Once you have decided divorce is necessary for you, there are steps that you must take. Consulting a good divorce lawyer should be one of your first steps. Depending on your own unique situation, you or your spouse must also have been a resident of New Jersey for at least one year prior to filing for divorce. There are various grounds for filing; including adultery, cruelty, desertion, substance abuse and mental illness, among others. If you have children, there is also custody to consider and child support. Distribution of material property and assets will have to be arranged, and possibly alimony, also known as spousal support, as well.
There is also a “no-fault” divorce possible in NJ, as well as, a type called “collaborative”. In a “no-fault” case, separation and/or irreconcilable differences are agreed upon. This should make a divorce faster and more economical and, hopefully, not as combative.
In collaborative divorce, spouses and their attorneys co-operate with one another and a team of other experts. The experts are agreed upon by both parties. These types of divorce through mediation, can require less time in court and end in some more creative solutions than might otherwise happen.
No matter what your situation is, speaking with an experienced divorce attorney will inform you on the divorce process and let you know what to expect. At the Law Office of Jennifer Marshall, Esq., we understand how confusing and perplexing a divorce can be. Our Middlesex County divorce lawyers are straight-forward with our clients and have extensive knowledge on New Jersey family law. If you or a loved one is looking for an honest, upfront and knowledgeable divorce attorney, call our law office today to schedule a consultation with no obligation!