Tewksbury Divorce Lawyers
Divorcing is often a daunting and overwhelming experience, even in the best of circumstances. Numerous important issues must be resolved during a divorce, including concerns for children, property division, and spousal support.
Many issues that arise during a divorce can be difficult, emotional, and lead to heated disputes. Our seasoned Tewksbury divorce lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC, are compassionate and dedicated advocates providing experienced counsel and guidance through each phase of the process and ensure your legal rights and best interests are protected throughout.
We assist clients with all facets of divorce-related legal matters, including alimony, child custody and support, mediation, modifications and appeals, domestic violence, prenuptial agreements, and high asset divorce.
What Are New Jersey’s Residency Requirements to Divorce?
To file for a divorce, at least one spouse must have lived in New Jersey for 12 consecutive months prior filing. The residency requirement is waived if the divorce is based on the grounds of adultery.
Do I Have to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
You are not required to hire a divorce lawyer in New Jersey, however, working with a knowledgeable attorney is in your best interests and may be necessary in certain circumstances for complex issues such as infidelity or child custody.
How Long Does It Take to Divorce in New Jersey?
The length of time it takes to finalize a divorce in New Jersey varies depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, cooperation between the parties, and court availability. On average, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year.
What Is the Difference Between an Uncontested and Contested Divorce?
Divorces in New Jersey are either uncontested, also known as ‘no-fault,” divorce, and contested, or “fault” divorce. Most New Jersey divorces are uncontested on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences,” with no further grounds of explanations required for those differences. Uncontested divorces tend to conclude much quicker and have fewer overall costs.
Contested divorces must be based on New Jersey’s grounds for divorce, which include abandonment, adultery, alcohol or drug addition, desertion, deviant sexual behavior, domestic violence, mental abuse, extreme mental or physical cruelty, imprisonment, or institutionalization.
If you choose to file for a contested divorce, you will be responsible for proving your claims. Contested divorces are more complex, and hiring an experienced divorce lawyer is recommended.
Do We Both Have to Agree to a Divorce?
Both spouses are not required to agree to divorce in New Jersey. One spouse’s consent is sufficient, but it is best, and less time-consuming and expensive for both spouses to work together to settle the terms privately outside of court. However, divorces are not considered uncontested if one spouse does not agree to dissolve the marriage or refuses to sign the settlement agreement. Though a divorce can proceed without the agreement or signature of both parties if necessary.
What Is the Process of Filing for Divorce?
To begin divorcing, one spouse files the divorce petition with the court outlining the grounds for divorce and serves the other spouse, who has 35 days to respond or file a counterclaim. Once received, the divorce proceeds through discovery of required information, mediation, negotiations, or trial to address and agree on all issues, such as property division, child custody, and alimony.
How Is Marital Property Divided?
New Jersey is an equitable property state, and marital assets and debts are divided fairly, not equally. Martial property includes the family home, financial accounts, investments, business interests, vehicles, retirement accounts, and more. The court considers several factors when determining division of assets, including:
- Marriage length and standard of living
- Current age and health of each spouse
- Both spouse’s income and earning capacity
- Individual economic circumstances
- Amount and value of marital property
- Each spouse’s separate property prior to the marriage
- Pre- or post-nuptial agreements
- Any other relevant factors
How Is Child Custody Determined in New Jersey?
Custody determinations are based on the best interests of the child. The court considers factors such as the child’s needs and physical and emotional well-being, their relationship with each parent, the parents’ fitness and ability to cooperate. In some instances, the court will consider an older child’s living preferences based on age, maturity, best interests, and reasons for the preference.
Can I Modify a Divorce Agreement or Court Order?
Depending on the circumstances, it is possible to modify divorce agreements and court orders, such as child custody or support, alimony, or visitation agreements if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the agreement was originally established.
How Can Tune Law Group, LLC Help With My Divorce?
Our compassionate and dedicated divorce lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC can provide you with the guidance and representation you need during the challenges of divorcing. We will work diligently to protect your rights, advocate for your best interests, and help you achieve the best possible outcome. Some of the ways we can assist you with your divorce include, but are not limited to:
- Establish grounds for divorce
- File all required documents with the court per state guidelines
- Compile and valuate assets and debts
- Establish an equitable distribution of marital property
- Assess alimony needs
- Calculate child support
- Develop child custody and co-parenting arrangements
- Negotiate a settlement agreement between spouses
- Represent you in court
How Much Does It Cost to Divorce in New Jersey?
Costs to divorce depend on several factors, such as the complexities of the case, volume of assets, child concerns, and the spouses’ willingness to cooperate and agree on all terms. Uncontested divorces that resolve quickly have lower costs, and divorces involving disputes and lengthy processes have additional costs. In New Jersey, the average cost of divorcing can range from approximately 2,500 to $13,000 for a standard divorce.
Tewksbury Divorce Lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC Can Assist with All Your Divorcing Needs
Divorcing is a complex and often emotionally challenging experience that you should not have to navigate alone. Our compassionate and experienced Tewksbury divorce lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC, can provide exceptional guidance and support during this challenging time. Call 908-434-1061 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, we serve clients in Hunterdon County, Monmouth County, Whitehouse, and Tewksbury.
