Princeton Divorce Lawyers

Deciding to divorce is not easy. Fortunately, you do not have to face this difficult time alone. You can have a compassionate and experienced divorce lawyer by your side. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, we have experienced firsthand the challenges couples face during divorce. Our Princeton divorce lawyers can provide the legal guidance and support needed to navigate the challenges of numerous divorce-related 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

Are There Different Types of Divorce in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, divorces are filed as “fault” or “no-fault.” No-fault divorces, also known as “uncontested” divorces, are the most common option, and the majority are filed under grounds of “irreconcilable differences.” To file for divorce, one or both spouses must meet the following criteria:

• Lived in New Jersey for no less than 12 consecutive months.
• Experienced irreconcilable differences for at least six months.
• Certainty that no reconciliation can be reached.

Uncontested divorces are typically less expensive and are concluded the quickest. Fault-based divorces are more complex and are based on one or more of the following New Jersey legally recognized grounds:  

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

Fault-based divorces can be quite challenging without legal representation, as the filing spouse must provide evidence supporting the allegations stated within the divorce petition. Gathering supporting evidence can be especially difficult on your own. If you plan to file a fault-based divorce, you should engage the services of an experienced Princeton divorce lawyer with an established network of investigators and experts to help identify and gather the necessary evidence.

Which One of Us Should File for Divorce?

New Jersey has no legal requirements regarding which spouse files for divorce, and either of you is entitled to begin divorce proceedings. Being the first to file does have certain advantages, however, such as establishing grounds, setting the tone of the divorce, extra preparation time, and individual choice over which county the divorce will be tried in.

How Long Will My Divorce Take in New Jersey?

Each divorce is unique, and the length of time it takes depends on the type of divorce you file, the circumstances, and a number of issues that need to be addressed. The New Jersey court system strives for divorces to be completed in less than a year, and the majority conclude within a few months to one year.

Typically, divorces involving custody and support of minor children require more time than those that do not include children. The same is true in high-asset divorces involving more than $1 million in wealth and assets, usually taking over a year to resolve.

How Are Marital Assets Divided in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, marital property is distributed equitably, meaning all assets and debts will be divided between spouses fairly but not necessarily equally. Marital property pertains to all assets and debts acquired and jointly enjoyed during the marriage, such as:

• 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

Identifying and assigning value to all marital property is one of the longest processes during a divorce. Once complete, the court then determines distribution based on several different factors, such as:

• Length of the marriage and marital standard of living.
• Each spouse’s age, health, economic circumstances, income, and future earning ability.
• Assets each spouse contributed to the marriage.
• The value of marital assets.
• Existing pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement requirements.
• Any other relevant factors.

Property and assets solely owned by one spouse acquired before or during the marriage are considered personal property by the courts and generally not subject to division. If personal property is used during the marriage to acquire jointly owned assets, such as a vacation home, the asset may be considered marital property and open to division.

What Is a High-Asset Divorce?

Divorces involving wealth and assets totaling more than $1 million are exceedingly complex and considered high assets. Cases involving vast wealth require much more time, legal assistance, and the involvement of numerous financial and valuating experts. High-asset divorces differ in many ways, including but not limited to the following:

• Expense: High-asset divorces involve significantly more legal investigation and preparation time, investigators, industry experts, forensic accountants, and others, resulting in higher legal fees and other expenses.
• Time: Due to the number of assets and various locations, high-asset divorces are much more time-consuming, typically requiring more than one year to settle.
• Tax implications: Taxes in high-asset divorces are complex and can significantly impact one or both spouses when assets are divided, sold, or kept by one spouse.
• Property distribution: Dividing marital property is a lengthy process in divorce. However, the high number and value of marital property in high-asset divorces require considerably more time and negotiation, particularly if business ownership, investments, and multiple real estate properties are involved.
• Mediation: Alternative dispute resolutions in divorce, such as mediation, are common in any type of divorce and are usually preferred by high-asset couples. In contrast to courtroom divorces, which become public records, mediation is confidential, protecting the couple’s assets and details of the settlement.

High-asset divorce requires attorneys with vast knowledge, skill, and experience handling large estates involving high-value assets. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, our Princeton divorce lawyers are exceptionally experienced in this complex area of law and have additional training and licensing specifically related to high-asset divorces and tax implications.

Why Choose Zeigler Law Group, LLC for Your Divorce

In addition to the guidance and unbiased advice, working with an experienced divorce lawyer also provides support to ease the burden and stress most people experience during divorce. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, our Princeton divorce lawyers will do the following:

• Establish the grounds for divorce.
• Provide objective advice and support.
• Prepare and file legally required documents.
• Gather and compile all necessary records.
• Locate and value marital property, liabilities, and tax implications.
• Develop a sound strategy.
• Create child custody, child support, living arrangements, and co-parenting agreements.
• Ensure fair distribution of marital property.
• Determine whether alimony is appropriate.
• Negotiate settlement agreement.
• Litigate the case in court, if necessary.
• Protect your rights and best interests and the children’s.

Our Skilled Princeton Divorce Lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC Help Clients Navigate the Complexities of Divorce in New Jersey

Divorce is difficult, even in the most amicable of cases. If you are considering divorce, our dedicated and experienced Princeton divorce lawyers at Zeigler Law Group, LLC will be by your side and provide the legal guidance you need every step of the way. Call today at 732-361-4827 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Toms River, Red Bank, Princeton, and Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients in Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, and Burlington County.