Divorce Attorney in Bridgewater, NJ
Getting divorced is a challenge that many people across the state of New Jersey face. When two people grow apart, sometimes it is just best to move forward separately. The challenge comes with trying to untangle a life that the couple has built together throughout the years. This can involve a wide range of difficulties, whether regarding spousal support, dividing assets, or coming up with a custody arrangement for any children they may have together. If you are thinking about pursuing a divorce, it is important that you have a clear understanding of what this process entails and what your options are. Additionally, you should have strong legal support from a New Jersey family law attorney who can effectively represent your interests. At Siragusa Law Firm, we have the skill and experience necessary to help you come to a resolution on any issues in your divorce that can secure a successful next chapter. To discuss your situation with a compassionate and experienced divorce attorney, contact Siragusa Law Firm today.
Understanding New Jersey’s Residency Requirements
If you wish to get divorced in the state of New Jersey, you will first need to determine whether you meet the state’s residency requirements. To fulfill this requirement, you or your spouse must have been a resident of New Jersey for at least 1 year prior to filing a Complaint for Divorce. In New Jersey, however, the 1-year minimum does not apply in situations where the plaintiff is claiming adultery as the grounds for divorce.
Grounds For Divorce In New Jersey
To officially begin the divorce process, one spouse (the plaintiff) will file a Complaint for Divorce. New Jersey is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that a couple can file for divorce due to irreconcilable differences, or separation of 18 months or more. Though no-fault divorce is one of the most common options used to start a divorce, individuals are still permitted to file their divorce under one of the many fault grounds, including:
- Desertion
- Addiction
- Adultery
- Extreme cruelty
- Deviant sexual conduct
- Incarceration
- Institutionalization for mental illness
Case Management Conference
When an individual (the plaintiff, in this situation) serves divorce papers to their spouse, the court can begin to address the various matters present in the divorce through a Case Management Conference. The ultimate goal of this conference is to determine whether there are any outstanding issues that can be expedited in the divorce. Some of the concerns that may be addressed during the Case Management Conference include the following:
- Contested matters of the divorce
- Pre-trial discovery process
- An Early Settlement Panel date
- Selection of expert witnesses
- Assessing whether there is a dispute regarding custody or parenting time
Early Settlement Panel
If your case is referred to the Early Settlement Panel, you will receive a number of recommendations regarding the outstanding matters of your divorce by a team of appointed attorneys. While these recommendations may be beneficial to your case, you are not required to accept them. If you choose not to accept the Panel’s recommendations, you can work through the remaining contested issues in mediation. Finally, if mediation still does not resolve the outstanding issues, you may be required to go through the litigation process and have a judge make these determinations on your behalf.
Final Judgment of Divorce
In order to complete the divorce process once all outstanding matters have been resolved, the court must execute the Final Judgment of Divorce. The court is required to do this regardless of whether the parties had the divorce litigated or handled outside of court. If the divorce was litigated, either party is permitted to appeal the judge’s decision if they believe it does not suit their needs.
Contact a New Jersey Divorce Attorney
If you are considering an official termination of your marriage, it is important that you take your legal options into consideration. With the help of Attorney Siragusa from Siragusa Law Firm, you can feel confident knowing you are in good hands and your best interests will be put at the forefront every step of the way. To discuss your options with an attorney you can trust, contact Siragusa Law Firm today, and schedule a consultation.
