美国新泽西州议会通过同性民事结合关系法案，除名称外与婚姻关系权利完全相同

爱白网 (aibai.cn) Danfei
2006-12-15


　　当地时间12月14日，美国新泽西州的众议院和参议院先后投票通过了认可同性民事结合关系（Civil Union）的法案，该法案将给予同性之间的民事结合关系与异性婚姻关系完全相同的法律权利。

　　新泽西州的这一法案，是基于今年10月25日该州最高法院的裁决结论而起草的，该裁决认为应给予同性之间的结合关系与异性婚姻关系完全相同的法律地位和权利，裁决同时要求州议会在六个月之内通过相关法律，以某种形式使得本次裁决结论得以实现。本此州议会通过的法案，是对现有州婚姻法的修改，以实现对同性婚姻权利的认可。

     当天在州众议院就上述法案的投票结果是55票赞成、10票反对和5票弃权，在州参议院的投票结果是23票赞成、12票反对。新泽西州的州长、民主党人Jon S. Corzine之前已经表示，如果州议会通过该法案，他将会签署。

　　到目前为止，在美国还有佛蒙特州和康涅狄格州已经实施着类似的认可同性民事结合关系的法律。(aibai.cn)

资讯来源：爱白网 (aibai.cn)
作者译者：Danfei
2006-12-15
爱白文化教育中(ACEC)/华文同性资料中心(ICCGL)
http://www.aibai.cn/
http://www.gaychinese.net/

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 2407


STATE OF NEW JERSEY

212th LEGISLATURE

  

INTRODUCED DECEMBER 4, 2006







Sponsored by:

Senator LORETTA WEINBERG

District 37 (Bergen)

Senator RICHARD J. CODEY

District 27 (Essex)









SYNOPSIS

     Revises the marriage laws; establishes civil unions; establishes the “New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission.”



CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As reported by the Senate Judiciary Committee on December 11, 2006, with amendments.

   



An Act concerning marriage and civil unions, establishing a commission and revising and supplementing various parts of the statutory law.



     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:



     1.    (New section) The Legislature finds and declares that:

     a.     Same-sex couples in New Jersey live together in committed relationships without the benefits and rights afforded to heterosexual couples who choose to marry;

     b.    Promoting such stable and durable relationships as well as eliminating obstacles and hardships these couples may face is necessary and proper and reaffirms this State’s obligation to insure equality for all the citizens of New Jersey;

     c.     New Jersey was one of the first states to adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination based on affectional or sexual orientation and one of the first states to formally recognize domestic partnerships by enacting the “Domestic Partnership Act,” P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-1 et seq.) on January 12, 2004 thereby guaranteeing in law certain rights and benefits to those individuals who enter into domestic partnerships;

     d.    Those rights and benefits afforded to same-sex couples under the “Domestic Partnership Act” should be expanded by the legal recognition of civil unions between same-sex couples in order to provide these couples with all the rights and benefits that married heterosexual couples enjoy;

     e.     It is the intent of the Legislature to comply with the constitutional mandate set forth by the New Jersey Supreme Court in the recent landmark decision of Lewis v. Harris, 188 N.J. 415, (October 25, 2006) wherein the Court held that the equal protection guarantee of Article I, paragraph 1 of the State Constitution was violated by denying rights and benefits to committed same-sex couples which were statutorily given to their heterosexual counterparts.  The Court stated that the “State can fulfill that constitutional requirement in one of two ways. It can either amend the marriage statutes to include same-sex couples or enact a parallel statutory structure by another name, in which same-sex couples would not only enjoy the rights and benefits, but also bear the burdens and obligations of civil marriage.” Id. at 463.

     f. The Legislature has chosen to establish civil unions by amending the current marriage statute to include same-sex couples. In doing so, the Legislature is continuing its longstanding history of  insuring equality under the laws for all New Jersey citizens by
providing same-sex couples with the same rights and benefits as heterosexual couples who choose to marry.



     2.  (New section) As used in this act:

     1 “Civil union couple” means two persons who have established a civil union pursuant to this act.1

     “Civil union license or civil union certificate” means a document that certifies that the persons named on the license or certificate have established a civil union in this State in compliance with this act.

     “Civil union” means the legally recognized union of two eligible individuals of the same sex established pursuant to this act. Parties to a civil union shall receive the same benefits and protections and be subject to the same responsibilities as spouses in a marriage.

     “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Health and Senior

Services.

     1[“Civil union partner”]“One partner in a civil union couple”1 means a person who has established a civil union pursuant to the provisions of this act.

     1[“Party to a civil union” means a person who has established a civil union pursuant to the provisions of this act.]1



     3.  (New section) For two persons to establish a civil union in this State, it shall be necessary that they satisfy all of the following criteria:

     a.  Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership or marriage in this State;

     b. Be of the same sex 1[and therefore be excluded from the marriage laws of this State or any other state]1;

     c. Be at least 18 years of age, except as provided in section 10 of this act.

4.  (New section) a. 1[Parties to a civil union]Civil union couples1 shall have all of the same benefits, protections and responsibilities under law, whether they derive from statute, administrative or court rule, public policy, common law or any other source of civil law, as are granted to spouses in a marriage.

     b. The dissolution of civil unions shall follow the same procedures and be subject to the same substantive rights and obligations that are involved in the dissolution of marriage.

     c. The laws of domestic relations, including annulment, premarital agreements, separation, divorce, child custody and support, property division and maintenance, and post-relationship spousal support, shall apply to 1[the parties to a civil union]civil union couples1.

     d.  1[The parties to a civil union]Civil union couples1 may modify the terms, conditions or effects of their civil union in the same manner and to the same extent as married person who execute an antenuptial agreement or other agreement recognized and enforceable under the law, setting forth particular understandings with respect to their union.

     e.  The rights of 1[the parties to a civil union] civil union couples1 with respect to a child of whom either becomes the parent during the term of the civil union, shall be the same as those of a married couple with respect to a child of whom either spouse 1or partner in a civil union couple1 becomes the parent during the marriage.

     f.  All contracts made between persons in contemplation of a civil union shall remain in full force after such civil union takes place.

     g.  A copy of the record of the civil union received from the local or State registrar shall be presumptive evidence of the civil union in all courts.



     5.  (New section) The following list of legal benefits, protections and responsibilities of spouses shall apply in like manner to 1[the parties to a]1 civil union 1couples1, but shall not be construed to be an exclusive list of such benefits, protections and responsibilities:

     a.  laws relating to title, tenure, descent and distribution, intestate succession, 1[waiver of will,]1 survivorship, or other incidents of the acquisition, ownership or transfer, inter vivos or at death, of real or personal property, including but not limited to eligibility to hold real and personal property as tenants by the entirety;

     b.  causes of action related to or dependent upon spousal status, including an action for wrongful death, emotional distress, loss of consortium, or other torts or actions under contracts reciting, related to, or dependent upon spousal status;

     c. probate law and procedure, including nonprobate transfer;

     d.  adoption law and procedures;

     e.  laws relating to insurance, health and pension benefits;

f.  domestic violence protections pursuant to the “Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991,” P.L.1991, c.261 (2C:25-17 et seq.) and domestic violence programs;

     g.  prohibitions against discrimination based upon marital status;

     h.  victim's compensation benefits, including but not limited to compensation to spouse, children and relatives of homicide victims;

     i.  workers' compensation benefits pursuant to chapter 15 of Title 34 of the Revised Statutes, including but not limited to survivors’ benefits and payment of back wages;

     j.  laws relating to emergency and nonemergency medical care and treatment, hospital visitation and notification, and any rights guaranteed to a hospital patient pursuant to P.L.1989, c.170 (C.26:2H-12.7 et seq.) or a nursing home resident pursuant to P.L.1976, c.120 (C.30:13-1 et seq.);

     k.  advance directives for health care and designation as a health care representative pursuant to P.L.1991, c.201 (C.26:2H-53 et seq.);

     l.  family leave benefits pursuant to P.L.1989, c.261 (C.34:11B-1 et seq.);

     m.  public assistance benefits under State law, including, but not limited to:  Work First New Jersey benefits pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.); medical assistance pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.); Supplemental Security Income pursuant to P.L.1973, c.256 (C.44:7-85 et seq.); pharmaceutical assistance pursuant to P.L.1975, c.194 (C.30:4D-20 et seq.) and P.L.2001, c.96 (C.30:4D-43 et seq.); hearing aid assistance pursuant to P.L.1987, c.298 (C.30:4D-36 et seq.); and utility benefits pursuant to P.L.1979, c.197 (C.48:2-29.15 et seq.) and P.L.1981, c.210 (C.48:2-29.30 et seq.);

     n. laws relating to taxes imposed by the State or a municipality 1[other than estate taxes,]1 including but not limited to homestead rebate tax allowances, tax deductions based on marital status or exemptions from realty transfer tax based on marital status;

     o. laws relating to immunity from compelled testimony and the marital communication privilege;

     p. the home ownership rights of a surviving spouse;

     q. the right of a spouse to a surname change without petitioning the court;

     r. laws relating to the making of, revoking and objecting to anatomical gifts pursuant to P.L.1969, c.161 (C.26:6-57 et seq.);

     s.  State pay for military service;

     t. application for absentee ballots;

     u.  legal requirements for assignment of wages; and

     v. laws related to tuition assistance for higher education for surviving spouses or children.

6.    R.S.37:1-1 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-1.  Certain marriages or civil unions prohibited.

     a.     A man shall not marry or enter into a civil union with any of his ancestors or descendants, or his sister or brother, or the daughter or son of his brother or sister, or the sister or brother of his father or mother,  whether such collateral kindred be of the whole or half blood.  

     b.    A woman shall not marry or enter into a civil union with any of her ancestors or descendants, or her sister or brother, or the daughter or son of her brother or sister, or the sister or brother of her father or mother, whether such collateral kindred be of the whole or half blood.

     c.     A marriage or civil union in violation of any of the foregoing provisions shall be absolutely void.

