Going through a divorce is not easy – yet nearly 690,000 people go through it every year. This is an emotionally challenging part of a couple’s life and can also have significant financial implications. Since every divorce case is unique, providing the exact price for each spouse is difficult. However, the cost of a divorce in New Jersey can be anywhere from a couple thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, and the reason it has such a drastic range is that it depends on several factors.
Filing for Divorce In New Jersey
You must follow specific procedures and adhere to the state’s legal requirements when filing for divorce in New Jersey. To initiate the process, the spouse seeking the divorce must file a complaint with the Superior Court in the county where either spouse resides. The complaint must state the grounds for divorce, such as irreconcilable differences or separation, and include relevant information about the marriage, assets and any children involved.
Along with the complaint, the spouse filing for divorce must also submit a filing fee, which covers processing the paperwork and initiating the divorce proceedings. The filing fees in New Jersey can vary depending on the county, ranging from $250 to $400. However, it is also worth mentioning that there may be additional fees for certain motions or requests made during the divorce process, such as requests for temporary child support or spousal support.
What Factors Affect Divorce Costs?
Some of the most inexpensive divorces are those where both spouses already agree on everything, can settle disagreements quickly, or have minimal assets to divide. Unfortunately, situations like those do not always happen, which can make the cost of divorce much higher.
Some key factors that play a role in the cost of divorce in New Jersey are:
- Agreement between the couple.
When a couple is on the same page regarding their divorce, the process tends to be less expensive overall. In these cases, they may opt for alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or collaborative divorce, which can save time and money. Couples can avoid costly court battles and lengthy litigation processes by working together to reach a mutual understanding.
- Contentious divorce.
On the other hand, if a divorce is highly combative, the costs can escalate significantly. Disagreements on property division, child custody and spousal support often lead to increased legal fees. This would call for extensive negotiations, additional court hearings, and potentially even expert testimonies, all of which take more time.
- Litigation duration.
Legal expenses can accumulate rapidly if the divorce takes several months or even years to finalize, as most New Jersey divorce attorneys require hourly payment. Frequent court appearances, attorney fees, document preparation and other related costs can quickly add up, especially if the divorce involves complex issues or highly contested matters.
- Multiple court appearances.
Each court appearance during a divorce proceeding incurs additional expenses. When disputes cannot be resolved outside of court, multiple hearings may be required to address various matters, such as child custody, property division or alimony. Each appearance can result in increased legal fees and other associated costs.
- High-net-worth divorce.
High-net-worth divorces tend to be more expensive than those involving fewer assets. These types of divorces often require the assistance of financial experts to value and divide complex assets such as businesses, investments and real estate. The legal fees and other related costs of hiring these specialists can add up quickly.
- Hidden assets.
If one or both spouses are suspected of hiding assets, like bank accounts, investments, or income, forensic accountants may be required to uncover them. This can significantly increase the cost of the divorce as forensic accountants typically charge high hourly rates.
- Child custody disputes.
When custody is in dispute, child psychologists may be required to evaluate the children and make recommendations to the court. This can be a lengthy and expensive process since child psychologists charge a premium for their services.
Costs Don’t Stop After the Divorce Is Finalized, Either
The financial costs of divorce extend beyond the legal process, requiring careful consideration and planning for the future. Establishing separate households becomes the biggest concern as you transition from shared living spaces to managing individual living expenses. Rent or mortgage payments, utility bills and other housing-related costs will now fall solely on your shoulders, necessitating a reassessment of your budget and financial priorities.
In addition to the changes in living arrangements, your income situation may undergo significant adjustments. Child support and alimony payments may also come into play as the recipient or the paying party. Plus, the division of assets and potential employment or financial support changes can impact your financial stability. Evaluating your income and expenses is crucial, ensuring that your budget aligns with your new circumstances. This might involve making necessary adjustments to accommodate any changes in income or increased financial responsibilities. Working with a highly skilled New Jersey divorce attorney and proactively managing your finances can provide a solid foundation for your post-divorce life.
Talk To An Experienced New Jersey Divorce Attorney Today
While it is difficult to estimate the cost of a divorce in New Jersey, it is clear that several factors can impact the final expense. Factors like contentious divorces, lengthy litigation processes, high-net-worth divorces, hidden assets, and child custody disputes can all create significantly higher divorce costs. Whether it’s simple or challenging, the divorce process is not easy—and that’s where the Zeigler Law Group, LLC can come in.
Our divorce attorneys will provide essential advice, protect your rights, and help you navigate the legal complexities while striving for a fair resolution. Remember, amid the emotional and financial complexities, our divorce attorneys can be your ally and help you get through this as quickly as possible. Call the office of Zeigler Law Group, LLC at 732-361-4827 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with a New Jersey divorce attorney to discuss your case today. With 4 Locations, We Serve Clients Throughout New Jersey