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Union County Divorce Lawyers

One of the most populated counties in New Jersey, Union County is located in the northern region of the state. Union County is one of the most ethnically diverse counties in New Jersey.

Going through a divorce can be difficult and emotional. At Lyons & Associates, P.C., our Union County divorce lawyers can support and guide you through every step of the process.

What Family Law Matters Does Lyons & Associates, P.C. Handle?

Our experienced Union County divorce lawyers handle a wide range of divorce-related matters, including but not limited to:

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

What Are the Legal Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey?

Under state law, you must state a reason when filing for divorce. This is known legally as “grounds.” New Jersey recognizes both fault-based and no-fault divorces.

A no-fault divorce is also known as an uncontested divorce. Typically, spouses have several underlying reasons for divorce. You are required to name at least one of the accepted legal grounds when filing. New Jersey recognizes the following legal grounds:

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

Should you file a fault divorce, you shoulder the responsibility of proving your allegations, which requires ample evidence and can be challenging. Before filing for a fault-based divorce, consult an experienced divorce lawyer who can help you determine whether or not filing this type of divorce is advantageous. A divorce lawyer will guide you through filing and what evidence is required. Additionally, they have an established network of investigators and other expert resources that may be difficult to acquire independently.

The most commonly filed type of divorce in New Jersey is uncontested, citing “irreconcilable differences.” When filing for an uncontested divorce, you are not required to disclose the irreconcilable differences. No-fault divorces are also a popular option as they tend to cost less and are less time-consuming.

The requirements for a no-fault divorce include:

At least one spouse must have been a New Jersey resident for 12 or more consecutive months before filing.
One or both spouses must have experienced at least six months of irreconcilable differences before filing, and those differences are the basis for the divorce.
Certainty that there cannot be reconciliation.

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

In New Jersey, some divorces can take a year or more to resolve. Couples who are decisive and willing to compromise generally reach the final settlement agreement quicker.

However, divorces involving complex issues, such as business ownership or high-value assets, typically take longer to value and divide, potentially exceeding one year.

How Are Marital Assets Divided in New Jersey?

Marital assets are property acquired during the marriage. New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided in a fair, not necessarily equal manner. In determining equitable division, the court will look at many factors, including but not limited to:

Identify the assets subject to division, such as the marital home, bank accounts, and investments.
Value the marital assets through records and documents or through an expert appraiser in divorces involving many assets.
Determine the most equitable distribution through numerous factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and debts and liabilities.

Separate property owned solely by one spouse before or during the marriage, such as inheritance, is not considered marital property provided it was not used to acquire joint marital assets.

Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?

In New Jersey, hiring a lawyer is not required during divorce, but handling the dissolution of your marriage can be complex. An experienced divorce lawyer can alleviate some of the stress and provide guidance, objective advice, and legal support.

Why Should I Hire Lyons & Associates, P.C.?

At Lyons & Associates, P.C., our Union County divorce lawyers can do the following:

Determine grounds: We can explain each legal ground for divorce and help you decide if you should file a fault-based or no-fault divorce.
Follow deadlines: New Jersey courts require many specific forms and documents to be filed for review at specific points throughout the divorce process.
Objective advice: As we move through the divorce process, we can provide objective advice regarding your options and your post-divorce future.
Locate records: The courts require extensive reports on your finances, assets, and debts. We can investigate and compile financial records, locate assets, and determine your liabilities.
Develop a sound strategy: We can create a strong legal strategy tailored to your circumstances and advise you through all facets of divorce, such as spousal support, division of marital property, child custody, your legal rights, and any other relevant factors.
Mediate agreements: If your divorce is contentious or you cannot reach agreements, we can mediate between you and your spouse to avert confrontation.
Represent you in court: Should your divorce case go to trial, we can litigate on your behalf.