Red Bank Divorce Lawyers

Navigating the intricate process of divorce demands experienced and empathetic advocates to safeguard your interests and rights. Our skilled and compassionate Red Bank divorce lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC recognize the hurdles you face during this period and are committed to providing you with objective legal counsel and support. We will be your helping hand throughout the divorce process.

What Types of Divorce Matters Does Zeigler Law Group, LLC Handle?

Our Red Bank divorce lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC handle a spectrum of legal matters, including but not limited to the following:

• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Divorce
• Equitable Distribution
• Family Law
• Grandparent Visitation Rights
• High-Asset Divorce
• Mediation
• Spousal Support
• Surrogacy Law
• Reproductive Law
• Taxation Law
• Visitation Agreements

What Are the Legal Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey?

New Jersey recognizes two categories of divorce – “fault” or “no-fault,” each with distinct prerequisites and differences. When initiating a divorce, you must state a reason, known legally as “grounds.” Most couples in New Jersey opt for no-fault divorces, also termed “uncontested” divorces, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the grounds. However, revealing specific reasons for the marriage dissolution is not mandatory when citing irreconcilable differences.

To file for divorce in New Jersey, the following conditions must be met:

• One or both spouses must have lived in New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months before filing.
• One or both spouses must have encountered irreconcilable differences for at least six months before filing.
• One or both spouses must firmly believe that reconciliation is unattainable.

If you have particular reasons for seeking a divorce, such as domestic violence or adultery, you may contemplate filing a fault-based divorce. New Jersey’s legal grounds for fault-based divorces encompass:

• Abandonment or desertion
• Adultery
• Alcohol or drug addiction
• Deviant sexual behavior
• Domestic violence or mental abuse
• Incarceration
• Institutionalization

How Long Does the Divorce Process Take in New Jersey?

Establishing grounds for fault-based divorces can be challenging. You are responsible for presenting evidence substantiating your claims, which can be arduous to obtain on your own. In fault-based divorces, it is imperative to engage an experienced lawyer who knows each ground and the essential information required to validate the claims. A Red Bank divorce lawyer possesses a network of reliable investigators and experts to gather the evidence mandated by the courts.

The timeframe for completing divorces in New Jersey varies, typically ranging from a few months to one year, contingent upon several factors, such as the promptness of reaching agreements, the complexity of assets and marital property, and the specific circumstances involved. Conversely, divorces stemming from lengthy marriages or those involving substantial assets often endure beyond a year.

What Is the Divorce Process in New Jersey?

Divorces in New Jersey must address and reach agreements on various crucial matters to dissolve a marriage, including:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Division of marital assets and debts
• Allocation of retirement funds or pension plans
• Spousal support
• Visitation arrangements
• Other pertinent legal issues

Under New Jersey law, adherence to specific legal requisites and processes is mandatory during divorces. While each divorce case is unique, the typical process encompasses the following steps:

• Filing the divorce petition: One spouse initiates the process by submitting the petition to the court, outlining details like names, addresses, marriage dates, grounds for divorce, etc.
• Spouse response: Upon being served, the recipient spouse has a 35-day window to officially respond, contest the claims, or file a counterclaim.
• Discovery phase: This phase is the longest in the divorce process. During this phase, both spouses must provide comprehensive financial information, encompassing income, assets, debts, property, investments, taxes, etc.
• Negotiation of an agreement: After disclosing all information, negotiations commence regarding asset division, child custody and support, alimony, visitation, and other pertinent matters requiring mutual agreement. Should a settlement agreement be reached before or after the divorce filing, and there is no necessity for further negotiations, the agreement can be submitted for court review and approval.
• Mediation proceedings: In cases where negotiations fail, the court may mandate mediation to reach an agreement.
• Settlement conference: If mediation proves ineffective, the court might order an Intensive Settlement Conference as a final attempt to avoid a trial.
• Court trial: When all efforts to reach an agreement fall short, the case proceeds to trial, where the court makes determinations and rulings on a settlement agreement.

How Does the Court Divide Marital Property in Divorce Cases?

New Jersey follows the principle of equitable distribution when dividing marital property during a divorce. This means that the court aims to divide assets and debts in a manner it deems fair, although not necessarily equal. Marital property encompasses all assets and debts acquired jointly during the marriage, including:

• Bank accounts
• Businesses and business interests
• Credit card debt
• Fine art
• Loans and lines of credit
• Outstanding debts
• Real estate
• Retirement or pension funds
• Stocks and other investments
• Vehicles and boats

Determining how marital property will be divided is typically intricate and lengthy, especially in high-net-worth divorce cases involving wealth exceeding $1 million. The court considers various factors to ensure a fair distribution, such as:

• Duration of the marriage
• Age and health of each spouse
• Income and future earning potential of each spouse
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Economic circumstances of each spouse
• Value of marital assets
• Contributions made by both spouses to the marriage
• Requirements of any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
• Any other pertinent factors

Personal property acquired individually by each spouse before or during the marriage is typically not classified as marital property and is exempt from division. However, assets commingled are generally regarded as marital property and may be subject to division between the spouses.

Why Choose Our Red Bank Divorce Lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC

Navigating a divorce can swiftly escalate into a contentious situation, even when initially amicable. Using the services of an experienced Red Bank divorce lawyer offers you the necessary guidance, valuable advice, and support to safeguard your best interests and legal rights. When you enlist the legal services of Zeigler Law Group, LLC, a Red Bank divorce lawyer will undertake the following responsibilities:

• Identify grounds for divorce.
• Compile and file all legally mandated documents.
• Assist in evaluating your marital assets.
• Collect financial records, locate and assess assets, and determine liabilities and tax implications.
• Aid in determining whether you are entitled to receive or obligated to pay alimony.
• Develop agreements for child custody and co-parenting.
• Mediate on contentious issues to reach amicable resolutions.
• Provide representation in court proceedings if the case advances to trial.

Our Red Bank Divorce Lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC Will Guide You Through Your Case

Our Red Bank divorce lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC handle various family law matters. If you are contemplating divorce, our dedicated and compassionate advocates are committed to supporting and guiding you through this challenging time. Call 732-361-4827 or reach out online to arrange a free consultation. With offices in Toms River, Red Bank, Princeton, and Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we extend our services to clients in Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, and Burlington County.