ZEIGLER LAW GROUP, LLC

PROVIDING ELITE DIVORCE SERVICES IN NEW JERSEY

Springfield Township Divorce Lawyer

Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences in life, bringing emotional and financial stress. Zeigler Law Group, LLC is dedicated to guiding clients in Springfield Township through every step of the process. Whether you are facing a contested or uncontested divorce, need assistance with property division, or have concerns about child custody and support, a Springfield Township divorce lawyer is here to protect your rights and help you move forward.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey?

New Jersey recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. A no-fault divorce is based on irreconcilable differences that have lasted for at least six months. This means the couple’s relationship has broken down beyond repair, and there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation. Another no-fault option is separation, where spouses have lived apart for at least 18 consecutive months.

Fault-based grounds include adultery, extreme cruelty, desertion, addiction, institutionalization, and imprisonment. In these cases, the spouse filing for divorce must provide evidence to support the claims. While no-fault divorces are more common because they typically involve less conflict, fault-based divorces may impact issues like alimony or child custody, depending on the circumstances.

How Is Property Divided in a New Jersey Divorce?

New Jersey follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally. Marital property includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property refers to assets owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritances.

The court considers several factors when determining how to divide property. These include the duration of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, their financial circumstances, and their contributions to the marriage. Contributions can include both financial support and non-monetary efforts, such as raising children or maintaining the household. The court aims to ensure that each spouse receives a fair share of the marital property based on their needs and circumstances.

How Is Child Custody Determined?

In New Jersey, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child. The court considers various factors to ensure the child’s well-being and stability. These factors include the child’s relationship with each parent, the parents’ ability to provide a safe and stable environment, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.

There are two main types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious practices. Physical custody determines where the child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent. Custody arrangements can be joint or sole, depending on the parents’ ability to cooperate and meet the child’s needs. The court encourages arrangements that allow both parents to maintain a strong relationship with the child as long as it is in the child’s best interests.

How Is Child Support Calculated?

Child support in New Jersey is calculated based on guidelines established by state law. These guidelines take into account both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the cost of raising them. The goal is to ensure that children receive the financial support they need to maintain a standard of living similar to what they would have experienced if their parents had remained together.

The calculation considers factors such as the parents’ gross incomes, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and expenses like healthcare, education, and childcare. While the guidelines provide a standard formula, the court may adjust the support amount if there are special circumstances, such as a child’s medical needs or a parent’s financial hardship.

What Is Alimony and How Is It Determined?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial assistance paid by one spouse to the other after a divorce. Its purpose is to help the receiving spouse maintain a standard of living similar to what they had during the marriage. New Jersey law recognizes several types of alimony, including open durational, limited duration, rehabilitative, and reimbursement alimony.

When determining alimony, the court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age and health, their earning capacities, and their contributions to the marriage. The court also evaluates the financial needs of the receiving spouse and the paying spouse’s ability to provide support. Alimony awards are intended to balance the economic impact of the divorce, especially when one spouse has sacrificed career opportunities to support the family.

How Long Does the Divorce Process Take?

The length of the divorce process in New Jersey depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case and whether the spouses can reach an agreement. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all issues, can be finalized in as little as a few months. However, contested divorces, which involve disputes over property division, child custody, or alimony, may take a year or longer to resolve.

The process begins when one spouse files a complaint for divorce with the court. The other spouse must respond within a specified time frame. If the spouses cannot reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, the case may proceed to trial, which can significantly extend the timeline. While every divorce is unique, the goal is to reach a fair and timely resolution that allows both parties to move forward with their lives.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Divorce?

While it is possible to handle a divorce without legal representation, having a lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that all legal requirements are met. Divorce involves complex legal and financial issues, and a lawyer can provide guidance on property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. They can also help you navigate the court system and negotiate agreements with your spouse.

If your divorce is contested or involves significant assets or child custody disputes, having a lawyer is especially important. They can advocate for your interests and help you achieve a fair outcome. Even in uncontested divorces, consulting a lawyer can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that your settlement agreement is legally sound.