(cf: R.S.37:1-1)



     7.    R.S.37:1-2 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-2.  Necessity of marriage or civil union license; "licensing officer" defined.

     Before a marriage or a civil union can be lawfully performed in this [state] State, the persons intending to be married or to enter into a civil union shall obtain a marriage or civil union license from the licensing officer and deliver it to the person who is to officiate, but if the marriage or civil union is to be performed by or before any religious society, institution or organization, the license shall be delivered to such religious society, institution or organization, or any officer thereof.

     As used in this chapter, "licensing officer" means, as to cities of the first class, the city clerk; as to other municipalities, the registrar of vital statistics; or the deputy of any said official designated by him to issue licenses during his absence.

(cf: R.S.37:1-2)



     8.    R.S.37:1-3 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-3.  Where marriage or civil union license to be obtained.

     The [licensing officer shall issue the] marriage or civil union license [which] shall be [obtained:

     a.     In the municipality of this state in which the female party to the proposed marriage resides; or

     b.    In the municipality in which the male party resides, if the female party is a nonresident of this state;  or

     c.     In the municipality in which the proposed marriage is to be performed, if both parties are nonresidents of this state] issued by the licensing officer in the municipality in which either party resides or, if neither party is a resident of the State, in the municipality in which the proposed marriage or civil union is to be performed.

(cf: R.S.37:1-3)



     9.    R.S.37:1-4 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-4.  Issuance of marriage or civil union license, emergencies, validity.

     Except as provided in [sections 37:1-5 and] R.S.37:1-6 [of this Title], the marriage or civil union license shall not be issued by a licensing officer sooner than 72 hours after the application therefor has been made; provided, however, that the Superior Court may, by order, waive all or any part of said 72-hour period in cases of emergency, upon satisfactory proof being shown to it. Said order shall be filed with the licensing officer and attached to the application for the license.  

     A marriage or civil union license, when properly issued as provided in this article, shall be good and valid only for 30 days
after the date of the issuance thereof.  

(cf: P.L.1991, c.91, s.366)  



     10.  R.S.37:1-6 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-6.  A marriage or civil union license shall not be issued to a minor under the age of 18 years, unless the parents or guardian of the minor, if there be any, first certify under their hands and seals, in the presence of two reputable witnesses, their consent thereto, which consent shall be delivered to the licensing officer issuing the license. If the parents, or either of them, or guardian of any such minor shall be of unsound mind, the consent of such parent or guardian to the proposed marriage or civil union shall not be required.  

     When a minor is under the age of 16 years, the consent required by this section must be approved in writing by any judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part. Said approval shall be filed with the licensing officer.  

     The licensing officer shall transmit to the State Bureau of Vital Statistics all such consents, orders, and approvals so received by him in the same manner and subject to the same penalty as in the case of certificates of marriage or civil union and marriage or civil union licenses.  

     [If any such male applicant for a license to marry shall be a minor under the age of 18 years, and shall have been arrested on the charge of sexual intercourse with a single, widowed or divorced female of good repute for chastity who has thereby become pregnant, a license to marry the female may be immediately issued by any licensing officer to the minor upon his application therefor, without the consent or approval required by this section.]  

(cf: P.L.1991, c.91, s.367)

11.  R.S.37:1-7 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-7. Issuing of license; remarriage or reaffirming a civil union.

     The licensing officer is hereby empowered to issue marriage or civil union licenses to the contracting parties who apply therefor and are entitled under the laws of this State to contract matrimony or establish a civil union , authorizing the marriage or civil union  of such parties, which  license shall be substantially in the following form:

     "State of New Jersey.  County of          city, town or township of

     This is to certify that any person, religious society, institution or organization authorized by law to perform marriage or civil union ceremonies within the State of New Jersey to whom this may come, he or they not knowing any lawful impediment thereto, is hereby authorized and empowered to solemnize the rites of matrimony or the civil union between

     A          B          of      in the county of          and State of and C D          of     , in the county of          and State of     ,  and to certify the same to be the said parties, or either of them, under his  hand and seal in his ministerial or official capacity.

     In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said town, township or city at      this         day of          [one thousand nine hundred] two thousand and

                ,       (Name and official title)"

     If the contracting parties desire both a civil and a religious marriage or civil union ceremony, the licensing officer shall issue a license in duplicate, marking one  as  "issued for civil marriage or civil union ceremony"  and one as  "issued for religious  marriage or civil union ceremony."

     Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the remarriage of a couple already married to each other or to prevent a couple who has entered into a civil union to reaffirm their commitment to one another;  provided, a new license is obtained and the marriage or civil union properly reported.  Such license shall be plainly marked  "Issued for remarriage--originally married to same mate at (state place) on (state date) or Issued for reaffirmation of a civil union—originally entered into a civil union to same mate at (state place) on (state date)."   Such a license shall be issued without compliance  with the provisions of [section] R.S.37:1-4 [of the Revised Statutes] and if applicable of the provisions of "An act concerning marriages"  approved May third, one thousand  nine hundred and thirty-eight (P.L.1938, c.126).  1[When such marriage or civil union report is received by the State registrar he shall, if an original marriage or civil union certificate is recorded, make a notation thereon of the remarriage or reaffirmation and its date and place.]1

(cf: P.L.1941, c.354, s.1)



     12.  R.S.37:1-8 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-8. Testimony under oath by applicants as to legality of proposed marriage or civil union; witnesses; perjury

     A licensing officer shall, before issuing a marriage or civil union license, require the contracting parties to appear before him and subscribe and swear to an oath attesting the truth of the facts respecting the legality of the proposed marriage or civil union as set forth in the form supplied by the State 1[Bureau of Vital Statistics] Registrar1.  Said testimony shall be verified by a witness of legal age.   licensing officer shall issue a license only if it is thus made to appear before him that no legal impediment to the marriage or civil union exists.  Every licensing officer may administer oaths to the contracting parties and their identifying witness.

     Any identifying witness or applicant applying for a marriage or civil union license who shall knowingly make false answers to any of the inquiries asked by the licensing officer shall be guilty of perjury.

(cf: P.L.1946, c.185, s.4)



     13. R.S.37:1-11 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-11.  Illegal issuance of license a [misdemeanor] disorderly persons offense.

     Any licensing officer who issues a marriage or civil union license except as provided in this chapter shall be guilty of a [misdemeanor] disorderly persons offense.

(cf: R.S.37:1-11)



     14.  R.S.37:1-12 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-12.  Fees; disposition in cities of first class.

     For issuing a marriage or civil union license, the licensing officer shall be entitled to receive from the applicants the sum of three dollars ($3.00). [All fees so received by the city clerk in cities of the first class shall be paid into the treasury of such city to be used for the relief of its poor.]

(cf: P.L.1948, c.285, s.3)



     15.  Section 1 of P.L.1981, c.382  (C.37:1-12.1) is amended to read as follows:  

     1.  In addition to the fee for issuing a marriage or civil union license authorized pursuant to R.S.37:1-12, each licensing officer shall collect a fee of $25 from the marriage license or civil union license applicants which shall be forwarded on a quarterly basis to the Department of Human Services.  

(cf: P.L.1992, c.136, s.1)

16.  Section 2 of P.L.1981, c.382 (C.37:1-12.2) is amended to read as follows:

     2.  The Department of Human Services shall establish a trust fund for the deposit of the fees received pursuant to section 1 of [this act] of P.L.1981, c. 382 (C.37:1-12.1). The moneys from the trust fund shall be used for the specific purpose of establishing and maintaining shelters for the victims of domestic violence, or a. for providing grants-in-aid to such shelters established by local governments or private nonprofit organizations; or b. for providing grants-in-aid to non-residential agencies whose primary purpose is to serve victims of domestic violence in those counties which do not have emergency residential shelters for victims; or c. for providing grants-in-aid to any nonprofit, Statewide coalition whose membership includes a majority of the programs for battered women in New Jersey and whose board membership includes a majority of representatives of these programs and whose purpose is to provide services, community education, and technical assistance to these programs to establish and maintain shelter and related services for victims of domestic violence and their children.  

(cf: P.L.1992, c.136, s.2).  



     17.  R.S.37:1-13 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-13  Authorization to solemnize marriages and civil unions.

     Each judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, each judge of a federal district court, United States magistrate, judge of a municipal court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of a tax court, retired judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court, or judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court, the former County Court, the former County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, or the former County District Court who has resigned in good standing, surrogate of any county, county clerk and any mayor or the deputy mayor when authorized by the mayor, or chairman of any township committee or village president of this State, and every minister of every religion, are hereby authorized to solemnize marriage or civil union between such persons as may lawfully enter into the matrimonial relation or civil union; and every religious society, institution or organization in this State may join together in marriage or civil union such persons according to the rules and customs of the society, institution or organization.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.143, s.1)



     18.  R.S.37:1-15 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-15. Solemnizing without presentation of license;  [misdemeanor] disorderly persons offense .

     Any person, not authorized by [section]R.S.37:1-13 [of the Revised Statutes] to solemnize marriages or civil unions, who solemnizes a marriage or civil union or any person or religious society, institution or organization, authorized to solemnize marriages or civil unions, who solemnizes a marriage or civil union without the presentation of a license therefor, obtained in accordance with the provisions of article two of this chapter (s. 37:1-2 et seq.), shall be guilty of a [misdemeanor] disorderly persons offense, and punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00), or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both.

(cf: P.L.1948, c.127, s.1).



     19.  R.S.37:1-16 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-16.  Interrogation of applicants under oath; perjury.

