roommate not paying rent...

I have a roommate that signed a 12 month lease with me that extends through march. He basically does not stay hear anymore and it is like pulling teeth to get his half of the rent. I live in NJ. I want to know if I can just pay my half of our rent and not be liable in court if he doesn't pay his half? Late charges as well? I pay by personal check and would have proof of my payment each month. What can I do?

If you two are on the same lease, you probably are separately and jointly liable for all obligations under the lease. (This is standard on most leases.) This means if the roommate doesn't pay, you need to. The LL is entitled to the full amount of rent and will probably evict if rent is not paid in full. You cannot just pay your half since each of you are responsible for all the costs. Pay the rent in full to the LL. If the roommate moves out, you still need to pay the full rent. If rent is not paid in full, late fees will apply and you will be liable for those as well.

What you can do is to sue your roommate in small claims court to get him to pay you whatever portions of the rent and any utilities that he owes. If he fails to pay, file suit against him.