Family Law
Experienced & Knowledgeable Toms River Family Law Attorneys
When you’re considering divorce, the legal process can seem overwhelming. You may not even know where to begin or what your options are. If your spouse is seeking a divorce, or you are considering one yourself, it’s important that you enlist the help of a practiced Toms River divorce lawyer who can represent you throughout the process.
Need a family lawyer in Toms River? Contact Zeigler Law at 732-361-4827 to schedule your consultation with our divorce lawyers in Toms River and Moorestown.
There are many issues a couple must resolve before a judge will make a divorce decree. Our family lawyer in Toms River can help you with them all. From child custody and support deliberations to the equitable distribution of property, we are well-versed in solving these legal matters. In addition, we can advocate for our clients with the following family law matters:
- Alimony/Spousal Support
- Child Custody, Visitation & Parenting Plans
- Domestic Violence
- Child Support
- Grandparents’ Rights
- Mediation
- Post-Judgment Modifications
- Premarital/Prenuptial Agreements
NJ Divorce Laws
In order to file for divorce in New Jersey, at least one spouse must be a state resident and you must file specifically in the county where the actions that lead to the divorce occurred.
You can file for divorce based on fault or no-fault, as both are valid. For a no-fault divorce, the only requirements are that you and your spouse have not been been a couple and have been living separately for at least 18 months consecutively. Your case must show to the courts that there is no chance for the two of you to reconcile.
For a fault-based divorce, you must provide a valid grounds for the marriage’s breakdown. Some of these might include the following:
- abuse;
- infidelity;
- incarceration;
- sexual deviance;
- substance abuse;
- marital abandonment;
- extreme mental or physical cruelty; or
- irreconcilable differences.
Fault is not typically considered when deciding on how to appropriately divide property. It can, however, be used in deciding alimony—determining what would be considered reasonable and what would not be. A spouse who has had an affair, as an example, may be awarded a low amount of spousal support. On the other hand, the spouse who suffered due to adultery may be given a higher amount.
How to File for Divorce in NJ
When filing for divorce, you will need to include a:
- “Filing Letter to the Court—Complaint Form,” which states that you are filing for divorce and have enclosed the filing fee or that you want a waiver for the fee;
- “Certification of Insurance,” which should list all insurance coverage (life, auto, health and homeowners);
- “Certification of Notification of Complementary Dispute Resolution,” which states that you are aware that mediation is an option;
- Family Part Case Information Statement,” which is filed if there are issues regarding custody, support, alimony, or the division of debt/assets. This form also requires you to list your income, assets and debts.
- “Confidential Litigant Information Sheet”
You will need to make at least three copies of all divorce paperwork, since the court requires that you provide one original for filing and two copies. You should also provide the court with a self-addressed stamped envelope so the court can give you a copy of what you filed. The copy will be marked “filed.”
Once you receive a copy of the filed complaint, you will need to fill out the summons and the attached proof of service and prepare to serve your spouse. Under NJ law, the defendant needs to be personally served a copy of the divorce paperwork via hand delivery. The defendant will then have 35 days to respond.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in New Jersey?
The more complex a case, the more time it may take, however, the laws in New Jersey state that the courts must not allow the divorce process to exceed 12 months. When you turn to a Toms River family law attorney from Zeigler Law Group, LLC, you’ll receive the attentive, personalized legal guidance you deserve.
We offer support before, during, and after your divorce, working tirelessly to find a solution that’s right for you and your family. Additionally, if you are facing a high-net-worth divorce, our
Toms River Family Law Attorneys are Prepared to Help you Fight and Keep Your Assets
With backgrounds in both divorce litigation and family law mediation, our Toms River family law firm is ready to help you find the solution that works for your unique situation. We understand that every family is different, which is why we take the time to understand every detail of your circumstances and tailor our approach to get the best possible outcome. Call us at 732-361-4827 or reach us by using our online form.