     Any person authorized to solemnize marriages or civil unions may administer oaths to the parties applying to be married or to enter into a civil union, and may require them, or either of them, to make true answers to any inquiries made by him in order to ascertain whether, in his judgment, any legal impediment to the proposed marriage or civil union exists.

     Any person who willfully makes false answers to any such inquiries shall, if  the answers are reduced to writing, signed by the party making the same and  attached to the certificate of marriage or civil union, be deemed guilty of perjury pursuant to N.J.S.2C:28-1.

(cf: R.S.37:1-16)



     20.  R.S.37:1-17 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-17. Marriage or civil union license; information provided.

     On the marriage or civil union license shall be the form for the certificate of marriage or civil union in  quadruplicate, to which the licensing officer shall have set forth particularly therein the name, age, parentage, birthplace, residence, Social Security number and [condition (whether single, widowed or divorced) of each of the married persons,] domestic status of each party, whether single, widowed, divorced, or a former 1[party to a] civil union or domestic [partnership] partner1 and the names and county of birth of their parents. The Social Security number shall be kept confidential and may only be released for child support enforcement purposes, and shall not be considered a public record pursuant to P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.).  The person by whom or the religious society, institution, or organization by or before which, the marriage or civil union was solemnized, shall personally or by legally authorized agent subscribe where indicated on the form the date and place of the marriage or civil union.  Each certificate of marriage or civil union shall also contain the signature and residence of at least two witnesses who were present at the marriage or civil union ceremony.

(cf: P.L.2002, c.88, s.3)

21.  Section 2 of P.L.1980, c.128 (C.37:1-17.1) is amended to read as follows:

     2.  License and certificate of marriage or civil union; transmittal

     The license and the original certificate shall be transmitted pursuant to R.S.26:8-41.  One copy of the certificate shall be retained by the local registrar and one copy shall be given to the persons contracting the marriage or civil union. The remaining copy shall be retained by the person solemnizing the marriage or civil union.

(cf: P.L.1980, c.128, s.2)



     22. Section 3 of P.L.1980, c.128 (C.37:1-17.2) is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-17.2. Delayed reports; filing; contents; affidavits; evidence.

     Any marriage or civil union which has occurred or which may hereafter occur and which is not recorded with the State Registrar as required by this chapter, may be recorded by filing a delayed report with the State Registrar, documented by a copy of the application for the license.  The delayed report shall contain an affidavit of the person performing the marriage or civil union or if he is deceased or not available, of one or both witnesses to the marriage or civil union ceremony confirming that the ceremony was performed and the date and place of the marriage or civil union.

     When it is impossible to secure the affidavit of the officiant or either of  the witnesses, the affidavit may be made by a person who was present at the marriage or civil union ceremony, or the contracting parties, provided additional documentary  evidence is presented.

     The State Registrar may require evidence of the correctness of the information in a delayed report and may refuse to accept a delayed report if the evidence is not submitted.

(cf: P.L.1980, c.128, s.3)



     23.  R.S.37:1-18 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-18.  Penalty for false certificate.

     Any person, religious society, institution or organization authorized to solemnize marriages or civil unions, who makes any false certificate of marriage or civil union, shall be liable to a penalty of [one hundred dollars] $100.00.

(cf: R.S.37:1-18)



     24.  R.S.37:1-19 is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-19.  Penalty; how recovered.

     Any penalty incurred under any of the provisions of this article may be recovered with costs, in an action at law by and in the name of the local board of health of the municipality where the marriage or civil union occurred, or by and in the name of the [state department of health] Department of Health and Senior Services.

(cf: R.S.37:1-19)



     25.  Section 1 of P.L.1977, c.282 (C.37:1-27) is amended to read as follows:

     37:1-27. Tests; information; distribution by issuer of marriage or civil union licenses.

     A licensing officer or other person issuing marriage or civil union licenses shall make information available to applicants concerning places where such applicants may be tested for genetic diseases including, but not limited to Cooley's Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, and Tay-Sachs Disease.  Literature containing such  information which has been prepared and provided by private organizations may be distributed to applicants by a licensing officer or other person issuing  marriage or civil union licenses.

(cf: P.L.1977, c.282, s.1)

26.  R.S.37:2-31 is amended to read as follows to read as follows:

     37. 2-31.  This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Uniform Premarital and Pre-Civil Union Agreement Act." Source: New.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1).



     27.  R.S.37:2-32 is amended to read as follows to read as follows:

     37:2-32.  As used in this article:

     a.  “Premarital or pre-civil union agreement" means an agreement between prospective spouses or partners 1in a civil union couple1made in contemplation of marriage or a civil union and to be effective upon marriage or upon the parties establishing a civil union;

     b. "Property" means an interest, present or future, legal or equitable, vested or contingent, in real or personal property, including income and earnings;

     c. "Unconscionable premarital or pre-civil union agreement" means an agreement, either due to a lack of property or unemployability:

     (1)  Which would render a spouse or partner 1in a civil union couple1 without a means of reasonable support;

     (2)  Which would make a spouse or partner 1in a civil union couple1 a public charge; or

     (3)  Which would provide a standard of living far below that which was enjoyed before the marriage or civil union.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1)



     28.  R.S.37:2-33 is amended to read as follows:

     37:2-33.  Formalities; consideration.

     A premarital or pre-civil union agreement shall be in writing, with a statement of assets annexed thereto, signed by both parties, and it is enforceable without consideration.  

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1)



     29.  R.S.37:2-34 is amended to read as follows:

     37:2-34. Contents of premarital or pre-civil union agreement. .          Parties to a premarital or pre-civil union agreement may contract with respect to:

     a.  The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located;

     b.  The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property;

     c. The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, dissolution of a civil union, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event;

     d. The modification or elimination of spousal or 1[civil union partner] one partner in a civil union couple1 support;

     e.  The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement;

     f.  The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy;

     g. The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement; and

     h. Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1)



     30.  R.S.37:2-35 is amended to read as follows:

     37:2-35. Premarital or pre-civil union agreement not to adversely affect right of child support .

     A premarital or pre-civil union agreement shall not adversely affect the right of a child to support.  

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1)

31.  R.S.37:2-36 is amended to read as follows:

     37:2-35.  When premarital or pre-civil union agreement becomes effective.

     A premarital or pre-civil union agreement becomes effective upon marriage of the parties or upon the parties establishing a civil union.  

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1)



     32. R.S.37:2-37 is amended to read as follows:

     37:2-37.  Amendment or revocation of premarital or pre-civil union agreement .

     After marriage of the parties or the parties establishing a civil union, a premarital or pre-civil union agreement may be amended or revoked only by a written agreement signed by the parties, and the amended agreement or revocation is enforceable without consideration.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1)



     33.  R.S.37:2-38 is amended to read as follows:

     37:2-38. Enforcement of premarital or pre-civil union agreement; generally.

     The burden of proof to set aside a premarital or pre-civil union agreement shall be upon the party alleging the agreement to be  unenforceable.  A premarital or pre-civil union agreement shall not be enforceable if the party seeking to set aside the agreement proves, by clear and convincing evidence, that:

     a.     The party executed the agreement involuntarily; or

     b.    The agreement was unconscionable at the time enforcement was sought; or

     c.     That party, before execution of the agreement:

     (1) Was not provided full and fair disclosure of the earnings, property and financial obligations of the other party;

     (2) Did not voluntarily and expressly waive, in writing, any right to disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party beyond the disclosure provided;

     (3) Did not have, or reasonably could not have had, an adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of the other party; or

     (4) Did not consult with independent legal counsel and did not voluntarily and expressly waive, in writing, the opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel.

     d.    The issue of unconscionability of a premarital or pre-civil union agreement shall be determined by the court as a matter of law.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1)



     34. R.S.37:2-39 is amended to read as follows:

     37:2-39. Enforcement of premarital or pre-civil union agreement; marriage or civil union determined void

     If a marriage or civil union is determined to be void, an agreement that would otherwise have been a premarital or pre-civil union agreement is enforceable only to the extent necessary to avoid an inequitable result.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1).

35.  R.S.37:2-40 is amended to read as follows:

     37:2-40.  Construction of article.

     1a.1 This article shall be construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of the article among states enacting the "Uniform Premarital 1[or Pre-Civil Union]1 Agreement Act."

     1b.  This article shall be construed to apply to pre-civil union agreements executed on and after the effective date of P.L.    ,c.   (C.         ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).1

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1)



     36.  R.S.37:2-41 is amended to read as follows:

     37:2-41.  Application of article.

     This article shall apply to premarital agreements executed on and after its effective date.

     This article as amended by P.L.    ,c.   (C.      )(pending before the Legislature as this bill) shall apply to pre-civil union agreements executed on and after the effective date of P.L.    ,c.   (C.      ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).   

(cf: P.L.1988, c.99, s.1)



     37.  R.S.26:8-1 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-1.  As used in this chapter:

     "Vital statistics" means statistics concerning births, deaths, fetal deaths, marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships established pursuant to P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-1 et al.).

     "Vital records" means the birth, death, fetal death, marriage, civil union and domestic partnership records from which vital statistics are produced.

     "State registrar" means the State registrar of vital statistics; "Local registrar" or "registrar" means the local registrar of vital statistics of any district; and "registration district" or "district" means a registration district as constituted by this article.

     "Live birth" or "birth" means the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a product of conception, irrespective of the duration of pregnancy, which, after such separation, breathes or shows any other evidence of life such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, whether or not the umbilical cord has been cut or the placenta attached.

