Freehold Divorce Lawyers

Our knowledgeable lawyers understand that couples get divorced for many different reasons. We take the time to give our clients the personal attention they need for their divorce matter, regardless of the circumstances.

Our team of lawyers provides the following services for our clients:

  • Alimony and spousal support: We identify all sources of income and help you reach a favorable spousal arrangement. If there is a change in circumstances, such as cohabitation, we can also assist with the process of terminating alimony.
  • Child support and custody issues: We work closely with clients to establish custody and child support arrangements that prioritize the needs of their children. 
  • Divorce mediation and litigation: In New Jersey, mediation is a common first step in the divorce process. It often helps to avoid a lengthy and expensive trial if spouses are able to communicate successfully. If litigation is necessary, our accomplished legal team will guide clients through that process as well.
  • High-asset divorce: When a divorce settlement involves a significant amount of money, our priority is to ensure that our clients receive fair settlement they deserve. This may include alimony, a percentage of the marital assets, and other sources of income.
  • Military divorce: We will work with the Department of Defense and specific branches of the military if one or both spouses served in the military. Our team ensures that a fair settlement is reached, including alimony, child support, and visitation rights.
  • Post-divorce modifications: We handle matters when changes in circumstances impact divorce agreements, including support modification, relocations, and real estate issues.
  • Religious divorce: We understand when a marriage ends due to religious differences it can make matters more complicated. Our divorce lawyers have experience navigating the divorce process, while respecting the rules and customs of our client’s faith.
  • Same-sex couple litigation: Our firm represents clients who need assistance with the dissolution of same-sex marriages or domestic partnerships.
  • Uncontested divorce: Uncontested divorces are typically the least complicated divorces since both spouses agree to the terms. However, it is always advisable to have a skilled Freehold divorce lawyer on your side to protect your best interests should any unexpected issues arise. 

While New Jersey allows for no-fault divorces, spouses still have the option of seeking a fault-based divorce. If seeking a no-fault divorce, there are two causes of action that can be taken:

  • Irreconcilable differences: The spouses must have lived in New Jersey for a year, and be able to prove that the marriage has been broken beyond repair for at least six months with no prospect of reconciliation. This allows the marriage to end without either spouse taking the blame.
  • Separation: The spouses must be able to prove that they have lived separately for at least 18 months and there is no chance of reconciliation.

Spouses seeking an at-fault divorce must provide evidence that at least one of the following grounds is the reason for the divorce:

  • Adultery
  • Desertion
  • Deviant sexual conduct
  • Drug or alcohol addiction
  • Extreme cruelty
  • Imprisonment
  • Institutionalization for mental illness

It is important to understand that it may be more difficult to prove the cause of action for a fault-based divorce, and will not necessarily result in a more favorable outcome. Also keep in mind that when determining financial issues, the court does not generally take fault into consideration.

Going through a divorce can be a lengthy and stressful process, but having a good understanding of what to expect can make everything go more smoothly. A dedicated divorce lawyer will navigate every step of the process with you and address all your concerns, including:

  • Filing the complaint
  • Case Management Conference
  • Discovery
  • Case Information Statement (CIS)
  • Early Settlement Panel
  • Economic mediation
  • Intensive settlement

Why Should I Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

In addition to the emotional stress associated with the divorce process, there are complex legal issues that need to be resolved. This is especially true when couples have children and significant financial assets to consider. A skilled divorce lawyer can help make this process go as efficiently as possible in the following ways:

  • Explain the grounds for divorce: A knowledgeable divorce lawyer will discuss the grounds and requirements for divorce in New Jersey. A divorce lawyer will explain all of your options and recommend the best legal course of action.
  • Provide unbiased advice: A divorce lawyer can serve as an objective go-between you and your spouse as you go through child support, custody, and spousal support issues. This will help avoid as much personal contact with each other if necessary.
  • Identify all financial assets: A divorce lawyer will identify all marital assets, as well as any debts and liabilities, so that the divorce settlement accurately addresses finances. While both spouses may be legally responsible for joint debt, it is common for one spouse to be financially responsible. A divorce lawyer will protect you from debt and help establish a debt repayment plan.
  • Discuss property division: Although New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, division of property can become complicated during a divorce. Some spouses may own separate property they had before getting married, or have accumulated assets independently per a pre-nuptial agreement.
  • Determine spousal support: If one spouse makes significantly more money than the other, the dependent spouse may be entitled to alimony payments. Additionally, if one spouse owns a business the other may be entitled to a portion of the business interest. If the couple was married for more than 10 years, pension and Social Security income needs to be considered.
  • Develop custody plans: A divorce lawyer will work with their clients and spouses to help develop custody agreements that are in the best interests of the children. Custody plans and parenting agreements can widely vary, depending on the particular family.
  • Prepare divorce papers: Divorce papers must be submitted to the court for approval in order for a divorce to be finalized. An experienced divorce lawyer will prepare the proper papers and address any questions or concerns that may arise, as well as respond to the other spouse’s petition for divorce. 
  • Settlement and litigation: A skilled divorce lawyer will help negotiate an optimal settlement agreement if that is possible for your divorce. If your case goes to court, your lawyer will be ready to litigate your case and resolve a range of disputes, including spousal support and custody agreements.

The Freehold divorce lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. take care of clients and their families with all of their legal needs. Our well-rounded team is available to protect your interests and help attain your goals. We give each client individualized attention, understanding that family law matters involve more than just a resolution.

Freehold Divorce Lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. Help Clients Navigate the Divorce Process

If you have made the difficult decision to divorce, contact one of our Freehold divorce lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. We will assist you with every phase of the divorce process and help you reach the settlement you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 908-575-9777 or contact us online. Located in Somerville, Morristown, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.