First Steps in a Divorce
Jersey City Divorce Lawyer
The Jersey City divorce lawyer at our firm can meet with you free of charge to discuss your situation. We personally guide each client through every aspect of filing divorce and arranging for marital dissolution. Call our New Jersey lawyers today to get a free consultation.
Coping with a divorce is one of the most difficult things a person can go through. At Freeman Law Center, LLC, we understand what our clients are going through, and work closely with them to get them the best possible result. Jersey City Divorce Lawyer Brian Freeman is here for people throughout Northern New Jersey including; Essex, Hudson, Bergen, Union, Passaic, Middlesex and Monmouth Counties.
Download Our Free Divorce Guide
Jersey City Divorce Lawyer Brian Freeman personally guides each client through every aspect of filing divorce and arranging for marital dissolution, including:
- Child custody/visitation
- Child support
- Property division
- Alimony/spousal support/spousal maintenance
- Separation agreements
- Divorce mediation
Our Essex and Hudson County divorce lawyers have more than 30 years of experience and have extensive knowledge of New Jersey divorce laws. We successfully negotiate a divorce settlement that is best for you and your children. Surviving divorce, in our view, requires having a lawyer who is responsive to your concerns. Our attorneys personally guide all clients through the legal process, keep them updated on progress, and are available to answer questions. We provide the experience, quality and commitment you deserve during this difficult time for your family.
Divorce FAQs
>> 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.
>> 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 valueable 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 contested 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.
>> How do I respond to divorce papers?
In New Jersey, if you’ve been served with a summons of complaint for divorce, you should consult a family law attorney immediately. You only have 35 days to respond to the complaint – that means filing an answer and a counter claim. You cannot delay to protect your rights, including control over your assets and custody of your children. If your spouse has filed a complaint, that means he or she has already consulted with an attorney about the particulars of your shared lifestyle and finances, considered strategy and drafted a set of demands. You shouldn’t wait to get an experienced attorney on your side, too. Seek that counsel, and let your attorney handle the official response.
>> Will I need to take my case to a trial?
Most divorce cases in New Jersey never make it to a trial. If the parties come to an agreement, one party can waive his or her right to an appearance, avoiding the need to go to court. Some New Jersey counties allow settlement without either party appearing in court. If there is a “default” case, when one party doesn’t answer the other party’s complaint, the filing party would have to make a very brief appearance in court to enter facts into the record before the judge comes to a decision.
>> I’m unhappy with the result of my trial. Can I appeal?
In New Jersey, you have 45 days to appeal the verdict of a case. If you appeal, the Appellate Court will take on your case. The Appellate Court may “vacate,” or make legally void, the judge’s decision in your case. If you do not file an appeal within the 45 day window, the Martial Separation Agreement (MSA) spelling out the terms of your divorce will be final and cannot be overturned. You can revise an MSA and negotiate new terms, but that requires the cooperation of your former spouse.
Contact Our Jersey City Divorce Lawyer
If you need any divorce information or would like to set up a free initial consultation, contact our Essex and Hudson County divorce lawyers today. For your convenience, we accept credit cards and offer evening and weekend appointments. Freeman Law Center, LLC is fully staffed with bilingual paralegals that are ready to assist you through every step of your case.
