Top Rated Divorce Lawyers in New Jersey

Considering Divorce in New Jersey?

Hiring the right New Jersey divorce lawyer helps you end your marriage in a manner that preserves your financial stability and emotional well-being. Actual and proposed changes to state laws affecting alimony and child custody highlight how important it is to work with an advocate who is familiar with the latest developments in this legal practice area. When you're choosing an attorney to represent you, it's best to evaluate not only their family law knowledge, but your level of comfort with their demeanor and approach.

Fault or No-Fault Divorce

First, you should evaluate the terms that must be resolved before the marriage is dissolved. In no-fault divorces, New Jersey courts terminate the legal bonds between spouses based on the irreconcilable differences between them, rather than either party's marital misconduct. Traditional fault grounds, such as adultery and desertion, are also available. If you're considering filing a fault-based divorce complaint, your attorney can outline the potential benefits and drawbacks. You can also seek a "divorce from bed and board," which is similar to what some states call "legal separation."

Do I need a Divorce Lawyer?

Whatever led to the breakup, an experienced divorce lawyer works closely with you to set realistic goals regarding critical matters such as child custody, visitation, alimony, property division and child support. Should you and your spouse largely agree on these issues, you can rely on your attorney to finalize a settlement document, ensure that your rights are preserved and submit the agreed-upon terms to the court for incorporation into a dissolution order.

When significant differences exist, effective family law attorneys explain the legal standards that apply should the case go before a judge. Even highly contested disputes often can be settled through mediation or other methods of alternative dispute resolution. However, when going to court is the best way to achieve your objectives, a skillful litigator can be the key to obtaining a favorable outcome.

Though many divorcing husbands and wives seek to complete the legal process quickly so they can move on with their lives, you shouldn't forget that the decisions made during this transition could affect you and your children for many years to come. With this in mind, the time you use to find the attorney that best suits your priorities is a worthwhile investment.