Divorce Lawyer Bergen County

Dedicated Bergen County Divorce Attorneys with a Personal Touch

Our Bergen County divorce attorneys work one-on-one with clients to offer compassionate and respectful legal counsel throughout the entire divorce process. We understand that this is a difficult time, often filled with emotional and financial challenges, and we provide the resources and support you need to ensure your divorce is handled as smoothly as possible. Our personalized approach to family law means that we take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our services to meet your specific needs and goals, making your legal experience more manageable and less stressful.

Unsurpassed Legal Support for Your Divorce

• We have more than 25 years of legal experience.
• We offer a free, private initial consultation.
• We offer evening appointments, if necessary.
• We promptly respond to our clients' questions and concerns.
• We deliver client-focused representation.
• We build customized agreements and case strategies.
• We are highly respectable Bergen County divorce attorneys

We are known for our ethical practice and commitment to our clients' success, ensuring you receive the best possible support during your divorce proceedings.

Call Sherwood, Johnson & Poles today at (888) 224-1218or contact us onlinefor a FREE consultation!

What Are Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey?

There are several different grounds for divorce in New Jersey, but adultery is the only reason which can abrogate the requirement that either spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least one year before filing. Alternatively, no grounds are needed to qualify for a legal separation in Wyckoff, Bergen County, or anywhere else in the state. Understanding these legal distinctions with a divorce attorney in Wyckoff can help you make informed decisions about the direction of your divorce proceedings and what might be most beneficial given your specific circumstances.

Although fault may be used to file for a divorce, no-fault divorce is also an option, known as "irreconcilable differences," which were added to New Jersey's divorce laws in 2007. This option allows couples to divorce amicably without attributing blame, which can be less contentious and more straightforward, especially with guidance from an experienced Bergen County divorce lawyer.

In addition to adultery, grounds for fault-based divorce include:

• Desertion: Also known as marital abandonment, this occurs when one spouse willfully deserts the other spouse for a period of at least 12 months.
• Addiction: You must prove that your spouse has been abusing drugs or alcohol for a year or more and it is ruining your relationship.
• Institutionalization: This occurs when a spouse has been institutionalized for a mental illness that has lasted 2 years or more.
• Imprisonment: This is valid only if the spouse is convicted to a prison sentence of 18 or more months after the marriage took place.
• Deviant sexual conduct: This can be defined as conduct performed voluntarily by the defendant without the plaintiff's consent.
• Extreme cruelty: Behavior that makes cohabitation unreasonable or impossible.

To file for divorce in New Jersey, either of the spouses needs to have been a resident for at least a year before filing, unless the grounds for divorce is adultery. In such cases, the requirement is that at least one spouse must be a New Jersey resident for any length of time. If you have further questions about this, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Bergen County divorce attorney for a more detailed explanation.

What Are the Different Types of Divorce in New Jersey?

• Uncontested Divorce: This is also known as a "no-fault" divorce. Both parties agree on the division of property and child custody/child support, making it a smoother process that can be resolved more quickly and with less expense than contested divorces. It is usually the preferred route when both parties are amicable and can be effectively managed by a family divorce lawyer in Bergen County.
• Contested Divorce: This is when a married couple cannot agree on division of assets, property, child support, child custody, and spousal support. The divorce will have to go before a judge to have the issues sorted, which can be costly and time-consuming. Our experienced divorce lawyers in Bergen County can support and guide you through the complexities to achieve a fair outcome.
• Mediated Divorce: This type of divorce is the least traumatic for most couples going through a divorce. Agreements in the divorce contract are discussed with a third-party attorney or divorce mediator.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Divorce in NJ?

If you want to know how much your divorce will cost you, there is no straightforward answer. It will depend on a number of factors, such as how contentious the situation is between you and your spouse. Other factors that will affect the cost may include how many times you have to go to court, the degree of conflict, if there are any potential child custody disputes, and whether any particular complex legal issues are present. At Sherwood, Johnson & Poles, our Bergen County divorce attorneys in Wyckoff aim to keep you informed regarding all facets of a divorce, including the costs involved, which can often be reduced by opting for mediation over litigation.

Many believe that it is cheaper to file pro se, instead of retaining the services of an attorney. However, there are filing fees and court costs associated with filing pro se that could end up costing you more in the long run. Representing yourself may also lead to overlooking critical legal details, which could negatively affect the outcome of your divorce, including the financial outcome.

