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Mercer County Divorce Lawyers

Mercer County, New Jersey is the 12^th most populous county known as “The Capital County” for the City of Trenton. Mercer County is also home to one of the world’s most prominent research universities, Princeton University, and six other celebrated colleges.

Less than half of Mercer County’s population are married couples living together. Going through a divorce is often an emotionally taxing process. Fortunately, you do not have to face it alone. At Lyons & Associates, P.C., our Mercer County divorce lawyers are here for you every step of the way.

What Are New Jersey’s Legal Grounds for Divorce?

New Jersey recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorces. However, most couples choose a no-fault divorce and cite “irreconcilable differences” because it is usually less costly and time-consuming. You are not required to disclose the differences. Requirements for filing a no-fault divorce include:

One or both of you must have lived in New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months prior to filing.
One or both of you must have experienced irreconcilable differences for at least six months before filing.
Irreconcilable differences are why the marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership should be dissolved.
You are sure there is no way to reconcile.

Depending on your reasons for divorce, you may choose to cite a “fault” cause of action when filing. Legally recognized faults for divorce in New Jersey include:

Adultery
Desertion or abandonment
Deviant sexual behavior
Extreme mental or physical cruelty
Habitual drunkenness
Imprisonment
Institutionalization
Narcotic addiction

When filing a fault divorce, it is up to you to prove your allegations, which is often difficult and requires significant evidence to support your claims. A divorce lawyer will also have resources for investigating and gathering evidence that you may not be able to acquire yourself.

What Types of Family Law Matters Does the Firm Handle?

Our experienced Mercer County divorce lawyers practice many aspects of family law, including but not limited to the following:

Alimony and Spousal Support
Appeals
Child Custody and Child Support
Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Matters
Equitable Distribution
High-Asset Divorce
Mediation
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Same-Sex Divorce
Uncontested Divorce

How Can a Mercer County Divorce Lawyer Help Me?

You are not required to hire a divorce lawyer in New Jersey, though it is highly recommended. Divorcing is typically an emotional process for all involved, even in the most amicable relationships, and can become contentious quickly. Having an experienced divorce lawyer on your side provides guidance, valuable advice, and support through the more difficult periods.

Our Mercer County divorce lawyers can do the following:

Determine and explain appropriate grounds for divorce and advise you on the pros and cons of each if filing a fault divorce.
Prepare and file all forms, documents, and disclosures New Jersey courts require, and respond to the divorce petition if your spouse filed first.
Provide objective advice regarding your future, such as child custody or support issues, and serve as a mediator between you and your spouse to avert confrontations if the divorce is contentious.
Create a legal strategy specific to your unique circumstances and objectives, advise and guide you through the state’s legal requirements pertaining to divorce, child custody, alimony, property distribution, and your legal rights.
Compile financial records, locate assets, and determine liabilities to be addressed in the settlement agreement as the law requires.
Ensure an equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities, per New Jersey’s laws.
Assess whether you are entitled to spousal support or required to pay if you and your spouse have significantly different incomes.
Develop a child custody agreement and co-parenting plan that addresses children’s needs and benefits the whole family.
Review both spouses’ financial state, children’s financial needs, and medical and education expenses to determine appropriate child support that meets children’s needs and ensure payments are made.
Negotiate child custody, alimony, child support, and division of assets on your behalf if you and your spouse disagree on the issues.
Litigate your case in court to resolve disputes and reach a settlement agreement when other attempts, such as mediation and negotiation, fail.

Hiring a dedicated lawyer protects your legal rights and children’s best interests. If you are considering divorce, your first step should be to consult an experienced divorce lawyer to understand your options.