     "Authentication" means the entry by the State Medical Examiner or a county medical examiner, funeral director or physician into the New Jersey Electronic Death Registration System of a personal identification code, digital signature or other identifier unique to that user, by which the information entered into the system by the user is authenticated by the user who assumes responsibility for its accuracy.  "Authentication" also means the process by which the State registrar or a local registrar, deputy registrar, alternate deputy registrar or subregistrar indicates that person's review and approval of information entered into the system by the State Medical Examiner or a county medical examiner, funeral director or physician.

     "Electronic registration system" means any electronic method, including, but not limited to, one based on Internet technology, of collecting, transmitting, recording and authenticating information from one or more responsible parties, which is necessary to complete a vital record, and is designed to replace a manual, paper-based data collection, recordation and signature system.

     "New Jersey Electronic Death Registration System" or "NJ-EDRS" is an electronic registration system for completing a certification of death or fetal death record that is authorized, designed and maintained by the State registrar.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.14).

38.  R.S.26:8-4 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-4.  Duty to furnish information relative to birth, death, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership. Upon demand of the State registrar in person, by mail, by means of the NJ-EDRS, or through the local registrar, every physician, midwife, informant, funeral director, or other person having knowledge of the facts relative to any birth, death, fetal death, marriage, civil union or domestic partnership, shall supply such information as he may possess, upon a form provided by the State registrar, or through the NJ-EDRS, or upon the original birth, death, fetal death, marriage, civil union or domestic partnership certificate or its electronic facsimile or digitized form thereof.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.16).



     39.  R.S.26:8-17 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-17.  The local registrar, immediately upon acceptance of the appointment, shall appoint a deputy to assist in the normal, day-to-day operation of the office and whose duty shall be to act in the registrar's stead in case of absence, disability or death of the registrar.  In case of death of the local registrar the deputy shall act as local registrar until a new local registrar has been appointed and qualified.  

     In addition to a deputy registrar, the local registrar may appoint one or two alternate deputy registrars if the local registrar deems such an appointment to be necessary for the office to function efficiently and to provide quality service to the public.  The deputy registrar and alternate deputy registrar shall have the authority to receive birth certificates and death certificates; to issue burial permits, and copies of birth, death, marriage, civil union and domestic partnership certificates; to take the oath on marriage and civil union license applications; and to issue marriage and civil union licenses and register domestic partnerships.  The deputy registrar and alternate deputy registrar shall receive instructions from and perform their duties under the direct supervision of the registrar, who shall be the final authority with the responsibility of fulfilling the duties of the local registrar outlined in R.S.26:8-25.  The deputy registrar and any alternate deputy registrar shall serve at the pleasure of the local registrar.  

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.16).



     40. R.S.26:8-23 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-23.  The Department of Health and Senior Services shall have charge of the registration of births, deaths, fetal deaths, marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships and shall procure the prompt and accurate registration of the same in each registration district and in the department. The department may promulgate any rule or regulation which it deems necessary for the uniform and thorough enforcement of this section.

     The department may decline permission to examine any record except in the presence of an officer or employee of the department.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.17).

41.  R.S.26:8-24 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-24.  The State registrar shall:

     a.     Have general supervision throughout the State of the registration of vital records;

     b.    Have supervisory power over local registrars, deputy local registrars, alternate deputy local registrars, and subregistrars, in the enforcement of the law relative to the disposal of dead bodies and the registration of vital records;

     c.     Prepare, print, and supply to all registrars, upon request therefor, all blanks and forms used in registering the records required by said law, and provide for and prescribe the use of the NJ-EDRS. No other blanks or methods of registration shall be used than those supplied or approved by the State registrar;

     d.    Carefully examine the certificates or electronic files received periodically from the local registrars or originating from their jurisdiction; and, if any are incomplete or unsatisfactory, require such further information to be supplied as may be necessary to make the record complete and satisfactory;

     e.     Arrange or bind, and permanently preserve the certificates of vital records, or the information comprising those records, in a systematic manner and in a form that is deemed most consistent with contemporary and developing standards of vital statistical archival record keeping;

     f.     Prepare and maintain a comprehensive and continuous index of all vital records registered, the index to be arranged alphabetically;

     1.    In the case of deaths, by the name of the decedent;

     2.    In the case of births, by the name of child, if given, and if not, then by the name of father or mother;

     3.    In the case of marriages, by the surname of the husband and also by the maiden name of the wife;

     4.    In the case of civil union, by the surname of each of the parties to the civil union;

     5.    In the case of domestic partnerships, by the surname of each of the partners; and

     g.     Mark the birth certificate of a missing child when notified by the Missing Persons Unit in the Department of Law and Public Safety pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1995, c.395 (C.52:17B-9.8c); and

     h.     Develop and provide to local registrars an education and training program, which the State registrar may require each local registrar to complete as a condition of retaining that position, and which may be offered to deputy local registrars, alternate deputy local registrars and subregistrars at the discretion of the State registrar, that includes material designed to implement the NJ-EDRS and to familiarize local registrars with the statutory requirements applicable to their duties and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, as deemed appropriate by the State registrar.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.18)

     42.  R.S.26:8-25 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-25.  The local registrar, under the supervision and direction of the State registrar, shall:

     a.     Strictly and thoroughly enforce the law relative to the disposal of dead bodies and the registration of vital records in his registration district;

     b.    Supply blank forms of certificates to such persons as require them;

     c.     Supply to every physician, midwife, and funeral director a copy of the law relative to the registration of vital records and the disposal of dead bodies, together with such rules and regulations as may be prepared by the State registrar relative to their enforcement;

     d.    Sign his name and insert the date of filing on each certificate of birth, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership and death or otherwise authenticate the local registrar's identity through the NJ-EDRS as prescribed by the State registrar;

     e.     Examine each certificate of birth, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership or death when presented for record in order to ascertain whether or not it has been made in accordance with law and the instructions of the State registrar; and if incomplete and unsatisfactory, have the same corrected;

     f.     At the expense of the municipality make a complete and accurate copy of each birth, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership and death certificate registered by him on a form or in a manner prescribed by the State registrar, to be preserved in his office as the local record or in the NJ-EDRS as prescribed by the State registrar;

     g.     On the tenth day of each month or sooner if requested by the department, transmit to the State registrar all original birth, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership and death certificates received by him for the preceding month, except that a record created on the NJ-EDRS as prescribed by the State registrar shall be deemed to have been transmitted.  If no births, marriages, civil union, domestic partnerships or deaths occurred in any month, he shall, on or before the tenth day of the following month, report that fact to the State registrar on a card provided for such purpose;

     h.     Make an immediate report to the State registrar of any violation of R.S.26:6-1 et seq., R.S.26:8-1 et seq., or R.S.37:1-1 et seq. or P.L.    , c.   (C.      )(pending before the Legislature as this amendatory and supplementary bill) coming to his knowledge;

     i.      In the case of any birth in his registration district to parents who are residents of another registration district or of the marriage or civil union in his registration district of any couple who obtained the marriage or civil union license in another registration district, or of the death in his registration district of any person who at the time of death was a resident of another registration district notify the registrar of the other registration district, within five days of the birth, marriage, civil union, or death, on forms prescribed by the State registrar.  All entries relating to cause of death on the original certificate shall be entered on the death form sent to the registrar of the other registration district.  A record created on the NJ-EDRS as prescribed by the State registrar shall be deemed to have been transmitted to the registrar of the other registration district;

     j.     Mark the birth certificate of a missing child born in his registration district when notified by the State registrar pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1995, c.395 (C.52:17B-9.8c); and

     k.    Make computer facilities with access to the NJ-EDRS available to funeral directors and physicians registered with the NJ-EDRS, within the regular established business hours of the local registrar, for the purpose of providing information necessary to complete a death record.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.19).

43.  R.S.26:8-27 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-27. Inquiries to applicants for marriage or civil union license. The department shall issue to each local registrar and to city clerks of cities of the first class, the form and substance of the several inquiries to be made of applicants for a marriage license or a civil union license and their witnesses for the purpose of ascertaining whether any legal impediment to any proposed marriage or civil union exists.

     The form shall not contain any inquiries or information which concerns the race of an applicant for a marriage or civil union license.

(cf: P.L.2002, c.88, c.1)



     44.  R.S.26:8-41 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-41. Transmission of marriage and civil union licenses and certificates.

     Every person or religious society, institution or organization solemnizing a marriage or 1[performing  a]1 civil union shall, within 5 days thereafter, transmit the certificate of marriage or civil union and the marriage or civil union license to the local registrar of the registration district in which the marriage or civil union occurs or to the clerk of the county board of health.

     The local registrar or clerk of the county board of health shall stamp every certificate of marriage or civil union so received with the date of its receipt and the name of the registration district in which it is filed.

(cf: P.L.1965, c.78, s.59)



     45.  R.S.26:8-42 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-42. The local registrar who receives the certificate of a marriage or the certificate of a civil union within the district under his jurisdiction, the license for which was issued in another registration district, shall, within 5 days after receipt of the marriage or civil union certificate, copy the names of the persons married or the 1[parties to a civil union]partners in a civil union couple1;  the date of marriage or civil union; the  place of marriage or the civil union and the marriage or civil union license number upon a form provided by the  State registrar and transmit it by mail to the officer legally designated to  receive certificates of marriage or civil union in the registration district in which the license was issued.

(cf: P.L.1965, c.78, s.60)



     46. R.S.26:8-43 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-43. Transmission of marriage and civil union certificates and licenses to state registrar.

     Each local registrar and the clerk of the county board of health shall, on or before the tenth of each calendar month, or sooner if requested by the department, transmit by mail, express or messenger to the State registrar in an  envelope or package marked "vital statistics" all the certificates of marriages and civil unions, marriage and civil union licenses and consents to the marriage or civil union of minors received by  them.

