The New Jersey trial court system consists of Superior Courts, Surrogate's Courts, Municipal Courts, and Tax Courts.
Superior Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases but generally handle cases beyond the jurisdiction of other courts. Municipal Courts have limited jurisdiction over some types of criminal cases. The New Jersey Tax Court is a specialized court that handles certain tax cases for the entire state.
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New Jersey Superior Courts Superior Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, and generally only handle cases that are beyond the jurisdiction of other courts.Superior Courts may have divisions based on case type, such as civil, criminal, family, housing, general equity/chancery, probation or municipal. The Family Part of Superior Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over all non-criminal child abuse or neglect cases, all matters relating to a juvenile-family crisis and juvenile delinquency cases that do not involve allegations of murder or manslaughter. The Family Part also handles divorce, annulment, maintenance, child support, parental notification waivers, adoption, paternity and cases related to domestic violence. The Probate Part of Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all contested probate matters, and some uncontested probate matters enumerated by statute. It has general oversight of Surrogate's Court proceedings. Superior Courts may transfer cases to The New Jersey Tax Court when taxation expertise is appropriate. Superior Courts may grant Municipal Courts jurisdiction to handle motor vehicle cases resulting in death or bodily injury. New Jersey Surrogate's Courts Surrogate's Courts have jurisdiction over uncontested probate matters, such as admitting wills to probate, appointing personal representatives and administrators of estates, and appointing guardians of minors.Surrogates are elected county officials as well as judicial officers, and serve as judges of Surrogate's Court and as Deputy Clerks of Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate and Family Parts. All probate matters and adoption papers must be filed in the Surrogate's Office. New Jersey Municipal Courts Municipal Courts have jurisdiction over certain types of criminal cases.Cases typically heard by Municipal Courts include felony preliminary hearings, violations of county or municipal ordinances, most violations of motor vehicle and traffic laws, most "disorderly person" offenses and violations of fish, game and boating laws. Municipal Courts may also handle "crimes of the fourth degree" and crimes punishable by imprisonment of less than one year. Municipal Courts do not have jurisdiction over motor vehicle cases involving death or serious bodily injury, unless jurisdiction over a case is specifically granted by a Superior Court. Many New Jersey municipalities have consolidated their courts into a single joint court, or agreed to share their individual court services at a single location. New Jersey Tax Courts The New Jersey Tax Court has limited jurisdiction to review actions or regulations about tax matters involving a State agency, a State official, a county board of taxation or a county or municipal official. The Tax Court has a Small Claims division for certain tax cases. The Tax Court will also handle cases transferred from Superior Courts when taxation expertise is appropriate for the case. The Tax Court hears cases for the entire State and, while court sessions may occur in other cities, the Tax Court Management Office in Trenton handles all contacts and information for the Tax Court. Where to find court cases in New Jersey
The chart below gives general information on the types of cases heard in each type of court in New Jersey.  = Most or all cases. = Some cases.
Note: Some courts in New Jersey are not included in the chart above. Please use the following links for descriptions and types of cases heard: Tax Courts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||