Rule 5:7-3.Corroboration
Last amended September 1, 2011 · Current through September 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of Rule 5:7-3
Amendment History
New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “Note” beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; a “Source” line names the former rule the current one grew out of, and “R. (1969)” citations refer to the earlier numbering it replaced.
Note: Source-R. (1969) 4:79-7. Adopted December 20, 1983, to be effective December 31, 1983; amended July 21, 2011 to be effective September 1, 2011.
Plain-English Summary
One sentence that removes an old obstacle. At common law a divorce petitioner could not prevail on their own testimony alone, for fear that spouses would collude to manufacture grounds. This rule abolishes that requirement.
All elements of the claim may be proved without corroboration. The safeguard against collusion now sits elsewhere — in the sworn verification against collusion that Rule 5:4-2 requires with the pleading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a witness to corroborate my grounds for divorce in New Jersey?
No. All elements of a claim for divorce, dissolution of civil union, termination of domestic partnership or nullity may be proved without corroboration.
How is collusion guarded against then?
Through the verification: Rule 5:4-2 requires a sworn statement annexed to the pleading that the allegations are true and that it is made without collusion.