New Jersey

New Jersey Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of New Jersey. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ)

Provides free civil legal help to low-income residents statewide in housing, family, consumer, employment, and benefits matters.

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Northeast New Jersey Legal Services

Offers free legal assistance to low-income residents in Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties.

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South Jersey Legal Services

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in southern New Jersey.

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Legal Services of New Jersey

The state's largest provider of free civil legal services, serving low-income residents statewide.

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Northeast New Jersey Legal Services

Provides free legal help to low-income residents in Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of New Jersey is the court of last resort with seven justices. The Superior Court, Appellate Division handles intermediate appeals. The Superior Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction, divided into Law Division, Chancery Division (including Family Part), and Civil Division. Tax Court handles tax appeals. Municipal Courts handle minor offenses.

Key State Laws & Protections

New Jersey Tenant Rights (Anti-Eviction Act)

One of the strongest tenant protection laws in the nation, requiring good cause for eviction and providing extensive procedural protections under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1.

New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD)

Comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering employment, housing, and public accommodations with broad protected categories including gender identity and expression.

New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act

Strong consumer protection law under N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 with treble damages and attorney fees for unlawful business practices.

New Jersey Paid Family Leave

Provides up to 12 weeks of paid family leave benefits at 85% of wages (capped) for bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member.

New Jersey Law Against Discrimination

One of the broadest anti-discrimination laws in the nation, covering employment, housing, and public accommodations with extensive protected categories.

New Jersey Tenant Protection Act

Strong tenant protections including just cause eviction requirements and anti-retaliation provisions under the Anti-Eviction Act.

Bar Association

New Jersey State Bar Association
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Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Call LSNJ's Legal Hotline at 1-888-576-5529 for free legal help in New Jersey.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

NJ DV Hotline

Statewide domestic violence support

1-800-572-7233

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

NJ Tenant Protection Expansion (2025)

Enhanced protections against unfair rent increases and strengthened just cause eviction requirements.

NJ Minimum Wage Increases (2025)

Continued annual increases toward the $15/hour minimum wage goal with inflation-indexed adjustments thereafter.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $15-$50 (claims up to $5,000)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $250-$350

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $250-$300

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Services of New Jersey

Statewide free civil legal help for low-income residents in housing, family, public benefits, and consumer matters.

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Northeast New Jersey Legal Services

Free legal services in Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties.

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South Jersey Legal Services

Free civil legal help in eight southern New Jersey counties for housing, family, and benefits matters.

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State Bar Resources

New Jersey State Bar Association

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (732) 249-5000

Pro Bono: NJ Pro Bono programs through county bar associations and Legal Services.

Visit State Bar Website →
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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in New Jersey

New Jersey has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In New Jersey, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for New Jersey-specific details.
New Jersey allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
New Jersey sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current New Jersey minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in New Jersey sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in New Jersey.