Union 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 Union 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?

If you pursue a no-fault divorce, you can allege “irreconcilable differences” in the Complaint for Divorce, which means that you cannot resolve your differences and that there is no prospect for reconciliation. You do not have to cite what led to the dissolution of your marriage, but you must allege that the irreconcilable differences lasted for more than 6 consecutive months.

In a fault-based divorce, you must provide a legally recognized reason for dissolving your marriage. The following are examples of grounds for 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?

The Union County divorce lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, employ alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods whenever possible to help couples resolve key issues. ADR approaches include:

  • Collaborative divorce: This method uses a team-based approach to reach a mutually agreeable divorce settlement. Couples are encouraged to work together with their attorneys and the rest of the team to negotiate key issues, such as spousal support, child support, custody, parenting, and the equitable distribution of marital property. The goal of a collaborative divorce is to avoid litigation and reach an agreement prior to filing a Complaint for Divorce.
  • Mediation: The couple will meet with a qualified neutral mediator to discuss the main issues that need to be resolved and present possible resolution options. While a mediator helps couples resolve their issues, the mediator does not make decisions for them.
  • Arbitration: This method is similar to mediation and collaborative divorce in that an arbitrator will help the couple resolve their issues outside the courtroom. However, an arbitrator is similar to a Judge in that he/she can make legal decisions that can impact the case. Both parties are bound by those decisions, unless they agree otherwise in advance.

How Is Marital Property Divided in New Jersey?

New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided in a manner the Court considers fair. It is not an automatic 50/50 split.

The Court will consider various factors when dividing marital property, including, but not limited to:

  • 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?

When a couple divorces, their assets and debts will be distributed; however, this only applies to marital property. Common examples of marital property include assets or debts that were acquired during the marriage, such as the marital home and other real estate the couple owns, bank accounts, pensions, retirement accounts, businesses, stock options, loans, and credit card debt.

Separate property includes any asset or debt that either spouse owned or incurred before the marriage, as well as inheritances or third-party gifts. If any type of separate property is commingled with marital assets, it may become subject to equitable distribution.

How Expensive Is a New Jersey Divorce?

The cost of a divorce will depend on various factors, including whether spouses can agree on key issues outside of the courtroom using ADR, or if litigation is necessary.

No matter the case, our Union County divorce lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, can help. We have a successful track record of negotiating settlement outcomes and can handle your case from start to finish.

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

The experienced Union 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.