Divorce isn’t easy. And even though you are separating from an intimate relationship, you shouldn’t have to go through this process alone. If you need any tips for going through a divorce, contact Freeman Law Center, LLC, today to schedule a free consultation.
Tips for Going Through a Divorce | Responding 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 protecting 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.
Tips for Going Through a Divorce | Deciding on Child Custody
If you and your spouse can’t agree on a child custody arrangement, the court will require you to attend mediation. You shouldn’t see this as an imposition, but as an opportunity to sit down with an experienced, impartial mediator and try to work creatively to put your children’s interests first.
If you can’t work out an arrangement in mediation, a judge will decide for you. The judge, too, will prioritize the interests of your children – but keep in mind that no one knows your children better than you and your spouse, despite any disagreements, ill-will, pain, or resentment you might harbor. It’s usually best to come to a decision together, rather than leaving it up to a judge.
Tips for Going Through a Divorce | Resuming Your Maiden Name
If you’d like to resume your married name after a divorce, you can write this into the divorce order without difficulty – you only have to prove that you aren’t changing your name to avoid creditors, bankruptcy, or criminal charges. If you or your child would like a name change for any other reason, that has to go through a separate proceeding. You would file a complaint, publish the order, go back for a final hearing, and again publish the resulting order. After you send a letter to the treasury, your name will be legally changed.
If you would like more advice for going through divorce, please call our caring and experienced New Jersey divorce attorney today for a free consultation.