Sea Girt Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is one of the most challenging experiences of a person’s life. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, dedicated Sea Girt divorce lawyer Sonya K. Zeigler, Esq. understands the emotional and legal complexities you face during divorce. She is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and effective legal representation to help you navigate this difficult period easily and confidently.

New Jersey divorce laws are designed to ensure fair and equitable resolution of marital issues. The state offers both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce, which are identified as follows:

• No-Fault Divorce: No-fault divorces are the most common in New Jersey and can be obtained on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, in which both spouses accept responsibility for the marriage breaking down for at least six months with no chance of reconciliation.
• Fault Divorce: Fault-based divorces may be sought on New Jersey’s legal grounds of adultery, desertion, extreme cruelty, addiction, institutionalization, or imprisonment. Fault-based divorces can be more challenging and tend to take longer to establish and prove the alleged faults.
  

To file for divorce in New Jersey, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of one year before the filing. This residency requirement ensures that the case is handled within the appropriate jurisdiction.

What Are Common Issues in Divorce?

Divorce involves resolving various key issues, each of which can significantly impact your future, including:

• Alimony: Alimony, or spousal support, may be awarded to ensure that a lower-earning or non-earning spouse can maintain a reasonable standard of living following divorce. The amount and duration of alimony depend on factors such as the length of the marriage, the dependent spouse’s need, and the ability of the other to pay.
• Child Custody: Child custody is often the most sensitive and contentious issue between divorcing spouses. New Jersey courts prioritize the child’s best interests and consider factors such as the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to contribute and cooperate, and the child’s relationship with each parent.
• Child Support: Both parents are responsible for financially supporting their children, and child support is calculated based on both parents’ incomes, the number of children, the custody arrangement, and other relevant factors.
• Property Distribution: New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, meaning that property is divided equitably, not equally. Division is based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the marital standard of living, and each spouse’s economic circumstances.
  

What Are the Emotional Stages of Divorce?

Divorce is an emotionally taxing process that typically involves several stages, each presenting its own unique challenges and emotions, such as:

• Denial: Initially, a refusal to accept the end of their marriage.
• Anger: Eventual feelings of anger and resentment, sometimes leading to intense emotional conflicts.
• Bargaining: Attempting to negotiate or make compromises to save the marriage.
• Depression: Profound sadness followed by a sense of loss.
• Acceptance: Coming to terms with the divorce and beginning to move forward with life.
  

How Much Does it Cost to Divorce?

The cost of divorce in New Jersey varies widely based on the circumstances of the case, the level of conflict, and how the parties choose to resolve disputes. Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on key issues, can be relatively affordable.

A contested divorce involving significant disputes over alimony, child custody, and property division can increase the length of divorce and escalate into tens of thousands of dollars. Mediation and collaborative divorce are cost-effective alternatives that can help reduce expenses.

What Are Mediation and Collaborative Divorce?

Mediation and collaborative divorce are alternative dispute resolutions used to resolve divorces in lieu of a courtroom trial. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the divorcing couple communicate and negotiate to reach a settlement. The mediator does not make decisions for the couple but facilitates discussions to help them agree on key issues. Mediation aims to minimize conflict, reduce costs, and achieve a quicker resolution compared to traditional litigation. It empowers the couple to create a tailored agreement that works best for their unique situation.

Collaborative divorce is a more amicable approach in which the spouses agree to resolve disputes outside of court. The process involves a series of meetings to discuss issues such as alimony, child custody, and property division, as well as to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement.

Collaborative divorce emphasizes cooperation and open communication, often involving other professionals, such as therapists or financial advisors, to facilitate a fair and comprehensive settlement. This method is generally less stressful, more cost-effective, and allows both parties to maintain greater control over the outcome.

Does Remarriage Affect Alimony?

Remarriage can significantly impact alimony obligations. If the recipient remarries, the paying spouse is no longer obligated to continue alimony payments unless otherwise stipulated in the divorce agreement. Alimony typically continues if the paying spouse remarries, however, their new financial circumstances might be considered in any modifications to the alimony agreement.

Why Choose Zeigler Law Group, LLC

Selecting the right divorce lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, Sonya provides a client-centered approach to prioritizing your unique needs and goals. She is a skilled negotiator, litigator, and fierce advocate for your best interests both in and out of court. Other reasons to choose Zeigler Law Group, LLC include:

• Experience: Sonya has decades of experience handling complex divorce cases and is well-versed in state laws and court procedures to provide exceptional and comprehensive guidance and representation.
• Compassionate Legal Support: Sonya understands the emotional toll of divorce and listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and provides compassionate support throughout the process.
• Client Focused: Clients come first at Zeigler Law Group, LLC. We are committed to clear communication, timely updates, and responsive service every step of the way.
• Personalized Strategies: Every divorce case is different, and we tailor our legal strategies to suit your specific situation by thoroughly assessing your case, explaining your options, and developing a custom plan to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Alternative Solutions: We encourage mediation and collaborative divorce methods for a more amicable and cost-effective divorce than traditional litigation.
• Aggressive Representation: While favoring amicable solutions, we prepare to vigorously represent you in court if necessary to aggressively protect your rights and best interests during and after divorce.
  

Never Face Divorce Alone – Contact a Sea Girt Divorce Lawyer at Zeigler Law Group, LLC

Divorce can be a daunting journey, but you do not have to face it alone. A Sea Girt divorce lawyer at Zeigler Law Group, LLC is ready to support you and fight for your best interests. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 732-361-4827 or contacting us online. 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.