(cf: P.L.1965, c.78, s.61)



     47.  R.S.26:8-44 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-44.The State registrar shall cause all certificates of marriages and civil unions and marriage and civil union licenses received to be alphabetically indexed and shall cause to be transcribed or otherwise recorded from the certificates such of the vital facts appearing thereon as the department may deem necessary or useful.

     The certificates of marriage and civil union shall be so tabulated as to present in separate and distinct classes the record of each county or registration district of over 5,000 inhabitants, which record shall be preserved as a public record and the original certificates shall be preserved in the archives of the department.

(cf: P.L.1965, c.78, s.62)

48.  R.S.26:8-45 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-45. Cancellation of records of marriages and civil unions declared void.

     If a marriage or a civil union has been declared void by the Superior Court in an action instituted for that purpose and the court is satisfied by the proof taken before the final judgment or by affidavit or otherwise after the final judgment that a record of the marriage or civil union is filed with the State registrar, it may order the record to be canceled.

     It shall not be necessary to make the custodian of the record a party to the cause.

     The order need only recite that there was a ceremony of marriage or civil union between parties to the cause (naming them), performed on (date) by (naming the officer)  and that by a final judgment entered on (date), the marriage or civil union was declared void  and may then direct that the said record be canceled.  (cf: P.L.1965, c.78, s.63)



     49.  R.S.26:8-46 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-46. Upon presenting a certified copy of said order to the State Registrar, he shall indorse on the return of the marriage or civil union the following words: “This marriage or civil union declared void by the Superior Court.  See order hereto annexed" and shall annex the certified copy to the return.

(cf: P.L.1953, c.26, p.483, s.59)



     50.  R.S.26:8-47 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-47. Preparation of forms for marriage and civil union licenses, certificates.

     The department shall cause to be prepared blank forms of certificates of marriages or civil unions and marriage or civil union licenses corresponding to the requirements of R.S.37:1-7 and R.S.37:1-17. The forms, together with such sections of the laws concerning marriages or civil unions and such instructions and explanations thereof as the department may deem useful to persons having duties to perform under such laws shall be printed and supplied upon request therefor to the local registrars and to the city clerks of cities of the first class.

     All certificates of marriages or civil unions and marriage or civil union licenses shall be written upon the said blanks or blanks approved by the department and shall not contain any inquiries or information which concerns the race of an applicant for a marriage or civil union license.

(cf: P.L.2002, c.88, s.2)



     51.  R.S.26:8-48 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-48. A certificate of birth, fetal death, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership or death heretofore or hereafter filed with the State registrar shall not be altered or changed otherwise than by amendments properly signed, dated and witnessed, or as otherwise recorded and authenticated on the NJ-EDRS as prescribed by the State registrar.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.20).



     52. R.S.26:8-50 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-50.  Correcting marriage or civil union licenses

     Correction to marriage or civil union licenses shall be signed by the person who issued the  license or his successor in office.

(cf: R.S.26:8-50)

53.  R.S.26:8-51 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-51. Corrections to marriage, civil union, domestic partnership certificates. Corrections to marriage, civil union or domestic partnership certificates shall be signed by the person who signed the certificate or by any other person having personal knowledge of the matters sought to be corrected which other person shall state such matters on his oath.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.21)



     54.  R.S.26:8-55 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-55.  Any person knowingly submitting a certificate pursuant to this article containing incorrect particulars relating to any birth, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership or death shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $500, which shall be recovered with costs in a summary proceeding in the name of the department.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.22)



     55. R.S.26:8-60 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-60. Each local registrar shall be entitled to receive from the proper disbursing officer of the municipality or county the sum of $1 for each marriage, civil union or domestic partnership certificate properly transmitted to the State Registrar.

     In any registration district, the body appointing local registrars may, in lieu of fees, provide that officers performing the above service shall receive a fixed compensation to be determined by such body.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.23)



     56.  R.S.26:8-61 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-61.  Fee for cancellation of marriage or civil union record.

     The person procuring the cancellation of a marriage or civil union record pursuant to [sections]R.S.26:8-45 and R.S.26:8-46 [of this Title] shall first pay to the State Registrar the sum of $2.00 and the State Registrar shall pay the same over to the State Treasurer.  Such fee may be included in the taxable costs in the annulment suit.

(cf: P.L.1983, c.275, s.16)

57.  R.S.26:8-62 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-62. a. The State registrar or local registrar shall, upon request, supply to a person who establishes himself as one of the following:  the subject of the record of a birth, death, fetal death, certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth, domestic partnership, civil union or marriage, as applicable; the subject's parent, legal guardian or other legal representative; the subject's spouse, 1[civil union partner] one partner in a civil union couple1, child, grandchild or sibling, if of legal age, or the subject's legal representative; an agency of State or federal government for official purposes; a person possessing an order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or a person who is authorized under other emergent circumstances as determined by the commissioner, a certified copy, or release of the data and information of that record registered under the provisions of R.S.26:8-1 et seq., or P.L.  , c.    (C.        )(pending before the Legislature as this bill) or any domestic partnership registered under the provisions of P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-1 et al.), for any of which, except as provided by R.S.26:8-63, the State registrar shall be entitled to a search fee, if any, as provided by R.S.26:8-64, to be paid by the person. A certification may be issued in other circumstances and shall state that it is for informational purposes only, and is not to be used for identification purposes.  The registrar shall authenticate the identity of the requestor and the requestor's relationship with the subject of the vital record.  For the purposes of this subsection, any employee of a mortuary registered pursuant to P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.), or a funeral director licensed pursuant to that act who is affiliated with a registered mortuary, if the mortuary was recorded on the original certificate of death, shall be construed to be the subject's legal representative and entitled to obtain full and complete copies of death certificates or certifications thereof.

     b.    The State registrar shall, upon request, supply to any applicant a certified transcript of any entry contained in the records of the New Jersey State census for which, except as provided by R.S.26:8-63, he shall be entitled to a search fee as provided by R.S.26:8-64, to be paid by the applicant.

     c.     For each death registration initiated on the NJ-EDRS on or after the first day of the first month following the date of enactment of P.L.2003, c.221 but before the first day of the thirty-seventh month following the date of enactment of P.L.2003, c.221, the State registrar shall be paid a recording fee for each record filed, whether by means of the current paper process or electronically, in an amount to be determined by the State registrar but not exceeding $10, from the account of the funeral home, which may include this amount in the funeral expenses charged to the estate or person accepting responsibility for the disposition of the deceased's human remains and the costs associated therewith; provided however, this fee shall not apply to the death registration of a person who died while in the military or naval or maritime or merchant marine service of the United States whose death is recorded pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1950, c.299 (C.26:6-5.2).  The State registrar shall deposit the proceeds from the recording fee into the New Jersey Electronic Death Registration Support Fund established pursuant to section 17 of P.L.2003, c.221 (C.26:8-24.2).

     d.    Notwithstanding any other provision of this section to the contrary, the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services shall designate specifications for uniform forms for the issuance of all vital records, which shall be used by registrars beginning on a date established by the commissioner.  The form designated for certified copies of vital records shall contain safety features for authentication purposes and to deter forgery, and shall be readily distinguishable from the form designated for certifications of vital records.  Local registrars may include in the fee for a certified copy the additional cost of the form containing such safety features.

     The commissioner may issue and enforce orders to implement the provisions of this subsection.

(cf: P.L.2005, c.222, s.32)



     58.  R.S.26:8-63 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-63.  The State registrar shall:

     a.     Furnish a certification or certified copy of a birth, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership, fetal death or death certificate without fee in the prosecution of any claim for public pension or for military or naval enlistment purposes; and

     b.    Furnish the United States Public Health Service without expense to the State, microfilm or photocopy images of birth, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership, fetal death and death certificates without payment of the fees prescribed in this article; and

     c.     Furnish a certified transcript of any entry in the records of the New Jersey State census without fee for certification in the prosecution of any claim for public pension, for military or naval enlistment purposes; and

     d.    Furnish without fee upon request for administrative use by any city, State or Federal agency a certified transcript of any New Jersey State census entry, or a certification or certified copy of a birth, death, fetal death, marriage, civil union or domestic partnership certificate.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.25).

59.  R.S.26:8-64 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-64. a. For any 1genealogical1 search of the files and records of births, deaths, marriages, civil unions or domestic partnerships when 1information required on the application for a certification or certified copy of a vital record, and1 the correct year only is supplied by the applicant, whether or not a certification or a certified copy is made, the State Registrar shall be entitled to a minimum fee of $4, plus a fee of $1 for each additional year searched, which fee shall be paid by the applicant, except as provided by R.S.26:8-63.  The fee for each additional copy 1of the same record ordered at the same time1 shall be $2.

     b. 1[For all searches of the New Jersey State census records, except as otherwise provided herein, the State Registrar shall be entitled to a fee of $2 for each address searched in any census year.] For any non-genealogical search of the files and records of births, deaths, marriages, civil unions or domestic partnerships when the exact date of the event is supplied, along with all other information required on the application for a certification or certified copy of a vital record, whether or not a certification or certified copy is made, the State Registrar shall be entitled to a minimum fee of $4, which shall be paid by the applicant, except as provided by R.S.26:8-63. The fee for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time shall be $2.1

     c. Conduct without fee upon request for administrative use by any city, state, or federal agency, a search for any New Jersey State census entry.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.246, s.26)



     60. R.S.26:8-66 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-66.  The State registrar either personally or by accredited representative, may investigate any case of irregularity or violation of [this chapter, or chapter 6 of this Title (s. 26:6-1 et seq.), as well as chapter 1 of Title 37 of the Revised Statutes] R.S.26:6-1 et seq., R.S.8-1 et seq., R.S.37:1-1 et seq., or P.L.    , c.   (C.      ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill, and every local registrar shall aid him in such investigation.

