Be prepared and learn what to expect in the divorce process before you start. Contact our New Jersey lawyers for more info and get started!
Evaluating Your Divorce Attorney Options
The most common thing individuals ask when they contact me about a divorce consultation is, “What should I be looking for in terms of retaining an attorney?” In my opinion, that’s probably the most important decision you’re going to make – maybe in your entire life. First, you have to make sure the attorney you choose is qualified. Number two, be sure you can get along with that attorney. Number three, you must be able to contact that attorney and have questions answered in a reasonable fashion.
That doesn’t mean you will be able to reach out to your attorney as if they’re on speed dial because, obviously, attorneys have other cases and they have to spend time with other clients. You should reasonably expect to receive a return phone call within a day. When you call, your questions should be answered so that you understand what you need to know in order to pursue your matter.
The First Step of Divorce
The most important step – and the first step in your divorce process – is to do the appropriate research and select an attorney to represent you. It’s important to realize that this involves more than just knowing whether an attorney is knowledgeable in the area, although that is certainly very important. You must make sure that you and the attorney with whom you decide to work have a rapport where you can easily and confidently talk to the attorney. Not only that, but you must be sure that you understand what the attorney is telling you. In other words, choose someone who can speak plain English to you, so that you fully understand and know how to proceed.
Divorce Case Timeline
Divorces in New Jersey are a creature of the particular factual circumstances relating to the parties, and the time-frames can vary. Over the years, I’ve had divorce cases where clients have been divorced in as little as 30 days. I’ve also seen cases where the divorce isn’t finalized for a year and a half, or longer. Every divorce is different, and every factual situation determines how quickly a divorce can be finalized. If there are a lot of assets involved and the parties can’t come to an agreement, that divorce is typically going to take much longer. However, if there are no assets, or if there are large assets but the parties are in complete agreement, that divorce is going to be much faster, and much less expensive.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
A contested divorce involves the parties negotiating or actively fighting over assets, child custody, child support, or even pets. Contested divorces are typically going to be far more expensive than an uncontested divorce.
In an uncontested divorce, the parties have either agreed on how to dissolve their assets, or there are no assets to fight over. These also involve no children, or there are no issues concerning the children, such as child support or custody and parenting time.
An uncontested divorce is generally the best way to go for the parties, assuming they can do that. If there are children involved, an uncontested divorce can diminish the stress on them as well as on the parties themselves. Uncontested divorces will also be far less expensive than a contested matter.
Download Our Free Divorce Guide
Are you or a loved one going through the divorce process? Be prepared and learn what to expect in the divorce process. Contact experienced New Jersey Divorce Lawyer Brian Freeman for dedicated representation and to schedule your free legal consultation and case evaluation.
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