About Burlington County

Burlington County is one of New Jersey's largest and most geographically diverse counties, stretching across 805 square miles from the eastern banks of the Delaware River all the way to the pine-covered expanses of the New Jersey Pinelands. This remarkable range gives the county a dual character: a densely developed western corridor filled with suburban communities, retail centers, and commuter neighborhoods, and a vast, sparsely populated eastern interior dominated by the protected forests, wetlands, and bogs of the Pinelands National Reserve. Few counties in the northeastern United States can claim such a dramatic contrast between urban accessibility and genuine wilderness within a single boundary. Home to approximately 461,860 residents, Burlington County is one of the more populous counties in New Jersey, drawing families and professionals who value its proximity to both Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore while still enjoying a relatively affordable cost of living compared to neighboring counties closer to New York City. Communities like Moorestown, Medford, Evesham, and Mount Laurel have grown substantially over the past few decades, attracting residents with strong public school systems, well-maintained parks, and a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. The county's population reflects this suburban appeal, with a well-educated workforce and a diverse demographic profile that continues to evolve. The county seat is Mount Holly, a historic borough with roots stretching back to the colonial era, featuring a compact downtown with preserved 18th-century architecture and a close-knit community atmosphere. Economically, Burlington County benefits from a broad base that includes healthcare, retail, logistics, defense contracting, and light manufacturing. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, one of the largest military installations on the East Coast, sits within the county and serves as a major employer while contributing significantly to the regional economy. Major highway corridors including the New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 295, and Route 38 make Burlington County a logistics hub, supporting warehousing and distribution operations that have expanded rapidly in recent years.

Practice Areas in Burlington County

Courts in Burlington County

Burlington County is served by the Burlington County Superior Court, located at the Burlington County Court Facility at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060, which handles civil litigation, family law matters including divorce and child custody, criminal trials, and probate and estate proceedings. The Superior Court also includes a dedicated Family Division and a Chancery Division handling complex equity matters. For municipal-level offenses such as traffic violations, disorderly persons offenses, and local ordinance infractions, residents appear before one of Burlington County's many municipal courts, each operated by individual townships and boroughs such as Evesham Township Municipal Court, Mount Laurel Municipal Court, and Moorestown Municipal Court, among others. The Burlington County Surrogate's Court, also located in Mount Holly, handles wills, estate administration, and guardianship matters. While Burlington County does not have a standalone federal district courthouse within its borders, federal matters involving county residents are heard at the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, with the nearest federal courthouse located in Camden.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Burlington County

In Burlington County, the vast majority of legal matters—including criminal charges under New Jersey law, family disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts, personal injury claims, and traffic offenses—are handled by the New Jersey Superior Court or local municipal courts, which operate under state jurisdiction. Federal jurisdiction applies in a narrower set of circumstances, such as cases involving federal crimes, civil rights violations under federal statutes, bankruptcy filings, immigration matters, or lawsuits between parties from different states where the amount in dispute exceeds $75,000. When federal jurisdiction applies to Burlington County residents or businesses, those cases are filed with and heard by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has courthouses in Camden, Newark, and Trenton and covers the entire state. Understanding which court system has authority over a particular matter is a critical first step in any legal dispute, and an experienced attorney can help Burlington County residents determine the appropriate forum for their case.

Common Legal Situations in Burlington County

Burlington County residents encounter a wide range of legal situations shaped by the county's suburban character, active road network, and diverse economy. Traffic and motor vehicle offenses are among the most frequent legal matters, given the volume of commuters traveling along major routes like I-295, the New Jersey Turnpike, and Route 130, with speeding tickets, DUI charges, and license suspension issues being particularly common. Family law matters including divorce, child custody modifications, child support disputes, and domestic violence restraining orders represent a significant portion of court activity, reflecting the county's large population of families with children. The presence of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst also gives rise to unique legal needs for military personnel and their families, including issues related to deployment, benefits, and military divorce. Employment disputes, landlord-tenant disagreements in the county's growing rental market, personal injury claims arising from car accidents and slip-and-fall incidents, and estate planning and probate matters round out the most common legal challenges facing Burlington County residents.

