Jersey City Divorce Lawyer

Some of the most common grounds for divorce are mental cruelty, physical cruelty, desertion, adultery, and irreconcilable differences. Because several of these grounds can be difficult, time-consuming, and costly to prove, by far the most common grounds filed in New Jersey is “irreconcilable differences,” which only requires proving that you and your spouse have been unable to get along for six months.

Time frames vary significantly — a divorce could be finalized in under a month or drag on well past a year, depending on the facts of the case and both parties’ willingness to communicate and compromise. An experienced divorce attorney can give a more precise estimate after an initial consultation.

Cost isn’t necessarily tied to asset value — a complicated divorce can be resolved inexpensively if the parties agree early, while prolonged negotiations increase cost since most attorneys bill hourly. An uncontested divorce in New Jersey typically starts around $1,500 plus filing fees. A contested divorce involving custody and child support could start with a retainer of $3,500 to $5,000 or more, while a long, fiercely contested divorce could cost $15,000-$20,000.

If you’ve been served with a summons and complaint for divorce in New Jersey, consult a family law attorney immediately — you only have 35 days to respond by filing an answer and counterclaim. Your spouse has likely already consulted an attorney and drafted demands, so you shouldn’t delay in getting counsel of your own.

Most divorce cases in New Jersey never reach trial. If the parties reach an agreement, one party can waive their right to appear, and some counties allow settlement without either party appearing in court. In a “default” case where one party doesn’t answer the complaint, only a brief court appearance is typically required before the judge decides.

You have 45 days to appeal the verdict of a case in New Jersey. The Appellate Court may vacate the judge’s decision. If you don’t file within the 45-day window, the Marital Settlement Agreement outlining your divorce terms becomes final, though it can still be revised later with your former spouse’s cooperation.