Morris County Divorce Lawyers

New Jersey recognizes fault-based and no-fault divorces. While you may choose a fault-based divorce, a no-fault divorce is generally less contentious, time-consuming, and expensive.

Regardless of the type of divorce you pursue, the Morris County divorce lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, can help you navigate every step of the process, ensure your legal rights are protected, and reach the best possible outcome.

What Are Considered Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey?

In a no-fault divorce, you can allege irreconcilable differences in the Complaint for Divorce, and you do not have to provide specific details about what led to the dissolution of your marriage. You only must allege that the irreconcilable differences have existed for more than 6 consecutive months before filing the Complaint for Divorce and that there is no prospect for reconciliation.

In a fault-based divorce, you must provide 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?

If you and your spouse cannot resolve key issues, like child support, alimony, child custody matters or parenting time, or the distribution of marital property, your case may need to be litigated in Court.

While all of our lawyers are skilled courtroom litigators, we employ a range of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods when possible. ADR allows spouses to work through key issues with a neutral third party. ADR approaches include:

  • Collaborative divorce: This type of ADR takes a team-based approach to conflict resolution. Couples work with their respective lawyers to negotiate the divorce terms with as little conflict as possible.
  • Mediation: Couples meet with a trained mediator, who will negotiate possible conflict resolution options to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. The mediator does not make decisions for the couple. Instead, they will help the couple resolve their issues outside the courtroom.
  • Arbitration: This method is similar to mediation and collaborative divorce in that it takes place outside the courtroom. However, an arbitrator is similar to a Judge in that they make legal decisions for the couple that will impact the case outcome. In addition, once the arbitrator makes 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 marital property is divided in a manner that the Court deems fair; it is not an automatic 50/50 split. The Court will consider various factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • 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?

The equitable distribution of property only applies to marital property, which includes assets and debts accumulated during the marriage. The most common examples of marital property include the couple’s real estate, automobiles, businesses, bank accounts, retirement accounts, pensions, stock options, other investments, and loans and credit card debt.

Separate property includes any real estate property that either spouse owned prior to the marriage, as well as inheritances or third-party gifts. However, it is essential to remember that if the separate property was commingled with marital assets, it may ultimately be subject to equitable distribution, depending on the particular circumstances of the case.

How Expensive Is a New Jersey Divorce?

The cost of a divorce will depend on various factors, including whether the case is resolved outside of the courtroom using ADR, or whether traditional litigation is necessary to reach a settlement outcome.

Our Morris 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 thoroughly handle any aspect of your case, from start to finish.

Morris County Divorce Lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, Can Help Guide Clients Throughout the Divorce Process

The experienced Morris County divorce lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, 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.