Mercer County Divorce Lawyers

Divorce proceedings can be intricate and emotionally intense, particularly when children or high assets are involved. Seeking a divorce requires an experienced lawyer who is well-informed about legal intricacies and adept at comprehending and guiding you through your circumstances. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, our Mercer County divorce lawyers possess years of experience, delivering steadfast and exceptional legal assistance customized to meet your needs.

What Types of Cases Do We Handle at Zeigler Law Group, LLC?

Zeigler Law Group, LLC handles a wide range of divorce-related matters in Mercer County, covering various practice areas, including but not limited to:

• Family Law
• Divorce Cases
• High-Asset Divorces
• Child Custody Disputes
• Visitation Agreements
• Child Support Matters
• Spousal Support Cases
• Equitable Distribution of Assets
• Mediation Services
• Grandparent Visitation Rights
• Surrogacy Law Issues
• Reproductive Law Concerns
• Taxation Law Matters

Our Mercer County divorce lawyers are adept at handling every facet of divorce proceedings, providing comprehensive and tailored legal representation to suit your specific needs.

How Do I Get a Divorce in New Jersey?

To initiate a divorce process in New Jersey, couples must fulfill the state’s criteria:

• One spouse must have been a continuous resident of New Jersey for at least 12 months before filing.
• The couple must have experienced irreconcilable differences for at least six months before commencing divorce proceedings.
• Both spouses must be sure that reconciliation is not feasible.Top of Form

What Type of Divorce Should I File for in New Jersey?

Divorces in New Jersey are categorized into “fault” or “no-fault” based on the circumstances surrounding the divorce. Grounds for divorce in New Jersey include:

• Abandonment or desertion
• Adultery
• Substance abuse (alcohol or drugs)
• Deviant sexual behavior
• Domestic violence or mental abuse
• Incarceration
• Institutionalization
• Irreconcilable differences

Most divorces in New Jersey fall under the no-fault category, often referred to as an “uncontested” divorce. In such cases, “irreconcilable differences” are cited as the grounds. In such cases, detailed explanations of these differences are not required.

However, divorces based on other recognized grounds are considered fault-based. To proceed with a fault-based divorce, you must provide evidence supporting the grounds, which can be challenging.

The evidence required is often complex and may necessitate hiring professionals to investigate and gather information. Thus, it is crucial to engage an experienced divorce lawyer. They comprehend the evidence for each ground and have a network of experts to efficiently gather supporting information.

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What Are High-Asset Divorces, and How Are They Different?

Divorces involving couples with assets exceeding $1 million are categorized as high-asset divorces, often presenting more complexity and contention due to the significant wealth involved. Here are some ways in which high-asset divorces differ:

• Cost: High-asset divorces typically result in significantly higher legal fees due to the engagement of forensic accountants, investigators, and other financial experts.
• Duration: Identifying, valuing assets, and negotiating property division agreements tend to prolong the divorce proceedings.
• Tax implications: High-asset individuals encounter heightened tax considerations due to their substantial marital property.
• Property division: Equitably dividing assets, particularly businesses, requires substantial time.
• Mediation: High-asset divorces frequently opt for mediation to maintain confidentiality, unlike public court records.
• Existing agreements: These divorces often involve complex pre- or post-nuptial agreements that dictate property division.

Handling high-asset divorces demands experienced legal representation and financial experience. Our Mercer County divorce lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC represent high-net-worth clients. Founder Sonya K. Zeigler, Esq., with an LL.M. in Taxation and specialized training, is renowned for navigating intricate high-asset divorces and securing favorable outcomes for her clients.

What Should I Expect During the Divorce Process?

In New Jersey, the divorce process unfolds through several crucial stages and discussions before receiving the court’s final decree. Here’s a breakdown of the typical divorce proceedings:

• Filing the divorce petition: One spouse initiates the process by preparing and submitting the required documents and filing the divorce petition with the court.
• Responding to the petition: The other spouse must respond to the petition within 35 days of receiving it.
• Discovery phase: Legal representatives for each spouse commence the discovery phase, collecting financial records and listing assets. This phase may also involve taking depositions of relevant parties if necessary.
• Negotiation and mediation: Both spouses, along with their lawyers, participate in negotiations or mediation to resolve matters such as asset division, alimony, child custody, and other pertinent issues. The goal is to reach a mutually acceptable settlement agreement.
• Intensive Settlement Conference: If negotiations or mediation do not lead to an agreement, the court may order an Intensive Settlement Conference to facilitate resolution.
• Courtroom trial: In cases where agreements cannot be reached, the divorce proceedings move to a courtroom trial. Here, the court hears arguments and evidence from both sides before issuing a final judgment.

Throughout this process, legal representation is critical in advocating for their clients’ interests and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and procedures.

How Is Marital Property Divided in Divorce?

In New Jersey, the division of assets and debts during divorce follows the principle of equitable distribution, aiming for fairness rather than a strict 50-50 split. The court takes into account various factors when determining property division, including:

• The length of the marriage.
• Each spouse’s age and health.
• Income and potential future earnings of each spouse.
• The lifestyle maintained during the marriage.
• Financial circumstances of each spouse.
• Value of marital assets.
• Contributions made by both spouses to marital property.
• Provisions in prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.
• Any other pertinent factors.

Marital property encompasses assets and debts acquired and used jointly during the marriage, such as bank accounts, businesses, vehicles, debts, real estate, retirement accounts, and investments.

Assets owned solely by one spouse before or during the marriage typically remain separate property and are not divided. However, if separate property contributes to acquiring marital assets, it may be considered marital property subject to division.

How Long Does Divorce Take in New Jersey?

The duration of a divorce proceeding can vary considerably depending on multiple factors. While courts generally aim to finalize divorces within a year, the complexity of the case and the issues involved significantly impact the timeline.

Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on major aspects like asset division and child custody, often conclude within a few months. Conversely, divorces involving substantial assets exceeding $1 million or contentious matters such as child custody disputes may require a year or longer for resolution.

The court’s emphasis on timely resolutions underscores the importance of efficiently navigating legal processes, particularly in cases with complexities or significant assets. Engaging experienced legal counsel can streamline proceedings and work toward a favorable resolution within a reasonable timeframe.

Why Choose Zeigler Law Group, LLC for Your Mercer County Divorce Case

Divorce proceedings are often emotionally charged and intricate. A knowledgeable divorce lawyer is essential, offering crucial guidance, unbiased advice, and necessary support during these challenging times. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, our Mercer County divorce lawyers provide the following services:

• Establishing grounds for divorce.
• Compiling and filing all required legal documents.
• Identifying all assets.
• Calculating appropriate child support amounts.
• Developing a fair plan for distributing marital assets.
• Creating child custody and co-parenting arrangements.
• Evaluating eligibility for spousal support.
• Facilitating negotiations or mediation for settlement agreements.
• Offering legal representation in court proceedings if the case goes to trial.

Our Mercer County Divorce Lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC Will Handle Your Case

High-net-worth couples have a lot at stake during divorce. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, our skilled Mercer County high-asset divorce lawyers have extensive knowledge and decades of experience. Our top priority is protecting your rights, interests, and assets. Call today at 732-361-4827 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Toms River, Red Bank, Princeton, and Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients in Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, and Burlington County.