Monmouth County Divorce Lawyers
Going through a divorce can be a difficult and emotionally draining process, even under the best of circumstances. The process can become even more complicated and stressful if you and your spouse are having a difficult time agreeing on important issues like custody, child support, alimony, and the distribution of marital property. Every couple has unique issues and challenges that they will need to resolve during the divorce process. Whether you and your spouse are divorcing amicably, or you are gearing up for a potentially bitter and contentious court battle, the Monmouth County divorce lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. will protect your legal rights, guide you through every step of the divorce process and pursue the best possible settlement outcome.
Our skilled legal team represents clients throughout Monmouth County, which is located in the Central Jersey region. According to the 2020 census, Monmouth County is the fifth most populous county in New Jersey. Monmouth County is considered part of the New York metropolitan area and is also convenient to Philadelphia. There are a wide range of attractions, including the beaches, boardwalks, parks, and marinas, as well as restaurants, performing arts centers and shopping. Monmouth County has been a commercial hub due to the proximity to the shore, New York, and Philadelphia. Some of the major employers include Bell Labs Holmdel Complex, Verizon Wireless, AT&T Communications, Vonage and Bell Labs.
Why Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for your divorce. However, it is highly recommended, whether your divorce is amicable, or you and your spouse are unable to agree on anything. Even the most amicable divorce can become complicated and contentious when emotions are running high. Having a skilled and dedicated divorce lawyer on your side will ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the divorce process. In addition, your divorce lawyer will advocate for your interests and negotiate a fair settlement.
What Can a Divorce Lawyer Do for Me?
While the divorce process can be emotionally and financially draining, an experienced divorce lawyer will guide you through the process, address any questions and concerns you might have, and negotiate successful outcomes for the following issues:
- Child custody: In most cases, New Jersey courts believe that it is in the children’s best interest to have both parents involved in their life. If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement on your own, a divorce lawyer will help you develop a parenting plan that works for you and your spouse. The custody agreement should focus on what is in the best interests of your children.
- Child support: When determining a child support order, there are a number of factors that will be considered, including your and your spouse’s financial status, the child’s financial needs, medical expenses, and education costs. A divorce lawyer will ensure that the agreed-upon child support payments are made, and that the child’s needs are being met.
- Alimony: Oftentimes, the non-custodial spouse will be responsible for making alimony payment to the custodial parent. A judge will consider a number of factors when deciding whether to grant alimony, including the custodial spouse’s need for alimony and the paying spouse’s ability to pay, the length of the marriage, the standard of living that the couple enjoyed during the marriage, the age and health of both parties, and the earning capacity of both parties.
- Division of marital assets: Marital property includes any income or property that you and your spouse obtained over the course of your marriage. While some states automatically divide marital property equally, New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, which means that marital property is divided in a manner in which the court deems to be fair. A judge will consider a range of factors when determining how to distribute the marital property, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living that you and your spouse enjoyed during your marriage, the income or property that you and your spouse contributed to the marriage, and your current financial state at the time of your divorce. An experienced divorce lawyer will ensure that the marital assets are distributed fairly, and that any separate property that your or your spouse owned prior to the marriage is not subject to the equitable distribution of property.
What Are Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey?
In the state of New Jersey, you have the option of choosing a no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences. You are not legally required to provide any details about what those differences are. Most couples choose a no-fault divorce as it is generally not as time-consuming, expensive, and contentious as a fault-based divorce. However, if you want to pursue a fault-based divorce, the following grounds are recognized in New Jersey:
- Adultery
- Desertion or constructive desertion
- Deviant sexual behavior
- Extreme mental or physical cruelty
- Habitual drunkenness or drug use
- Imprisonment
- Institutionalization
Why You Can Trust Lyons & Associates, P.C.
When you are going through a divorce, it is important that you have a dedicated and skillful divorce lawyer on your side who you trust, since you will be sharing personal information about your marriage, your finances, and your family. The Monmouth County divorce lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. will listen to your concerns, address all questions and concerns you may have about the divorce process including the fee structure, and recommend the best legal course of action, whether that includes mediation, arbitration or litigation. Protecting your legal rights and securing the best possible settlement outcome is our top priority.
The Monmouth County Courthouse is located at 71 Monument Street in Freehold, New Jersey. Christine Giordano Hanlon, Esq. was elected Monmouth County Clerk in November 2015 and was re-elected to a second term in November 2020.
Monmouth County Divorce Lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. Represent the Best Interests of Clients Going Through Divorce
If you and your spouse are considering a divorce, do not hesitate to contact the Monmouth County divorce lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 908-575-9777 or contact us online. Located in Somerville and Morristown, we serve clients throughout Somerset, Woodbridge, Morristown, Parsippany, Rockaway, Short Hills, Chatham, Randolph, Madison, and Morris Plains.