Getting a divorce is one of the most emotional and, at times, confusing processes that a person can go through. You may have to deal with division of assets, complex division of assets, child custody, child support, alimony and many many more complicated issues.
While New Jersey’s divorce rate is one of the lowest in the country, this is little comfort to those who find themselves in the middle of a potentially devastating divorce. During this very trying time there are several common mistakes that one should avoid. Consulting with a experienced and skilled Morris County attorney can help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls that can have potentially catastrophic affects.
No matter the circumstance of your divorce or other family law issue, our Morristown divorce lawyers have helped others like you in Chester, Chatham, Mendham, Harding, Morris Township, Morris Plains and all over Morris County. We can provide the aggressive and knowledgeable help you need during this challenging time.
“Getting Divorce Advice from Friends and Relatives”
Chatham NJ Divorce Lawyers
A serious mistakes commonly made during many divorces is one party or the other taking legal advice from a close friend or family member. Often that friend or family member may have gone through a divorce themselves, and as such feel that they are in a position to give counsel and advice on a variety of aspects related to divorce.
The thing you must remember is that every situation is different. New Jersey matrimonial law is constantly changing. One excellent example of this would be when it comes to alimony. Alimony laws in New Jersey changed significantly in 2015 with the Alimony Reform Act. Thus if your friend or family member was able to secure “permanent alimony” as a part of their divorce, you may no longer be able to due to changes made to New Jersey alimony laws.
Our laws are constantly changing and bringing conversions to the divorce process, child custody, child support, and the division of assets. It is a much more sound decision to rely on your divorce attorney for legal advice, and trust in your friends and family for emotional support.
Responding to Divorce Complaint Chester NJ
There may be any number of reasons for individuals to not respond to a divorce complaint within the 35 days allotted by New Jersey law. Maybe it is in the hopes of salvaging the marriage, or perhaps due to the desire to ignore a very serious and stressful issue. However the bottom line is that the matters being decided as part of any divorce in Morris County are far too critical and life-changing not to have your needs and interests represented within your divorce settlement agreement by and experienced and skilled attorney.
If you received a divorce complaint from your spouse it is highly recommended not make the mistake of waiting too long to respond to the complaint, or worse, ignoring the complaint entirely. Call an experienced Chester divorce attorney, get knowledgeable and sound legal advice, and then make an informed decision regarding whether or not to “contest” the divorce complaint.
Filing for Divorce in Morris County
It is critically important to understand that there are several different types of divorce that can be filed in New Jersey and depending on your circumstances, the divorce may need to be filed for in a very specific location.
As an example, a divorce can be filed for based on “fault”, meaning one spouse has committed actions that legally justify a divorce. However, more commonly, a “no-fault” divorce may be filed, meaning neither spouse is at fault, simply one spouse or the other believes irreconcilable differences exist within the marriage.
Each type of divorce has specific requirements that must be met, and if you begin the divorce process and it is later determined that you or your marriage do not meet these requirements, your divorce can be denied and you will have to begin the process from the beginning.
Also, there are strict laws which determine in which town or courthouse your divorce should be filed for. Misfiling can lead to your divorce being dismissed and having to begin the process over from the beginning. This can cost additional time and money. In addition in New Jersey, a divorce must be filed in the county courthouse of the town where the reason for the divorce occurred. For example, if you cite an “irreconcilable difference” as grounds for a no-fault divorce, you must file for the divorce in the county courthouse of the town where the irreconcilable difference began to become clear in your marriage.
If any of your divorce paperwork is filed in the wrong location, or a specific deadline is missed as part of the divorce process, your divorce will most likely be denied by the courts, and you will have to begin the process again. This is just one of the many reasons that it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced Morris County divorce lawyer before filing for divorce. Your attorney will be able to help you identify the location your divorce should be filed, and help you file all of the necessary paperwork correctly and before all deadlines.
Contact Our Morristown Family Law Firm Today
Should you have questions about divorce, child support, child custody, parenting time, visitation, alimony, asset/property division or property settlements, our family law team is ready, willing and able to help. Many of our members are AV® Preeminent rated, signifying the highest industry standards in legal knowledge, communication abilities, and experience.We also feature many family law attorneys nominated to the Super Lawyers / Rising Star Super Lawyers list as it relates to family law.We are very familiar with all the pitfalls that divorce litigation can bring, and we are ready to use our expertise to help you to the best possible divorce settlement. To speak with one of our lawyers today, contact us online or through our Morristown offices at 973-975-4043.
