Whitehouse Divorce Lawyers
Divorce can be a complex and lengthy process, and you need an experienced and compassionate lawyer to help you navigate the challenges and provide the guidance and support you need throughout the proceedings. At Tune Law Group, LLC, our dedicated Whitehouse divorce lawyers have decades of experience to provide you with the most comprehensive and unparalleled representation available. We represent clients in all facets of divorce, including but not limited to the following:
- Alimony or Spousal Support
- Appeals and Modifications
- Child Custody Disputes
- Child Support Disputes
- Collaborate Divorce
- Divorce Law
- Divorce Mediation
- Domestic Violence
- High Asset Divorce
- Prenuptial Agreements
When Can I File for Divorce?
New Jersey requires one spouse to have lived in the state for at least one year before filing for divorce. There are also no requirements regarding which spouse files first, as this is a personal decision.
Do I Have to Specify a Reason for Divorce?
Under New Jersey’s “no-fault” divorce, you must not state a specific reason to dissolve the marriage legally. No-fault divorce allows you to file on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences” or following 18 months of living separately without stating any grounds. No-fault divorces are the most common in New Jersey as they typically offer a quicker and simpler process and do not require proving any faults.
In contrast, you can file a fault-based divorce if one of the state’s legally recognized grounds is the reason for divorce. Grounds include:
- Abandonment or desertion
- Adultery
- Alcohol or drug addiction
- Deviant sexual behavior
- Domestic violence or mental abuse
- Extreme mental or physical cruelty
- Institutionalization or Imprisonment
In fault-based divorces, the filing spouse is responsible for providing evidence supporting the grounds claimed in the divorce petition. If you are considering a fault-based divorce, discussing the advantages or disadvantages and your options with an experienced Whitehouse divorce lawyer is wise.
What Is the Typical Divorce Process?
The divorce process follows specific steps, which generally include:
- Determining the type of divorce and filing the petition with the court;
- Receiving spouse responds to the petition or files a counterclaim within 35 days of being served;
- Participating in discovery with both lawyers to provide relevant information, determine the value of assets, and take depositions;
- Attempting to reach a mutual settlement agreement through voluntary mediation;
- Attending a court-ordered settlement conference if mediation is unsuccessful;
- Litigating the divorce at trial if all prior attempts to reach a settlement agreement fail.
What Is Marital Property?
Marital property in New Jersey refers to any assets a couple acquires during marriage. This includes the family home and other real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and debts or liabilities incurred. It is important to note that property is still considered marital even when only one spouse’s name appears on the title, deed, or account, provided it was jointly acquired during the marriage.
Additionally,New Jersey is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning marital property is divided “fairly,” not necessarily equally, between spouses. Factors the court considers when distributing marital property include the duration of the marriage, age of the spouses, health status, marital standard of living, economic standing, and other relevant factors that can all contribute to how assets are distributed.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce in New Jersey?
You are not required to have a lawyer to divorce. However, it is in your best interest to hire experienced legal counsel. A lack of understanding of divorce law and the legal system can result in serious mistakes and consequences. It is crucial to work with a knowledgeable and experienced Whitehouse divorce lawyer at Tune Law Group, LLC, who understands the system, advocates for your best interests, protects your rights, and counsels you on your best options.
Our Whitehouse Divorce Lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC Represent Clients in Numerous Divorce-Related Matters
If you are considering divorce, our Whitehouse divorce lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC are dedicated and compassionate attorneys who can support and guide you every step of the way. Call 908-434-1061 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, we serve clients in and around Hunterdon County, Monmouth County, Whitehouse, and Tewksbury.