Marriage counseling or couples therapy is the process of spouses working with a trained professional (usually a psychologist) to resolve problems in their relationship, with the goal of saving the relationship and marriage. Marriage counseling is generally not required before getting divorced, but in some states courts have the discretion to require couples seeking a divorce to engage in marriage counseling—although this is rare. And in some states the court may order the spouses to attend marriage counseling if one spouse requests it. But because a spouse is generally entitled to a divorce on no-fault grounds (without claiming or proving fault in the breakup of the marriage), marriage counseling is not usually a significant factor in the divorce process, and if one spouse wants a divorce, it will be granted.

In New Jersey, marriage counseling or couples therapy is a voluntary process where spouses work with a trained therapist to address issues in their relationship. While New Jersey courts may suggest or recommend marriage counseling during divorce proceedings, it is not a legal requirement for obtaining a divorce. The state operates under the principle of no-fault divorce, which means that a spouse can file for divorce without the need to prove fault or wrongdoing by the other party. Therefore, even if one spouse is interested in marriage counseling, if the other spouse wants a divorce, the court will not force them to undergo counseling, and the divorce will likely be granted. It's important to note that while marriage counseling is not a legal requirement, the court may take the willingness to attend counseling into consideration when making decisions related to the divorce, such as child custody arrangements.