Bernards Township Divorce Lawyers
When facing a divorce, it is crucial to have a seasoned legal team and a robust support network to navigate the emotional and legal challenges and ensure your rights and interests are safeguarded. If you are contemplating divorce, our experienced Bernards Township divorce lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC are here to stand by you throughout the entire process.
What Divorce Cases Do You Handle at Tune Law Group, LLC?
Our skilled lawyers assist clients with a variety of divorce-related issues, including but not limited to:
- Alimony or Spousal Support
- Appeals and Modifications
- Child Custody Disputes
- Child Support Disputes
- Collaborative Divorce
- Divorce Law
- Divorce Mediation
- Domestic Violence
- Prenuptial Agreements
What Are Grounds for Divorce?
To file for divorce, one spouse must have lived in New Jersey for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. You must then decide whether to pursue a “fault” or “no-fault” divorce, each with different grounds. Most divorces are filed as no-fault or “uncontested” based on the following:
- Separation: Living in separate residences for at least 18 consecutive months without reconciliation.
- Irreconcilable Differences: Inability to get along for at least six months, making reconciliation impossible.
For a fault-based divorce, you must cite and prove one or more of New Jersey’s grounds:
- Abandonment or desertion
- Adultery
- Alcohol or drug addiction
- Deviant sexual behavior
- Domestic violence or mental abuse
- Extreme mental or physical cruelty
- Institutionalization or imprisonment
What Is the Divorce Process in Bernards Township?
Every divorce is unique, but the general process includes:
- Petition: One spouse files a divorce petition with the court.
- Counterclaim: The other spouse must respond within 35 days.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange relevant information, issue subpoenas, and take depositions.
- Mediation: A voluntary negotiation process facilitated by a neutral third party. If an agreement is reached, it is submitted to the court for approval, leading to the issuance of a divorce decree.
- Settlement Conference: An Intensive Settlement Conference with the court is required if mediation fails.
- Trial: If negotiations fail, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge makes the final decisions.
Settlement Agreement
Divorcing couples must resolve various issues, such as asset division, child custody, support, visitation, and alimony, in a legally binding settlement agreement that requires court approval before a divorce decree is issued. Negotiation methods include mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
What Is Divorce Mediation?
Mediation is an alternative process that helps couples reach a settlement agreement in a structured environment with the help of a trained neutral mediator. This method allows spouses to manage their divorce proceedings and negotiate directly with each other. Mediation is private, confidential, and often more cost-effective and quicker than litigation.
Division of Marital Property in New Jersey
Marital property encompasses all assets acquired during the marriage. New Jersey follows an equitable distribution model, dividing assets fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors considered include the marriage duration, marital standard of living, asset value, and each spouse’s:
- Age and health;
- Current income and earning capacity;
- Financial and economic circumstances;
- Contributions to the marriage;
- Other relevant factors.
The Importance of Having a Divorce Lawyer
Even amicable divorces can be emotionally taxing and complex. A lack of legal knowledge, emotional decision-making, and overlooking long-term or short-term implications can affect the outcome without the objective advice and guidance of an experienced lawyer.
Contact Our Bernards Township Divorce Lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC to Start the Divorce Process
Our compassionate Bernards Township divorce lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC are dedicated to providing the support and guidance you need during a divorce. Call us today at 908-434-1061 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Our office is located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and we serve clients in and around Hunterdon County, Monmouth County, Whitehouse, Flemington, and Tewksbury.