Divorce is one of life’s most difficult transitions, even when both spouses are cooperative. From child custody and support to the division of property and spousal support, the process is legally complex and emotionally draining.
At Marotta Blazini Dunleavy LLC, our compassionate Bergen County divorce lawyers offer trusted guidance and strategic representation to protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence.
To file for divorce in New Jersey, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least one year. The exception is adultery, which has no residency requirement if the incident occurred in New Jersey.
There are two types of grounds for divorce:
1) No-Fault Divorce
Most divorces in Bergen County are filed on no-fault grounds, typically citing irreconcilable differences. This means the spouses have experienced a breakdown of the marriage for at least six months, with no reasonable chance of reconciliation. No-fault divorce is often quicker and less expensive, especially when both parties agree on major issues.
2) Fault-Based Divorce
In a fault-based divorce, one spouse must prove that the other engaged in misconduct. Grounds include:
When filing on fault-based grounds, the spouse must present evidence to the court to support the claim.
Divorce in New Jersey follows a structured legal process. While every case is unique, most follow these steps:
The timeline for divorce varies. Uncontested divorces may be finalized in a few months, while contested divorces—involving disputes over children or finances—can take a year or longer, depending on court scheduling and the complexity of the issues.
Each divorce is different, but certain core matters must be addressed before a judgment of divorce is granted:
Child Custody
New Jersey courts prioritize the best interests of the child. Custody can be:
Child Support
Support is calculated using the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, considering factors such as income, custody time, number of children, and healthcare needs.
Equitable Distribution of Property
New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. This means marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, based on several factors, including but not limited to:
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Alimony may be awarded to ensure that one spouse maintains a similar lifestyle after divorce. The court considers many factors, including but not limited to:
Following NJ’s 2014 reforms, open durational alimony is typically reserved for marriages longer than 20 years. Other types include limited duration, rehabilitative, and reimbursement alimony.
Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third-party mediator helps spouses resolve divorce-related issues outside of court. It is often faster, less adversarial, and more cost-effective than litigation.
Benefits of mediation include:
Many Bergen County spouses choose mediation to keep the divorce process more amicable and private.
Divorce costs vary widely depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested. Factors include:
While some divorces may cost only a few thousand dollars, complex or high-conflict cases can cost significantly more.
Trying to navigate the divorce process on your own can be overwhelming. At Marotta Blazini Dunleavy LLC, our experienced Bergen County divorce lawyers provide comprehensive support throughout your case. We will:
Whether your case is uncontested or high-conflict, our lawyers are committed to securing the best outcome possible.
If you’re considering divorce, don’t face it alone. At Marotta Blazini Dunleavy LLC, our compassionate Bergen County divorce lawyers are here to help you make informed decisions and move forward. Call 201-368-7713 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Located in Maywood, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout Bergen County and the surrounding areas.
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