may spend part of your time speaking with your lawyer, negotiating with the other side, participating in a court program or waiting for your matter to be called. Your lawyer should explain what you're there for and what you should expect before you arrive.
What If You Don't Have a Lawyer?
The New Jersey Judiciary has an Ombudsman program to help court users navigate the court system. The Monmouth County Ombudsman is located at the courthouse and can provide information about court procedures and available court services.
The Ombudsman cannot give you legal advice or tell you what you should do in your particular divorce case. That's an important distinction.
Court staff can help you understand how the court system works. Your lawyer advises you about your legal rights, your strategy and your particular case.
What Should You Bring?
What you need will depend upon why you're going to court. If I'm representing you, I'll tell you what I want you to bring. At a minimum, make sure you have the information your lawyer has asked you to bring and anything specifically required by the court. You should also have access to your court notice so that you know the time, location and purpose of your appearance.
Don't bring your entire filing cabinet unless somebody has told you that you need it. Preparation is important. Carrying every document you've accumulated during your divorce usually isn't.
Court Can Involve a Lot of Waiting
This surprises people. You may imagine that you'll walk into the courthouse at 9:00, immediately appear before a judge and leave at 9:30. Sometimes things move quickly. Sometimes they don't.
Judges may have many matters scheduled. Lawyers may be negotiating. Another case may take longer than expected. You may be waiting for your case to be called. That's normal. Try not to interpret waiting as a sign that something is wrong with your case.
The Courthouse Is Less Intimidating Once You've Been There
I've practiced divorce and family law in Monmouth County for many years, so walking into the courthouse feels routine to me. I understand that it doesn't feel routine to you.
For many clients, their divorce is the first time they've ever had to appear in a courthouse. You don't know where to park. You don't know which door to use. You don't know where the courtroom is. You don't know what the judge is going to ask. And you don't know how long you're going to be there.
All of that uncertainty makes the experience feel more intimidating than it needs to be. That's why I believe preparation matters. Know why you're going. Know what you're expected to do. Give yourself plenty of time. And ask questions before the day of your appearance rather than trying to figure everything out when you arrive.
If you're going through a divorce in Monmouth County and want to better understand what happens during the New Jersey divorce process, my free Divorce Smarter Course will walk you through many of the issues you may encounter along the way.
Until next time,
Steve