ZEIGLER LAW GROUP, LLC

PROVIDING ELITE DIVORCE SERVICES IN NEW JERSEY

Monmouth County Divorce Lawyers

Divorce is often complex and emotionally charged, especially in cases involving children or high assets. Considering divorce necessitates finding a knowledgeable lawyer, someone well-versed in legal matters and capable of understanding and navigating your unique situation. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, our Monmouth County divorce lawyers bring decades of experience, ensuring steadfast and unparalleled legal support tailored to your needs.

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

Zeigler Law Group, LLC manages a broad spectrum of divorce-related issues in Monmouth County, covering various practice areas, including but not limited to:

Family Law
Divorce
High-Asset Divorce
Child Custody
Visitation Agreements
Child Support
Spousal Support
Equitable Distribution
Mediation
Grandparent Visitation Rights
Surrogacy Law
Reproductive Law
Taxation Law

Our Monmouth County divorce lawyers excel in handling all aspects of divorce, delivering comprehensive and customized legal representation to meet your individual requirements.

Are There Requirements to Divorce in New Jersey?

To file for divorce in New Jersey, couples must meet the state’s requirements:

One spouse must have lived in New Jersey without interruption for at least 12 months before filing.
Prior to starting divorce proceedings, the couple must have encountered irreconcilable differences for a minimum of six months.
Both spouses must be sure that reconciliation is not an option.

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

Divorces in New Jersey are divided into two categories: “fault” or “no-fault,” determined by the specific circumstances of the divorce. Grounds for divorce in New Jersey encompass:

Abandonment or desertion
Adultery
Alcohol or drug addiction
Deviant sexual behavior
Domestic violence or mental abuse
Incarceration
Institutionalization
Irreconcilable differences

Most divorces in New Jersey fall under the no-fault category, often termed “uncontested” divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the grounds. In such instances, detailed explanations of these differences are not necessary.

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

Evidence is often intricate and may require hiring professionals for investigation and information gathering. Therefore, engaging an experienced divorce lawyer is essential. They understand the necessary evidence for each ground and have a network of experts to gather supporting information efficiently.

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

Divorces involving spouses with assets exceeding $1 million are considered high-asset divorces, often presenting more complexities and disputes due to the substantial wealth involved. Here are several ways in which high-asset divorces differ:

Cost: High-asset divorces entail significantly higher legal fees due to the engagement of forensic accountants, investigators, and other financial experts.
Duration: The process of identifying, valuing assets, and negotiating property division agreements extend the duration of the divorce.
Tax implications: High-asset individuals encounter increased tax complexities due to substantial marital property.
Property division: Equitably dividing property, especially businesses, demands extensive time.
Mediation: High-asset divorces frequently opt for mediation to maintain confidentiality, unlike public court proceedings.
Existing agreements: These divorces often involve complex pre- or post-nuptial agreements dictating property division.

Managing high-asset divorces requires seasoned lawyers and financial experts. Zeigler Law Group, LLC’s Monmouth County divorce lawyers excel in representing high-net-worth clients. Founder Sonya K. Zeigler, Esq., with an LL.M. in Taxation and specialized legal training, is renowned for navigating complex high-asset divorces and achieving favorable outcomes for her clients.

What Should I Expect During the Divorce Process?

In New Jersey, the divorce process follows several pivotal steps and negotiations before the court grants the final decree. Here’s a breakdown of the typical divorce process:

Filing the divorce petition: One spouse initiates the process by preparing and submitting the necessary documents and filing the divorce petition with the court.
Response to the petition: The other spouse must respond to the petition within 35 days of receiving it.
Discovery phase: Each spouse’s legal representatives begin the discovery phase, gathering financial records and listing assets. This phase may also involve depositions of relevant parties if required.
Negotiation and mediation: Both spouses, with their lawyers, engage in negotiations or mediation to settle matters like asset division, alimony, child custody, and other pertinent issues. The aim is to achieve 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 aid 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 counsel plays a crucial role in advocating for their clients’ interests and ensuring adherence to all legal requirements and procedures.

How Is Marital Property Divided During Divorce?

In New Jersey, the division of marital assets and debts during divorce is governed by the principle of equitable distribution, which aims for fairness rather than an exact 50-50 split. The court considers several factors when determining property division, including:

The duration of the marriage.
The age and health of each spouse.
The income and future earning capacity of each spouse.
The standard of living during the marriage.
The economic circumstances of each spouse.
The value of marital assets.
The contributions of both spouses to marital property.
The requirements of prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.
Any other relevant factors.

Marital property includes 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 personal property and are not divided. However, if personal property contributes to acquiring marital assets, it may be considered marital property and subject to division.

How Long Does Divorce Take in New Jersey?

The timeframe for a divorce proceeding can vary significantly depending on various factors. Although courts generally target completing divorces within a year, the complexity of the case and the issues involved greatly influence the timeline.

Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on major aspects like asset division and child custody, can often be resolved within a few months. Conversely, divorces entailing substantial assets exceeding $1 million or contentious matters such as child custody disputes may take a year or more to resolve.

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

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

Divorce proceedings often become emotionally charged and complex. A skilled and knowledgeable divorce lawyer is crucial, providing essential guidance, impartial advice, and the necessary support during these challenging times. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, our Monmouth County divorce lawyers offer the following:

Establishing the grounds for divorce.
Compiling and filing all legally required documents.
Identifying and tracing all assets.
Calculating appropriate child support amounts.
Formulating a fair distribution plan for marital assets.
Drafting child custody and co-parenting arrangements.
Assessing eligibility criteria for spousal support.
Facilitating negotiation or mediation for settlement agreements.
Providing legal representation in court proceedings if the case goes to trial.

Our Monmouth County Divorce Lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC Are Ready to Assist

If you are considering divorce, our Monmouth County divorce lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC are dedicated and compassionate advocates prepared to assist and guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us at 732-361-4827 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With our offices conveniently 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.