(cf: P.L.1965, c.78, s.75)



     61.  R.S.26:8-67 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-67.  Duty of [prosecutor of the pleas] county prosecutor.

     When the State registrar shall deem it necessary, he shall report any violation of any provision of [this chapter or chapter 6 of this Title (s.26:6-1 et seq.), as well as chapter 1 of Title 37 of the Revised Statutes] R.S.26:6-1 et seq., R.S.26:8-1 et seq., R.S.37:1-1 et seq. or P.L.    , c.    (C.       )(pending before the Legislature as this bill), to the county prosecutor [of the pleas of the proper county], with a statement of the facts and circumstances.  Upon such report, the county prosecutor [of the pleas] shall forthwith institute and prosecute the necessary proceedings for such alleged violation.

(cf: P.L.1965, c.78, s.76)



     62.  R.S.26:8-68 is amended to read as follows:

     26:8-68. Upon request of the State registrar, the Attorney General shall assist in the enforcement of the provisions of [this chapter and chapter 6 of this Title (s. 26:6-1 et seq.), as well as chapter 1 of Title 37 of the Revised Statutes] R.S.26:6-1 et seq., R.S.26:8-1 et seq., R.S.37:1-1 et seq. or P.L.    , c.   (C.      ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), or the State registrar may direct that local registrars institute proceedings or civil actions in the name of the State department.  Such a proceeding or action may be instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(cf: P.L.1965, c.78, s.77)

63.  N.J.S.2A:34-1 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-1.  Causes for judgments of nullity.

     (1) Judgments of nullity of marriage may be rendered in all cases, when:

     a.  Either of the parties has another wife 1 [or] ,1 husband 1 , partner in a civil union couple or domestic partner1living at the time of  a second or other marriage;

     b.  The parties are within the degrees prohibited by law.  If any such marriage shall not have been annulled during the lifetime of the parties the validity thereof shall not be inquired into after the death of either party.

     c.  The parties, or either of them, were at the time of marriage physically  and incurably impotent, provided the party making the application shall have  been ignorant of such impotency or incapability at the time of the marriage,  and has not subsequently ratified the marriage.

     d.  The parties, or either of them, lacked capacity to marry due to want of  understanding because of mental condition, or the influence of intoxicants,  drugs, or similar agents;  or where there was a lack of mutual assent to the  marital relationship;  duress;  or fraud as to the essentials of marriage;  and  has not subsequently ratified the marriage.

     e.  The demand for such a judgment is by the wife or husband who was under the age of 18 years at the time of the marriage, unless such marriage be confirmed by her or him after arriving at such age.

     f.  Allowable under the general equity jurisdiction of the Superior Court.

     (2) Judgments of nullity of a civil union may be rendered in all cases, when:

     a. Either of the parties has another wife, husband, 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1or domestic partner living at the time of establishing the new civil union or;

     b. The parties are within the degrees prohibited by the law from entering into a marriage or establishing a civil union or domestic partnership.  If any such civil union shall not have been annulled during the lifetime of the parties the validity thereof shall not be inquired into after the death of either party.

     c. The parties, or either of them, lacked capacity to enter into a civil union due to want of understanding because of mental condition, or the influence of intoxicants, drugs, or similar agents; or where there was a lack of mutual assent to the civil union;  duress; or fraud as to the essentials of a civil union; and has not subsequently ratified the civil union.

     d. The demand for such a judgment is by the party who was under the age of 18 years at the time of the civil union, unless such civil union be confirmed by him after arriving at such age.

     e. Allowable under the general equity jurisdiction of the Superior Court.   

(cf: P.L.1971, c.212, s.1)



     64.  (New section). The dissolution of a civil union may be adjudged for the following causes:

     a.     voluntary sexual intercourse between a person who is in a civil union and an individual other than the person's 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1;

     b. willful and continued desertion for a period of 12 or more consecutive months, which may be established by satisfactory proof that the parties have ceased to cohabit as 1[civil union]1 partners 1in a civil union couple1;

     c. extreme cruelty, which is defined as including any physical or mental cruelty that endangers the safety or health of the plaintiff or makes it improper or unreasonable to expect the plaintiff to continue to cohabit with the defendant; except that no complaint for termination shall be filed until after three months from the date of the last act of cruelty complained of in the complaint, but this provision shall not be held to apply to any counterclaim;

     d.  separation, provided that the 1[civil union]1 partners 1in a civil union couple1 have lived separate and apart in different habitations for a period of at least 18 or more consecutive months and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation; and provided further that, after the 18-month period, there shall be a presumption that there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation;

     e.  voluntarily induced addiction or habituation to any narcotic drug, as defined in the "New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act," P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-2) or the "Comprehensive Drug Reform Act of 1987," N.J.S.2C:35-1 et al., or habitual drunkenness for a period of 12 or more consecutive months subsequent to establishment of the civil union and next preceding the filing of the complaint;

     f.  institutionalization for mental illness for a period of 24 or more consecutive months subsequent to establishment of the civil union and next preceding the filing of the complaint; or

     g.  imprisonment of the defendant for 18 or more consecutive months after establishment of the civil union, provided that where the action is not commenced until after the defendant's release, the parties have not resumed cohabitation following the imprisonment.



     65.  N.J.S.2A:34-3 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-3. Causes for divorce from bed and board or legal separation from 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1.

     a. Divorce from bed and board may be adjudged for the same causes as divorce from the bonds of matrimony whenever both parties petition or join in requesting such relief and they or either of them present sufficient proof of such cause or causes to warrant the entry of a judgment of divorce from the bonds of matrimony, provided further that in the case of a reconciliation thereafter the parties may apply for a revocation or suspension of the judgment, and provided further that the granting of a bed and board divorce shall in no way prejudice either party from thereafter applying to the court for a conversion of said divorce to a divorce from the bonds of matrimony, which application shall be granted as a matter of right.

     b.  Legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 may be adjudged for the same causes as dissolution of a civil union whenever both parties petition or join in requesting such relief and they or either of them present sufficient proof of such cause or causes to warrant the entry of a judgment of dissolution of a civil union, provided further that in the case of a reconciliation thereafter the parties may apply for a revocation or suspension of the judgment, and provided further that the granting of a legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 shall in no way prejudice either party from thereafter applying to the court for a conversion of said legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 to a dissolution of a civil union, which application shall be granted as a matter of right.

(cf: P.L.1971, c.212, s.3)

66.  N.J.S.2A:34-6 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-6.  Divorce from bed and board or legal separation from a civil union; property rights

     For and during the time that any judgment for divorce from bed and board or legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 shall remain in force and effect all property rights of the parties shall be as though a judgment of absolute divorce or dissolution had been entered.

     In any property transaction [had] by either of the parties in such status the fact of the existence of such judgment shall be distinctly recited and reference to the public record thereof shall be clearly set forth.

(cf: N.J.S.2A:34-6).     



     67.  N.J.S.2A:34-7 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-7.  Certain defenses abolished.

     Recrimination, condonation and the clean hands doctrine are hereby abolished  as defenses to divorce from the bonds of matrimony [or from] , dissolution of a civil union, divorce from bed and board or legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1, and  if both parties make out grounds for a divorce, dissolution or legal separation a decree may be granted to  each;  provided that nothing herein shall preclude or abrogate the responsibility of a party for the penalty provided by law for perjury or the subornation of perjury.

(cf: P.L.1971, c.212, s.4)



     68.  N.J.S.2A:34-8 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-8.  Jurisdiction stated.

     The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction of all causes of divorce, dissolution of a civil union, bed and board divorce, legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 or nullity when either party is a bona fide resident of this State.  The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction of an action for alimony and maintenance when the defendant is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the court, is a resident of this State, or has tangible or intangible real or  personal property within the jurisdiction of the court. The Superior Court may afford incidental relief as in other cases of an equitable nature and by rule of court may determine the venue of matrimonial and civil union actions.

(cf: P.L.1971, c.212, s.5).        



     69.  N.J.S.2A:34-9 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-9. Jurisdiction in nullity proceedings or dissolution proceedings;  residence requirements; service of process

     Jurisdiction in actions for nullity of marriage or dissolution of a civil union may be acquired when:

     a.     Either party is a bona fide resident of this [state] State at the time of the commencement of the action;  and

     b.    Process is served upon the defendant as prescribed by the rules of the [supreme court] Supreme Court.

(cf: N.J.S.2A:34-9)



     70.  N.J.S.2A:34-10 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-10. Jurisdiction in divorce proceedings, dissolution of a civil union, legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1;  service of process; residence requirements

     Jurisdiction in actions for divorce, either absolute or from bed and board, and in actions for dissolution of a civil union or legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 may be acquired when process is served upon the defendant as prescribed by the rules of the Supreme Court, and

     1.  When, at the time the cause of action arose, either party was a bona fide resident of this State, and has continued so to be down to the time of the commencement of the action; except that no action for absolute divorce or dissolution of a civil union shall be commenced for any cause other than adultery, unless one of the parties has been for the 1 year next preceding the commencement of the action a bona fide resident of this State; or

     2.  When, since the cause of action arose, either party has become, and for  at least 1 year next preceding the commencement of the action has continued to  be, a bona fide resident of this State.

(cf: P.L.1971, c.212, s.6).

71.  N.J.S.2A:34-11 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-11. Jurisdiction by acknowledgment of service of process, appearance, etc.

     In divorce, dissolution and nullity actions, the jurisdiction of the court over the defendant's person for all purposes of the action shall be fully established by the filing of an acknowledgment of service of process, or of an appearance, or of an answer by the defendant pro se, or on his behalf by a duly authorized attorney, in such manner as may be prescribed by rules of the [supreme court] Supreme Court.

