ZEIGLER LAW GROUP, LLC

PROVIDING ELITE DIVORCE SERVICES IN NEW JERSEY

Hopewell Township Divorce Lawyer

Navigating a divorce can be overwhelming, but choosing the right law firm can make all the difference. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, we offer compassionate guidance and support to help you through this challenging time. Founder Sonya K. Zeigler, Esq. is an extensively experienced and skilled lawyer who is dedicated to protecting your rights and interests and ensuring you receive the best possible outcome.

Does New Jersey Have Divorce Requirements?

New Jersey has specific criteria you must meet in order to divorce. Understanding and meeting these requirements is crucial for a smooth legal process. New Jersey’s requirements for divorce include:

Residency: At least one spouse must have been a resident of New Jersey for at least one year prior to filing.
Grounds: New Jersey recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault divorces are typically based on the grounds of irreconcilable differences lasting for at least six months with no prospect of reconciliation. Fault-based divorce must be filed with one or more of the state’s legal grounds of adultery, cruelty, desertion, addiction, institutionalization, imprisonment, and deviant sexual conduct.
Procedures: The divorce process begins with filing a Complaint for Divorce, outlining the grounds for divorce. The filing spouse must serve the other with the complaint, and the receiving spouse has 35 days to respond. The process then involves discovery, mediation, or negotiation to reach an agreement on alimony, asset division, child custody, and support. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, where the judge will make final decisions.

Additionally, New Jersey courts also require parents to attend a Parent Education Program if children are involved. This program provides information on the impact of divorce on children, as well as methods of minimizing conflict and supporting the child’s well-being.

Can We File Jointly for Divorce?

Filing jointly for divorce, also known as an uncontested or mutual consent divorce, can significantly streamline the legal process. New Jersey allows spouses who agree on all major issues, including alimony, asset division, child custody, and support, to file a joint complaint for divorce. This collaborative approach can reduce the emotional and financial strain and allow a more amicable resolution.

Both parties must provide full disclosure of their financial situation and work together to draft a settlement agreement and submit it to the court for approval. If the court finds the agreement to be fair and in compliance with state laws, the divorce can be finalized without the need for a trial.

How Is Marital Property Divided in a Divorce?

The division of marital property, or assets, can have lasting financial implications and involve complex legal considerations. Key elements of property division in divorce include:

Equitable Distribution: New Jersey follows equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally.
Marital vs. Separate Property: Only marital property, such as real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles, is divided during divorce. Separate property owned by one spouse before or during the marriage is generally not subject to division.
Valuation of Assets: Accurate valuation of assets, including real estate, investments, and retirement accounts, is crucial for a fair division.
Factors: When determining property division, the court considers various factors such as the length of the marriage, both spouse’s age and health, income and earning potential, and contributions to the marriage.
Debt: Debts incurred during the marriage are also divided equitably, based on the same factors as assets.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a comprehensive agreement between divorced parents outlining how they will continue to care for and raise their children under joint legal and physical custody. A parenting plan should include:

Visitation Schedule: A detailed schedule of each parent’s time with the child, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and vacations.
Decision-Making Authority: Clear guidelines on how decisions regarding the child’s upbringing will be made and who makes these decisions.
Communication: How parents will communicate with each other regarding the child’s needs or plan changes.
Transportation and Exchange: Arrangements for how children are transported between parents’ homes.
Conflict Resolution: Methods for resolving disputes, such as mediation or arbitration.
Special Considerations: Specific needs of the child, including medical conditions, educational requirements, or special activities.

As children grow and circumstances change, it may be necessary to modify the parenting plan.

How Long Does it Take to Divorce?

The length of the divorce process can vary widely depending on how complex the issues are and the spouses’ level of cooperation. Uncontested divorces, in which both parties agree on all major issues, are typically finalized within a few months.

Contested divorces involving significant disputes over issues such as alimony, asset division, and child custody can take significantly longer. Contested divorces often require extensive discovery, mediation or negotiations, and potentially a trial. Contested divorces can take a year or more to resolve, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the case.

At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, we understand the importance of resolving divorce matters as efficiently as possible, ensuring your best interests are protected, and working diligently to achieve a fair and timely resolution.

How Does Zeigler Law Group, LLC Approach Divorce Cases?

Our approach centers on providing compassionate, personalized, and strategic representation throughout the divorce process. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, you can expect:

Initial Consultation: A free and thorough initial consultation to discuss your situation and goals and develop a customized strategy.
Mediation and Negotiation: We strive to resolve disputes through more amicable and cost-effective solutions through mediation and negotiation whenever possible.
Aggressive Litigation: Sonya prepares every case for trial, whether mediation is successful or not. She is prepared to advocate fiercely on your behalf.

At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, we pride ourselves on the unique qualities that distinguish us from other law firms. Sonya has decades of experience handling complex divorce cases, providing individualized attention and compassionate support from start to finish. With a history of successful outcomes in divorce cases, we have earned a reputation for excellence in everything we do.