Divorce is a difficult and scary situation. Here are some answers to common divorce questions to navigate the divorce process. Give us a call.
You may feel like your whole world is changing and you don’t know where to go from here. Having a basic understanding about what divorce in New Jersey looks like will help you understand what happens once you and your spouse decide to split up. You have so many questions that need answers.
What are grounds for divorce in New Jersey?
Some of the most common grounds for divorce are:
- Mental cruelty
- Physical cruelty
- Desertion
- Adultery
- Irreconcilable differences
Some of these grounds for divorce can be difficult, time consuming, and costly to prove. Because of that, by far the most common grounds for divorces filed in New Jersey is “irreconcilable differences.” To prove this, the court only requires you to prove that you and your spouse have been unable to get along for six months.
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How long will it take to get divorced?
Time frames for divorce proceedings vary, and any cookie cutter estimates will be unreliable. A divorce could be finalized in under a month, or it could drag on well past a year. The amount of time a divorce takes will depend upon the facts of the case and the willingness of both parties to communicate and to compromise. An experienced divorce attorney will be able to give you a more precise and reasonable estimate after examining your circumstances at an initial consultation.
What will my divorce cost me?
Time and cost are usually the first questions on anybody’s mind. In most divorce cases the two are related in direct proportion. It surprises some to know that the cost of a divorce isn’t necessarily tied to the value of the assets involved. A potentially complicated divorce involving many valuable assets, property, and children could be resolved inexpensively if the parties come to an agreement before filing, or early in the process. Because most attorneys bill by the hour, the longer two spouses drag on negotiations, the more expensive the divorce becomes for both parties.
The cost of an uncontested divorce in New Jersey will typically start around $1,500.00, plus the filing fee. If the divorce is con-tested and there are assets and issues such as custody and child support, the initial retainer could range from $3,500.00 to $5,000.00, or more depending on the circumstances. A long and fiercely contested divorce could cost as much as $15-20,000.To further your understanding of divorce, you may want to meet with an attorney to discuss your options. You want someone with experience who you can trust to make your life easier in this moment.
If you are looking for an attorney to answer your common divorce questions, Freeman Law Center, LLC, provides the personal attention of a small law firm and the experience of a large firm. Led by Brian Freeman, we provide a comfortable environment in which clients can get through legal problems. With over 30 years of experience, our New Jersey Divorce Lawyers will provide aggressive trial work for anyone needing a skilled trial attorney.