By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County officials have officially opened the new Essex County Wynona Lipman Family Courthouse, a 267,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility located at 350 University Avenue. 
According to a statement released by Essex County officials, the courthouse replaces the former Family Court space at the Wilentz Building and was named in honor of the late Senator Wynona Lipman, a trailblazer for women’s and children’s rights in New Jersey.
Senator Lipman, the first African American woman to serve in the New Jersey State Senate, championed legislation that laid the foundation for today’s domestic violence and family laws.
Her daughter, Karen Lipman, and several elected officials praised the dedication, calling it a fitting tribute to a woman who gave voice to the voiceless.
According to the county’s statement, the building includes 22 courtrooms (19 for Family Court and 3 for Children-in-Court matters), hearing rooms, interview and mediation spaces, child play areas, and offices for support services such as the Prosecutor’s Office and CASA.
A bronze statue and commemorative plaque in the building’s lobby honor Lipman’s legacy, which includes over 145 laws aimed at improving lives across the state. 
Construction of the $172.6 million building began in 2023 and was led by Comito Associates and Dobco Inc., with financing through the Essex County Improvement Authority.