Essex County Family Court – Newark, NJ

About Essex County Family Court

The Essex County Family Court, housed primarily in the Wynona Lipman Family Courthouse at 350 University Avenue, is a specialized division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. This facility is dedicated to resolving legal matters involving families and children, providing a secure and structured environment for sensitive proceedings. The court serves the residents of Essex County, handling a high volume of cases with a focus on rehabilitation, protection, and fair resolution. The building itself is named after Wynona Lipman, the first African American woman elected to the New Jersey Senate, reflecting a commitment to justice and community service.

Key Services and Divisions

The Family Division addresses a wide array of domestic and juvenile issues. The primary case types include:

• Dissolution (Divorce): Handling divorce decrees, annulments, and related property distribution.
• Non-Dissolution: Matters involving unmarried parents, including custody and visitation disputes.
• Domestic Violence: Issuance of Temporary and Final Restraining Orders (TRO/FRO) to protect victims of abuse.
• Juvenile Delinquency: Cases involving minors accused of criminal offenses, focusing on rehabilitation.
• Child Support & Paternity: Establishment and enforcement of support orders.
• Children in Court (CIC): Abuse and neglect cases involving the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P).

Security and Facility Guidelines

Given the sensitive nature of family law, security is strictly enforced. All visitors must pass through metal detectors and x-ray screening upon entry. Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, sharp objects (scissors, knitting needles), glass containers, and mace/pepper spray. While cell phones are permitted, they must be silenced and are generally not allowed to be used for recording or photography within the courthouse. The facility maintains a no-food-and-drink policy in courtrooms. The courthouse is designed to be accessible, with elevators and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Location and Parking

Located in the University Heights district of Newark, the Wynona Lipman Family Courthouse is easily accessible via public transit. Multiple NJ Transit bus lines stop nearby on University Avenue and Market Street. For those driving, juror parking is available at designated lots (often on South Orange Avenue) with shuttle service, while general visitors can utilize various paid parking garages and metered street parking in the vicinity. The location is distinct from the Historic Courthouse and Veterans Courthouse, though they are part of the larger government complex.