Why Go To Court for Burlington County Legal Matters

Go To Court provides Burlington County residents with immediate access to experienced legal professionals through a free 24/7 hotline, meaning help is available whether you receive a summons late on a Friday night or need urgent advice about a custody situation over a holiday weekend. The team serving Burlington County brings broad experience across criminal defense, family law, traffic matters, civil litigation, and more, ensuring that residents can find knowledgeable guidance no matter what legal challenge they face. Go To Court is also working to introduce fixed-fee legal services, giving clients greater transparency and predictability in legal costs at a time when many people are concerned about the expense of hiring an attorney. Choosing Go To Court means Burlington County residents gain a reliable, accessible, and client-focused legal partner committed to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Free — available now

In Burlington County and have a legal question?

Call our free hotline right now — available 24/7, no obligation.

Call free now

Frequently Asked Questions

I received a traffic ticket in Burlington County. Do I have to go to court, or can I just pay the fine?

For many minor traffic infractions in Burlington County, you have the option to simply pay the fine without appearing in court, but doing so is treated as a guilty plea and will result in points being added to your New Jersey driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension, higher insurance premiums, and additional surcharges, so it is often worth consulting an attorney before deciding how to handle the ticket. An experienced traffic attorney may be able to negotiate a reduced charge or dismissal that keeps points off your record.

How does child custody work in Burlington County if my spouse and I cannot agree?

When parents in Burlington County cannot reach a custody agreement on their own, the matter is decided by the Burlington County Superior Court Family Division, which applies New Jersey's 'best interests of the child' standard to determine both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). The court will consider factors such as each parent's ability to care for the child, the child's relationship with each parent, the stability of each home environment, and the child's own preferences if they are of sufficient age and maturity. Mediation is often required before a custody case proceeds to a hearing, and having a family law attorney advocate on your behalf can make a significant difference in the outcome.

What happens if I am charged with a DUI in Burlington County?

A DUI charge in Burlington County is handled first at the municipal court level if it involves a violation of New Jersey's DUI statute, and the consequences can include license suspension, substantial fines, mandatory participation in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program, and potential jail time for repeat offenders. New Jersey does not treat DUI as a criminal offense in the traditional sense, meaning it does not appear as a criminal conviction on your record, but it does carry serious administrative and financial penalties. Speaking with a DUI defense attorney promptly after a charge is critical, as there are procedural and evidentiary challenges that may be available to contest the stop, the breathalyzer results, or the officer's observations.

Can I handle a landlord-tenant dispute in Burlington County without a lawyer?

Tenants and landlords in Burlington County can represent themselves in landlord-tenant matters heard at the Burlington County Special Civil Part, and many straightforward cases such as small security deposit disputes are handled by self-represented parties. However, eviction proceedings, habitability claims, and cases involving significant sums of money can become legally complex, and having an attorney ensures that your rights under New Jersey's landlord-tenant laws—which are notably tenant-protective—are fully understood and enforced. Whether you are a tenant facing eviction or a landlord dealing with a non-paying tenant, legal guidance can help you navigate the process more efficiently and avoid procedural mistakes that could harm your case.

How do I start the probate process for a family member's estate in Burlington County?

Probate in Burlington County is initiated through the Burlington County Surrogate's Court located in Mount Holly, where you will file the original will (if one exists), a death certificate, and the appropriate application forms to have an executor or administrator formally appointed to manage the estate. New Jersey has a relatively streamlined probate process for estates with a valid will, and small estates may qualify for simplified procedures that avoid full probate altogether. An estate planning or probate attorney can help you determine whether formal probate is necessary, guide you through the filing requirements, and assist with addressing any creditor claims or disputes among beneficiaries that may arise during the process.

Neighbouring Counties

Burlington County is bordered by Mercer County to the northwest, Monmouth County to the northeast, Ocean County to the east, Atlantic County to the southeast, Camden County to the southwest, and Gloucester County to the west, as well as sharing a border with Bucks County, Pennsylvania along the Delaware River to the west.