The Law Office of Jennifer Marshall, Esq.
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Jennifer Marshall, LLC
The Piscataway divorce process involves court filings, financial disclosures, negotiations, and, ultimately, a final hearing. The Law Office of Jennifer Marshall, Esq, represents people across Middlesex County with both contested and uncontested divorces, helping them meet deadlines, fulfill legal requirements, and protect their rights.
Whether your case involves children, shared property, or alimony, an experienced divorce attorney can make the difficult process more manageable. Without the right representation and advice, you can easily make mistakes that jeopardize your future, including your finances and parental rights. Contact our firm about your divorce today.
The divorce process in Piscataway begins when one person files a Complaint for Divorce under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2. The complaint outlines the grounds for divorce and what relief is being sought regarding child custody, property division, or spousal support.
New Jersey recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds, though most people choose no-fault grounds for simplicity. Fault-based grounds mean a much more complicated process, but such grounds are beneficial in some situations. Discuss divorce grounds with our divorce attorney.
Once filed, the complaint must be served to the other spouse along with a Summons. The court allows service by mail, sheriff’s office, or a private process server. Your divorce lawyer will take care of this for you. After service, the responding spouse has thirty-five days to answer or file a counterclaim.
After both sides are aware of the divorce proceedings, the next requirement is filing a Case Information Statement (CIS). This document is a financial disclosure covering income, expenses, assets, debts, and monthly budgets. The CIS is mandatory and used to evaluate issues like spousal support or equitable distribution.
Under New Jersey Court Rule 5:5-2, the CIS must be filed within twenty days after the Answer or Appearance. Both parties are required to submit this form honestly and completely. Failure to do so can result in sanctions or unfavorable rulings.
If there are disputes about finances, custody, or other matters, your divorce case will enter what’s called the discovery phase. This is when both parties exchange documents, send questions (interrogatories), or request depositions (recorded interviews). Discovery helps each side understand the facts before trial or settlement.
For contested issues, you will also attend an Early Settlement Panel (ESP). In Middlesex County, ESP sessions are held at the courthouse with volunteer attorneys reviewing the case. The panel makes non-binding recommendations based on the evidence.
While you are not required to accept the panel’s suggestion, courts often view it as a benchmark. If both parties reject the recommendation, the case may be scheduled for trial or referred to mediation. Legal precedent reinforces that fairness and full disclosure are required during the settlement process.
Once the MSA is filed or all issues are resolved, the court will schedule a final hearing. In uncontested matters, this is usually a brief appearance where a judge reviews the paperwork and grants the divorce. Your divorce attorney will represent you in this hearing.
At the hearing, the person who filed will answer basic questions under oath to confirm the contents of the complaint and agreement. The judge will issue a Final Judgment of Divorce, officially ending the marriage under New Jersey law.
Jennifer Marshall has practiced law since 2007 and currently serves as a public defender in Metuchen. She is a former criminal justice professor, has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who, and has served on the District VIII Fee Arbitration Committee. Clients frequently describe her as dedicated, strategic, and incredibly responsive to their concerns.
Contact our office to set up a free legal consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer to discuss the Piscataway Divorce Process and your legal options today.
The Law Office of Jennifer Marshall, Esq.
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