Rule 5:8-7.Non-Dissolution Education Program

Last amended September 1, 2025 · Current through September 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026

In one sentenceRule 5:8-7 requires parents and caregivers in initial non-dissolution custody or parenting time cases to attend an education program and a consent conference before the case reaches a judge.

Full Text of Rule 5:8-7

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In all initial non-dissolution cases where the parents or caregivers of a child are seeking custody or parenting time, the parties shall be required to attend the non-dissolution education program and a subsequent consent conference. The content of the non-dissolution education program shall be in a form prescribed by and in accordance with guidelines established by the Administrative Director of the Courts. If the parties can resolve their case at the consent conference, a consent Uniform Summary Support Order shall be prepared and forwarded to the court for consideration. If the parties cannot resolve their case, or if either party fails to appear for the consent conference, or if either party refuses to cooperate in the consent conference, the case shall be immediately scheduled before the court.

End

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: Adopted July 31, 2025 to be effective September 1, 2025.

Plain-English Summary

Non-dissolution cases — the FD docket — bring parents who were never married and often have no lawyer. This rule routes them through education and negotiation first. In all initial non-dissolution cases where parents or caregivers seek custody or parenting time, the parties must attend the non-dissolution education program and a subsequent consent conference, in the form the Administrative Director of the Courts prescribes.

Resolution at the conference produces a consent Uniform Summary Support Order, prepared and forwarded to the court for consideration.

The alternative is immediate. If the parties cannot resolve the case, or either fails to appear, or either refuses to cooperate, the case is scheduled before the court straight away — so refusing to take part accelerates the hearing rather than delaying it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to attend a program before my FD custody case is heard?

Yes. In all initial non-dissolution cases where parents or caregivers seek custody or parenting time, the parties must attend the non-dissolution education program and a subsequent consent conference.

What happens if we agree at the consent conference?

A consent Uniform Summary Support Order is prepared and forwarded to the court for consideration.

What if the other parent does not show up?

If either party fails to appear or refuses to cooperate, or the case cannot be resolved, the case is immediately scheduled before the court.

Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the official New Jersey Rules of Court, Part V (N.J. Ct. R. 5:8-7). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified September 8, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: non-dissolution education programFD docketconsent conferenceuniform summary support orderunmarried parents custody