(cf: N.J.S.2A:34-11)



     72.  N.J.S.2A:34-12 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-12.  Counterclaims.

     Whenever the court shall have acquired jurisdiction of any action under the provisions of this chapter or P.L.    ,c.   (C.      )(pending before the Legislature as this bill), the defendant therein may, by counterclaim, state any cause of action under this chapter or P.L.    , c.   (C.      ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) which exists at the time of the service of the counterclaim.

(cf: N.J.S.2A:34-12)



     73. N.J.S.2A:34-13 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-13.  Matrimonial or civil union action.

     A person who has attained the age of 16 years may prosecute or defend any matrimonial or civil union action in person or by attorney.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.153, s.1)



     74.  N.J.S.2A:34-14 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-14.  Parent or guardian may prosecute or defend.

     A parent or guardian shall not be precluded by the provisions of this chapter from prosecuting or defending any action respecting the marriage or civil union status or relation of his minor child or ward.

(cf: N.J.S.2A:34-14)



     75.  N.J.S.2A:34-15 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-15.  Co-respondent in adultery or dissolution of a civil union actions

     Where a person is named as co-respondent in a charge of adultery or in a charge giving rise to a cause of action for dissolution of a civil union pursuant to subsection a. of section 1[53] 641 of P.L.  , c.      (C.        )(pending before the Legislature as this bill), the party  making the charge shall give the co-respondent written notice of the charge  within the time and in the manner prescribed by the rules of the [supreme  court]Supreme Court.

     Any such co-respondent shall be entitled to intervene in the action on [the] this particular issue [of adultery].

(cf: N.J.S.2A:34-15)



     76.  N.J.S.2A:34-18 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-18.  Final judgment; appeal

     If after the hearing of any cause the court shall determine that the plaintiff or counterclaimant is entitled to a judgment of nullity of marriage or nullity of a civil union or a judgment for divorce from the bonds of matrimony or judgment for dissolution of a civil union, a final judgment shall be entered.

     Appeals shall be taken only from the final judgment.

(cf: P.L.1969, c.82, s.1)



     77.  N.J.S.2A:34-21 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-21.  Surname.  

     The court, upon or after granting a divorce from the bonds of matrimony to either spouse or dissolution of a civil union to either partner1in a civil union couple1, may allow either spouse or partner1in a civil union couple1 to resume any name used by the spouse or partner1in a civil union couple1 before the marriage or civil union, or to assume any surname.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.153, s.2)

78.  N.J.S.2A:34-23 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-23  Alimony, maintenance.

     Pending any matrimonial action or action for dissolution of a civil union brought in this State or elsewhere, or after judgment of divorce or dissolution or maintenance, whether obtained in this State or elsewhere, the court may make such order as to the alimony or maintenance of the parties, and also as to the care, custody, education and maintenance of the children, or any of them, as the circumstances of the parties and the nature of the case shall render fit, reasonable and just, and require reasonable security for the due observance of such orders, including, but not limited to, the creation of trusts or other security devices, to assure payment of reasonably foreseeable medical and educational expenses. Upon neglect or refusal to give such reasonable security, as shall be required, or upon default in complying with any such order, the court may award and issue process for the immediate sequestration of the personal estate, and the rents and profits of the real estate of the party so charged, and appoint a receiver thereof, and cause such personal estate and the rents and profits of such real estate, or so much thereof as shall be necessary, to be applied toward such alimony and maintenance as to the said court shall from time to time seem reasonable and just; or the performance of the said orders may be enforced by other ways according to the practice of the court. Orders so made may be revised and altered by the court from time to time as circumstances may require.

     The court may order one party to pay a retainer on behalf of the other for expert and legal services when the respective financial circumstances of the parties make the award reasonable and just.  In considering an application, the court shall review the financial capacity of each party to conduct the litigation and the criteria for award of counsel fees that are then pertinent as set forth by court rule.  Whenever any other application is made to a court which includes an application for pendente lite or final award of counsel fees, the court shall determine the appropriate award for counsel fees, if any, at the same time that a decision is rendered on the other issue then before the court and shall consider the factors set forth in the court rule on counsel fees, the financial circumstances of the parties, and the good or bad faith of either party.

     a. In determining the amount to be paid by a parent for support of the child and the period during which the duty of support is owed, the court in those cases not governed by court rule shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors:

     (1)   Needs of the child;

     (2)   Standard of living and economic circumstances of each parent;

     (3)   All sources of income and assets of each parent;

     (4)   Earning ability of each parent, including educational background, training, employment skills, work experience, custodial responsibility for children including the cost of providing child care and the length of time and cost of each parent to obtain training or experience for appropriate employment;

     (5)   Need and capacity of the child for education, including higher education;

     (6)   Age and health of the child and each parent;

     (7)   Income, assets and earning ability of the child;

     (8)   Responsibility of the parents for the court-ordered support of others;

     (9)   Reasonable debts and liabilities of each child and parent; and

     (10) Any other factors the court may deem relevant.

     The obligation to pay support for a child who has not been emancipated by the court shall not terminate solely on the basis of the child's age if the child suffers from a severe mental or physical incapacity that causes the child to be financially dependent on a parent.  The obligation to pay support for that child shall continue until the court finds that the child is relieved of the incapacity or is no longer financially dependent on the parent.  However, in assessing the financial obligation of the parent, the court shall consider, in addition to the factors enumerated in this section, the child's eligibility for public benefits and services for people with disabilities and may make such orders, including an order involving the creation of a trust, as are necessary to promote the well-being of the child.

     As used in this section "severe mental or physical incapacity" shall not include a child's abuse of, or addiction to, alcohol or controlled substances.

     b.    In all actions brought for divorce, dissolution of a civil union, divorce from bed and board, legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 or nullity the court may award one or more of the following types of alimony: permanent alimony; rehabilitative alimony; limited duration alimony or reimbursement alimony to either party.  In so doing the court shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors:

     (1)   The actual need and ability of the parties to pay;

     (2)   The duration of the marriage or civil union;

     (3)   The age, physical and emotional health of the parties;

     (4)   The standard of living established in the marriage or civil union and the likelihood that each party can maintain a reasonably comparable standard of living;

     (5)   The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties;

     (6)   The length of absence from the job market of the party seeking maintenance;

     (7)   The parental responsibilities for the children;

     (8)   The time and expense necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking maintenance to find appropriate employment, the availability of the training and employment, and the opportunity for future acquisitions of capital assets and income;

     (9)   The history of the financial or non-financial contributions to the marriage or civil union by each party including contributions to the care and education of the children and interruption of personal careers or educational opportunities;

     (10) The equitable distribution of property ordered and any payouts on equitable distribution, directly or indirectly, out of current income, to the extent this consideration is reasonable, just and fair;

     (11) The income available to either party through investment of any assets held by that party;

     (12) The tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award, including the designation of all or a portion of the payment as a non-taxable payment; and

     (13) Any other factors which the court may deem relevant.

     When a share of a retirement benefit is treated as an asset for purposes of equitable distribution, the court shall not consider income generated thereafter by that share for purposes of determining alimony.

c.     In any case in which there is a request for an award of permanent alimony, the court shall consider and make specific findings on the evidence about the above factors.  If the court determines that an award of permanent alimony is not warranted, the court shall make specific findings on the evidence setting out the reasons therefor.  The court shall then consider whether alimony is appropriate for any or all of the following: (1) limited duration; (2) rehabilitative; (3) reimbursement.  In so doing, the court shall consider and make specific findings on the evidence about factors set forth above.  The court shall not award limited duration alimony as a substitute for permanent alimony in those cases where permanent alimony would otherwise be awarded.

     An award of alimony for a limited duration may be modified based either upon changed circumstances, or upon the nonoccurrence of circumstances that the court found would occur at the time of the award.  The court may modify the amount of such an award, but shall not modify the length of the term except in unusual circumstances.

     In determining the length of the term, the court shall consider the length of time it would reasonably take for the recipient to improve his or her earning capacity to a level where limited duration alimony is no longer appropriate.

     d.    Rehabilitative alimony shall be awarded based upon a plan in which the payee shows the scope of rehabilitation, the steps to be taken, and the time frame, including a period of employment during which rehabilitation will occur.  An award of rehabilitative alimony may be modified based either upon changed circumstances, or upon the nonoccurrence of circumstances that the court found would occur at the time of the rehabilitative award.

     This section is not intended to preclude a court from modifying permanent alimony awards based upon the law.

     e.     Reimbursement alimony may be awarded under circumstances in which one party supported the other through an advanced education, anticipating participation in the fruits of the earning capacity generated by that education.  

     f.     Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the court's authority to award permanent alimony, limited duration alimony, rehabilitative alimony or reimbursement alimony, separately or in any combination, as warranted by the circumstances of the parties and the nature of the case.

     g.     In all actions for divorce or dissolution other than those where judgment is granted solely on the ground of separation the court may consider also the proofs made in establishing such ground in determining an amount of alimony or maintenance that is fit, reasonable and just.  In all actions for divorce [or] , dissolution of civil union, divorce from bed and board, legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 where judgment is granted on the ground of institutionalization for mental illness the court may consider the possible burden upon the taxpayers of the State as well as the ability of the party to pay in determining an amount of maintenance to be awarded.

     h.     In all actions where a judgment of divorce [or] , dissolution of civil union, divorce from bed and board or legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 is entered the court may make such award or awards to the parties, in addition to alimony and maintenance, to effectuate an equitable distribution of the property, both real and personal, which was legally and beneficially acquired by them or either of them during the marriage or civil union. However, all such property, real, personal or otherwise, legally or beneficially acquired during the marriage or civil union by either party by way of gift, devise, or intestate succession shall not be subject to equitable distribution, except that interspousal gifts or gifts between 1[parties to a civil union] partners in a civil union couple1 shall be subject to equitable distribution.

