Mercer County Divorce Lawyers
New Jersey couples may pursue a fault-based or no-fault divorce. Many choose a no-fault divorce because it is generally less litigious and costly.
Regardless of your path, our Mercer County divorce lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, work to protect your legal rights and help you navigate the divorce process to reach the best possible outcome.
What Are Considered Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey?
Couples seeking a no-fault divorce can allege “irreconcilable differences” and do not have to provide details on the dissolution of the marriage. They must only allege that the irreconcilable differences had existed for more than 6 consecutive months before the Complaint for Divorce was filed. There must be no prospect for reconciliation.
If you file a fault-based divorce, you must list a legally recognized reason for dissolving your marriage. The following are examples of grounds for fault-based divorce in New Jersey:
- Adultery
- History of drug or alcohol abuse
- Extreme cruelty
- Sexual deviance
- Desertion
- Spouse has been imprisoned or committed to a psychiatric institution
What Is Alternative Dispute Resolution?
While our lawyers are skilled litigators, the attorneys at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC also employ a range of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) approaches whenever possible. These options help clients resolve key issues outside of the courtroom. ADR methods include:
- Collaborative divorce: This is a team-based approach to conflict resolution that encourages couples to work together with their respective lawyers to negotiate the terms of their divorce constructively and respectfully. The goal of a collaborative divorce is to avoid litigation and reach an agreement prior to filing a Complaint for Divorce.
- Mediation: This approach involves meeting with a qualified mediator who will work closely with the couple to present possible conflict resolution strategies and help to facilitate a mutually acceptable settlement. While the mediator will help the couple resolve their issues, the mediator does not make decisions for the couple.
- Arbitration: This method is similar to mediation and collaborative divorce in that the arbitrator helps the couple resolve their issues outside the courtroom. However, whereas a mediator does not make decisions for the couple, an arbitrator does. Like a Judge, the arbitrator can determine the outcome of a case, and once the decision has been made, both parties are bound by that decision, unless they agree otherwise in advance.
If you and your spouse cannot resolve key issues like child support, child custody, or other family law matters, your case may need to be litigated in Court. The attorneys at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, are fully prepared to handle your case in or out of the courtroom.
How Is Marital Property Divided in New Jersey?
New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, which means that marital property is divided in a manner the Court deems fair and equitable rather than an automatic 50/50 split.
The Court will consider a range of factors when determining how marital property will be divided, including, but not limited to, the following:
- The duration of the marriage
- The age and health of both spouses
- The couple’s standard of living over the course of the marriage
- Each spouse’s economic circumstances
What Is the Difference Between Marital Property and Separate Property?
Equitable distribution only applies to marital property, which includes assets and debts either or both of the spouses accumulated during the marriage. Examples of marital property include real estate, cars, bank accounts, businesses, retirement accounts, stock options, other investments, and loans and credit card debt.
Separate property includes any asset or debt purchased or incurred before the marriage and third-party gifts and inheritances. It is critical to remember that if separate property is commingled with marital assets, it may be subject to equitable distribution, depending on the facts of the case.
How Expensive Is a New Jersey Divorce?
The cost of a divorce in New Jersey will depend on various factors, including whether or not your case was resolved using an ADR method instead of traditional litigation.
Our Mercer County divorce lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, can help no matter your case’s path. We have a proven track record of negotiating successful client settlement outcomes and can handle any aspect of your family law case.
Mercer County Divorce Lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, Guide Clients Throughout the Divorce Process
The experienced Mercer County divorce lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, work to ensure clients’ rights are protected by way of settlement or litigation, if necessary. Call us at 908-800-7676 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
Located in Somerville, New Jersey, our attorneys serve clients throughout Central New Jersey, including those in Somerset County, Hunterdon County, Warren County, Morris County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County.