Civil trials and divorce proceedings remain on pause in four counties as New Jersey’s court system continues to grapple with a deepening judicial vacancy crisis. It has been a problem for almost a year and lawmakers have not responded with much urgency. There are about 60 vacancies on the bench statewide, far more than what court leaders have said is acceptable.

The Senate is currently sitting on 18 nominees put forward by Gov. Phil Murphy, despite Senate President Nick Scutari saying in June that he was considering calling an emergency session to hold confirmation hearings. That never happened, and it’s unclear when the pending nominations will be heard.

Some lawmakers, including Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Morris), say Murphy deserves more of the blame for not putting forward more nominees.

“Families are really in crisis at this point and we need to get judges appointed to help serve the public,” said family law attorney Candice Drisgula.