(cf: P.L.2005, c.171, s.1)



     79.  Section 1 of P.L.1997,c.405 (C.2A:34-23d) is amended to read as follows:

     1.    Maintenance of certain insurance coverage in action for divorce or dissolution.

     a.     Upon filing of a complaint for an action for divorce, dissolution, nullity or separate maintenance, where the custody, visitation or support of a minor child is an issue, the party who has maintained all existing insurance coverage or coverage traditionally maintained during the marriage or civil union, including but not limited to, all health, disability, home or life insurance, shall continue to maintain or continue to share in the cost of maintaining the coverage.

     b.    If a party who has maintained the existing insurance coverage or has shared in the cost of maintaining the coverage has had a voluntary or involuntary change in employment status, which may cause the existing insurance coverage to terminate, then that party shall notify the other party that it may be necessary to reallocate the financial responsibilities of maintaining the coverage.

     c.     Upon receipt of this notice, the party may petition the court to reallocate financial responsibilities.

     d.    The court may take any action it deems appropriate to reallocate financial responsibilities including but not limited to ordering a party to obtain comparable coverage or releasing a party
from the obligation or any other order.

(cf: P.L.1997, c.405, s.1)

80. 1[N.J.S.2A:34-23.1]Section 4 of P.L.1988, c.153 (C.2A:34-23.1)1 is amended to read as follows:

     1[2A:34-23.1  Equitable distribution criteria.]1

     4.    In making an equitable distribution of property, the court shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors:

     a.     The duration of the marriage or civil union;

     b.    The age and physical and emotional health of the parties;

     c.     The income or property brought to the marriage or civil union by each party;

     d.    The standard of living established during the marriage or civil union;

     e.     Any written agreement made by the parties before or during the marriage or civil union concerning an arrangement of property distribution;

     f.     The economic circumstances of each party at the time the division of property becomes effective;

     g.     The income and earning capacity of each party, including educational background, training, employment skills, work experience, length of absence from the job market, custodial responsibilities for children, and the time and expense necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party to become self-supporting at a standard of living reasonably comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage or civil union;

     h.     The contribution by each party to the education, training or earning power of the other;

     i.      The contribution of each party to the acquisition, dissipation, preservation, depreciation or appreciation in the amount or value of the marital property, or the property acquired during the civil union as well as the contribution of a party as a homemaker;

     j.     The tax consequences of the proposed distribution to each party;

     k.    The present value of the property;

     l.      The need of a parent who has physical custody of a child to own or occupy the marital residence or residence shared by the 1[parties to a civil union] partners in a civil union couple1 and to use or own the household effects;

     m.    The debts and liabilities of the parties;

     n.     The need for creation, now or in the future, of a trust fund to secure reasonably foreseeable medical or educational costs for a spouse, partner 1in a civil union couple1or children;

     o.    The extent to which a party deferred achieving their career goals; and

     p.    Any other factors which the court may deem relevant.

     In every case, the court shall make specific findings of fact on the evidence relevant to all issues pertaining to asset eligibility or ineligibility, asset valuation, and equitable distribution, including specifically, but not limited to, the factors set forth in this section.

     It shall be a rebuttable presumption that each party made a substantial financial or nonfinancial contribution to the acquisition of income and property while the party was married.

(cf: P.L.1997, c.407, s.1).        



     81.  Section 1 of P.L.1954, c.187 (C.2A:34-24.1) is amended to read as follows:

     1. Court-ordered support, maintenance.

     When a spouse or 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 has secured a judgment or decree of divorce, whether absolute or from bed and board,  dissolution of a civil union, legal separation from a 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1, or of nullity or annulment of marriage or civil union, in an action whether brought in this State or elsewhere, wherein jurisdiction over the person of the other spouse or the other 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1 was not obtained, the court may make the same orders and judgments touching the suitable support and maintenance to be paid and provided by the spouse or 1[civil union partner] partner in a civil union couple1, or to be made out of the spouse's or partner’s property, for the other spouse or partner and their children, or any of them, by their marriage or civil union and for such time, as the nature of the case and circumstances of the parties render suitable and proper, pursuant to the provisions of chapter 34 of Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes notwithstanding the securing of such judgment or decree.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.153, s.6)

82.  N.J.S.2A:34-25.  Termination of alimony.

     2A:34-25. If after the judgment of divorce or dissolution a former spouse shall remarry or a former partner shall enter into a new civil union, permanent and limited duration alimony shall terminate as of the date of remarriage or new civil union except that any arrearages that have accrued prior to the date of remarriage or new civil union shall not be vacated or annulled. A former spouse or 1[civil union partner] former partner in a civil union couple1 who remarries 1or enters into a new civil union1 shall  promptly so inform the spouse or partner paying permanent or limited duration alimony as well as the collecting agency, if any.  The court may order such alimony recipient who fails to comply with the notification provision of this act to pay any reasonable attorney fees and court costs incurred by the recipient's former spouse or partner as a result of such non-compliance.

     The remarriage or establishment of a new civil union of a former spouse or partner receiving rehabilitative or reimbursement alimony shall not be cause for termination of such alimony by the court unless the court finds that the circumstances upon which the award was based have not occurred or unless the payer spouse or partner demonstrates an agreement or good cause to the contrary.

     Alimony shall terminate upon the death of the payer spouse or partner, except that any arrearages that have accrued prior to the date of the payer spouse's or partner’s death shall not be vacated or annulled.

     Nothing in this act shall be construed to prohibit a court from ordering either spouse or partner to maintain life insurance for the protection of the former spouse, partner, or the children of the marriage or civil union in the event of the payer spouse's or partner’s death.

(cf: P.L.1999, c.199, s.2)         



     83.  N.J.S.2A:34-26 is amended to read as follows:

     2A:34-26.    Attachment of property.  

     When a spouse or1[civil union partner] one partner in a civil union couple1 cannot be found within this State to be served with process, the spouse's or partner’s estate, property and effects within this State and the rents and profits thereof may be attached to compel the spouse's or partner’s appearance and performance of any judgment or order which may be made in the action.  Where the proceedings are by process of attachment and the defendant does not appear, the judgment shall be enforceable only out of and against the property attached.

(cf: P.L.1988,c.153, s.8)

84.  N.J.S.22A:2-10 is amended to read as follows:

     22A:2-10. Chancery Division of Superior Court; costs awarded.

     Upon the completion and determination of the following actions and proceedings in the Chancery Division of the Superior Court, the costs awarded to a party therein for the drawing of papers, including orders, writs and judgments, shall be as stated below:

      Plaintiff's costs, foreclosure ..........                           $50.00

      Plaintiff's costs, partition ..........                                  70.00

      Plaintiff's and receiver's costs, receivership ..........    125.00

      Plaintiff's costs, receivership ..........                           62.50

      Receiver's costs, receivership ..........                           62.50

      Plaintiff's costs, divorce, dissolution of civil               

       union, nullity, custody ..........                                      30.00

      Plaintiff's costs, causes of action for other relief ......      65.00

      Plaintiff's costs, incompetency action ..........                  47.50

      Plaintiff's costs, sale of lands of infant or incompetent   50.00

      Plaintiff's costs, release of dower or curtesy ..........        50.00

      Plaintiff's costs, mortgage lands of an infant or

                incompetent ..                                                           .   50.00

      Plaintiff's costs, interpleader ..........                                35.00

      Plaintiff's costs, appointment of tax receiver ..........       27.50

      Plaintiff's costs, actions for payment of money

           into court; to hold real estate; to limit creditors .......  22.50

      Plaintiff's costs, action for appointment of trustee

           or substituted trustee ..........                                        33.50

      Costs on contempt proceedings ..........                             25.00

      Costs on application to fix dower or curtesy ......             22.50

      Costs on application to pay moneys out of court ........     23.50

      Costs on application for instructions, or to

           approve account ..........                                                30.00

      Costs on application for writ of execution ..........             10.00

     Costs on application for relief from final judgment

     or,in a matrimonial cause from judgment

     nisi or order..                                                                       20.00

      Costs on application for writ of possession .........              30.00

      Costs on application for alimony pendente lite,

           attorney fee, suit money ......                                          20.00

Defendant's costs where final judgment is taken by him ...      30.00

Defendant's costs where final judgment is not taken by him    20.00

      Costs upon any other litigated or special motion,

     subsidiary or interlocutory, not heretofore provided for ...   20.00

(cf: N.J.S.22A:2-10)



     85. N.J.S.22A:2-12 is amended to read as follows:  

     22A:2-12. Payment of fees in Chancery Division of Superior Court upon filing of first paper. Upon the filing of the first paper in any action or proceeding in the Chancery Division of the Superior Court, there shall be paid to the clerk of the court, for the use of the State, the following fees, which, except as hereinafter provided, shall constitute the entire fees to be collected by the clerk for the use of the State, down to the final disposition of the cause:

     Receivership and partition, $200.00.

     All other actions and proceedings except in probate cases and actions and proceedings for divorce or dissolution of a civil union union, $200.00.

     Actions and proceedings for divorce or dissolution of civil union, $250.00, $25.00 of which shall be forwarded by the Clerk of the Superior Court as provided in section 2 of P.L.1993, c.188 (C.52:27D-43.24a).

     Any person filing a motion in any action or proceeding shall pay to the clerk $30.00.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.117, s.41)



     86.  Section 2 of  P.L.1993, c.188 (C.52:27D-43.24a) is amended to read as follows:

     2.    Forwarding of filing fee.The Clerk of the Superior Court shall forward $25.00 of the $250.00 filing fee for a divorce or a dissolution of a civil union provided for in N.J.S.22A:2-12 on a quarterly basis to the Department of Community Affairs.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.117, s.42)