Middlesex 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, the Middlesex County divorce lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, can protect your rights and help you reach the best possible settlement outcome.

What Are Considered Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey?

If you choose a no-fault divorce, you can allege” irreconcilable differences” in the Complaint for Divorce. This means you cannot resolve your issues, and there is no prospect for reconciliation. The irreconcilable differences must have existed for more than 6 consecutive months before filing the Complaint. In this approach, you do not have to cite what led to the dissolution of the marriage.

In a fault-based divorce, you must provide legally recognized grounds for dissolving your marriage. The following are examples of grounds for a 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 some couples cannot resolve their issues outside of the courtroom, others can negotiate the terms of their divorce and reach a mutually agreeable settlement using an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method.

Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, employs ADR methods whenever possible, including:

  • Collaborative divorce: This method uses a team-based approach, where couples negotiate the divorce terms with their respective lawyers. The goal of a collaborative divorce is to avoid litigation and reach an agreement prior to filing a Complaint for Divorce.
  • Mediation: A trained mediator will work with the couple to discuss possible conflict resolution options. Rather than making decisions for the couple, the mediator is a facilitator who will help the parties resolve their issues and avoid going to Court.
  • Arbitration: An arbitrator works closely with the couple to help them resolve their issues without going to Court. However, an arbitrator is similar to a Judge in that they can make legal decisions that can impact the case. In addition, once the arbitrator has made a decision, both parties are bound by that decision, unless they agree otherwise in advance.

How Is Marital Property Divided in New Jersey?

New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, meaning that all marital assets and debts are divided in a manner the Court considers fair; it is not an automatic 50/50 split. The following are some factors that the Court may consider when distributing marital property:

  • The duration of the marriage
  • The age and health of both spouses
  • The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage
  • Each spouse’s economic circumstances

What Is the Difference Between Marital Property and Separate Property?

Equitable distribution only applies to marital property, including assets and debts both spouses accumulated over the marriage. This typically includes the marital home and other real estate holdings, bank accounts, businesses, retirement accounts, pensions, stock options, and loans and credit card debt.

Separate property includes any property (which could be real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, etc.) that either spouse owned before the marriage, as well as inheritances or third-party gifts. Separate property is not subject to equitable distribution unless commingled with marital assets.

How Expensive Is a Divorce in New Jersey?

The cost of a New Jersey divorce will vary significantly based on several factors. If you can resolve your issues through an ADR approach, your divorce will likely cost less than litigation.

The Middlesex County divorce lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, have a proven track record of negotiating successful settlement outcomes for clients outside the courtroom or through litigation, if necessary.

Middlesex County Divorce Lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, Help Clients Navigate Every Stage of the Divorce Process

The experienced Middlesex 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.