ZEIGLER LAW GROUP, LLC

PROVIDING ELITE DIVORCE SERVICES IN NEW JERSEY

Mount Laurel Divorce Lawyers

Divorce is often a complex and lengthy process that is often the most challenging and emotional experience in some people’s lives, especially if there are minor children or a high number of assets involved. If you are considering divorce, you need an advocate who not only understands the law but also has the experience and training to handle your unique situation. Our Mount Laurel divorce lawyers have decades of experience at Zeigler Law Group, LLC. We are committed to providing you with the most comprehensive and unparalleled legal representation, giving you the confidence that your case is in the best hands.

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

Our Mount Laurel divorce lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC handle all facets of divorce-related legal matters, 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

Are There Requirements to Divorce in New Jersey?

To divorce in New Jersey, spouses must meet the state’s following requirements:

One or both spouses must have lived in New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months before filing.
One or both spouses must have experienced irreconcilable differences for at least six months before filing.
One or both spouses are certain that reconciliation is not possible.

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

Divorces in New Jersey are either “fault” or “no-fault.” Which one you file depends on the circumstances of the divorce. You must state a reason for divorcing, known as “grounds.” New Jersey’s legal grounds for divorce include:

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 are filed as no-fault, also known as “uncontested” divorce, citing grounds of “irreconcilable differences.” You are not required to disclose what those differences are in uncontested divorces.

If you are divorcing for any of the other recognized grounds, your divorce would be filed as fault-based. When filing for fault-based divorce, you are responsible for presenting evidence supporting the grounds, which can be difficult.

Gathering evidence is often quite complex and typically requires hiring professionals to discover and gather evidence. For this reason alone, you should hire an experienced divorce lawyer who understands what evidence is necessary for each ground and has a network of established investigators and experts to gather supporting information.

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

Divorces involving spouses with amassed assets exceeding $1 million are considered high assets. These divorces can be incredibly complex and frequently more contentious than other types of divorce, given the wealth at stake. High-asset divorces differ in many ways, including:

Cost: High-asset divorces cost significantly more regarding legal fees and the use of forensic accountants, investigators, and other financial and valuation experts.
Length: Locating, identifying, and valuating the assets and negotiating property division and settlement agreements takes considerably longer.
Taxes: High-asset spouses are subject to greater taxes due to the value of their marital property.
Property distribution: Determining an equitable property division requires significantly more time, particularly involving businesses.
Mediation: Most high-asset divorces are settled through mediation, as the proceedings are confidential rather than public records, as required in court.
Existing agreements: High-asset divorces often involve complex pre- or post-nuptial agreements specifying property ownership and its division in divorce.

High-asset divorces require experienced lawyers and experts capable of handling cases involving large estates, vast wealth, and high-value assets. Our Mount Laurel divorce lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC are exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced in representing high-net-worth clients.

Founder Sonya K. Zeigler, Esq. holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation and specialized legal training for licensed attorneys. She is widely respected for handling complex high-asset divorces and securing the best outcomes for her clients.

What Should I Expect During the Divorce Process?

To divorce in New Jersey, many issues must be negotiated and agreed upon before the court considers granting the final decree, such as child custody and support, division of assets, spousal support, and other relevant factors. The typical process of divorce includes:

One spouse prepares the necessary documents and files the divorce petition with the court.
The receiving spouse must respond to the petition within 35 days.
Counsel for each spouse will begin discovery, compiling all financial records and list of assets, and deposing different parties when necessary.
Both spouses and their lawyers negotiate or mediate the division of assets, alimony, child custody, and any other issues to reach a mutual settlement agreement.
The court may order an Intensive Settlement Conference if negotiations fail to produce an agreement.
The divorce will move to a courtroom trial if all attempts to reach an agreement fail.

How Is Marital Property Divided During Divorce?

New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, which means marital assets and debts are divided fairly between spouses, not necessarily equally. When determining division of property, the court weighs several different factors, such as:

The length of the marriage.
Each spouse’s age and health.
Each spouse’s income and future earning ability.
Marital standard of living.
Each spouse’s economic circumstances.
Value of marital assets.
Assets both spouses contributed to the marriage.
Pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement requirements.
Any other relevant factors.

Marital property refers to assets and debts acquired and jointly enjoyed by both spouses during the marriage, such as:

Bank and other financial accounts
Businesses
Cars and other vehicles
Credit card and other outstanding debt
Loans and lines of credit
Real estate
Retirement or pensions
Stocks or other investments

Assets solely owned or acquired by one spouse prior to or during the marriage are typically considered personal property and not subject to division during divorce. However, if personal property is used to acquire marital property, the asset may be considered marital and potentially divided.

How Long Does Divorce Take in New Jersey?

Each divorce is unique, and the length of time it takes to conclude depends on the type of divorce filed and the number of issues that need resolving. The courts prefer that divorces be completed in less than one year, and the majority are finalized within a few months. Divorces involving bigger issues, such as child custody or assets of more than $1 million, often take one year or more to resolve.

Why Choose Zeigler Law Group, LLC for Your Divorce Case

Divorce can become emotional and contentious quickly. Having a skilled and knowledgeable divorce lawyer by your side provides guidance, objective advice, and the support needed during these difficult challenges. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, our Mount Laurel divorce lawyers will:

Determine the grounds for divorce.
Prepare and file all legally required documents.
Identify and locate all assets.
Calculate appropriate child support.
Develop equitable distribution of marital assets.
Create child custody and co-parenting agreements.
Determine eligibility for alimony.
Negotiate or mediate settlement agreement.
Represent you in court if the case moves to trial.

Our Mount Laurel Divorce Lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC Represent Clients in Numerous Divorce-Related Matters

If you are considering divorce, our Mount Laurel divorce lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC are dedicated and compassionate advocates who can support and guide you every step. Call 732-361-4827 or contact us online to schedule a free 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.