Some costs you should consider include:

• The filing fee for divorce in New Jersey is $300.00. If you have to file any motions (applications requesting relief), you will be charged an additional $50.00 per motion, adding to the complexity and expense of the process.
• There are other expenses: service of process, subpoenas, depositions, trial preparation, and costs associated with the retention and potential testimony of expert witnesses.

How to Manage the Costs in Divorce with a Wyckoff Divorce Lawyer

It is important that you approach your divorce in a business-like manner. The sooner you are able to come up with satisfactory solutions for dividing assets, paying support (if necessary), and implementing a good parenting plan, the more peaceful and less costly your divorce proceeding will be. Minimizing emotional conflict through these methods not only helps control legal costs but also reduces stress and leads to long-term satisfaction with the agreed outcomes.

While many individuals will try to cut costs by not securing legal representation, this is ill-advised. With such important things on the line as your children's future and your economic stability, it is imperative that you ensure your best interests are represented. By working with a divorce attorney, you can gain a clearer understanding of your rights and work towards an equitable settlement that addresses all pertinent issues.

What Happens to Property & Children Before a Divorce Is Finalized?

You can file for temporary orders to decide who gets what during a divorce process and to ensure that your children maintain stability throughout the proceedings. These temporary orders can cover everything from house possession to temporary child support and custody arrangements, which are crucial for maintaining a sense of normalcy for everyone involved. The judge will issue a final order upon closure of the divorce that will supersede all temporary orders, reflecting the permanent decisions agreed upon or ordered by the court.

Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution Options in a Divorce

While traditional litigation is one way to resolve divorce matters, there are alternative dispute resolution options that may be more cost-effective and less time-consuming. These alternatives often employ a more harmonious approach, focused on collaboration rather than contention.

Our experienced Bergen County divorce attorneys can help you explore the following alternatives:

• Mediation: A neutral third party helps facilitate communication and negotiation between you and your spouse to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. Mediation supports open, honest dialogue and can lead to more innovative solutions tailored to the needs of both parties.
• Collaborative Divorce: Both parties and their attorneys work together to find solutions that meet the needs and interests of everyone involved. The collaborative process is often less adversarial, fostering goodwill and positive relations, especially when children are involved.
• Arbitration: An arbitrator acts as a private judge to make decisions on disputed issues, which can be binding or non-binding depending on the agreement. Arbitration can be quicker than going to court and offers more privacy, allowing for tailored solutions specific to your case that a formal court may not provide.

By considering these alternative dispute resolution methods, you may be able to avoid the time, expense, and emotional toll of a lengthy court battle. Our Wyckoff divorce lawyers are here to guide you through the process and help you choose the best approach for your unique situation. Each method offers its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks, and we are dedicated to ensuring your decisions are informed and aligned with your goals.

We Proudly Offer Viable Alternatives for Family Law & Divorce Disputes

Besides assisting our clients through contentious litigation, we pride ourselves in offering collaborative divorce and mediation services as Bergen County divorce lawyers. Mediation is considered to be a more private and cost-effective route, often resulting in quicker and more satisfying resolutions for clients. Provided under controlled conditions with the support of seasoned professionals, these methods emphasize reconciliation and mutual respect.

As members of the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators, our attorneys have the training and skills to serve as your mediator and help you come to an agreement regarding matters such as high asset division, child support, alimony and spousal support, or other complex divorce matters. Our affiliation with esteemed organizations underscores our commitment to maintaining high standards and staying updated with progressive legal practices.

If you do not wish to legally divorce—due to religious reasons, for example—we can help you petition for a divorce from bed and board or enter into a separation agreement with your spouse. These legal strategies afford you the protection and formal recognition needed while respecting personal or religious constraints. Our Bergen County divorce attorney serves clients throughout New Jersey and is ready to guide you through this time. There are options available to you, no matter your story, and we are here to navigate them with careful consideration and respect for your circumstances.

Social Media & Divorce: Insights from a Bergen County Divorce Lawyer

Although it might feel good to unload your frustrations into the social media void, doing so can have some serious ramifications. For example, if you have children, badmouthing your spouse in a scathing Facebook post will not do you any favors when it comes to child custody and visitation. This misstep can be seen as a reflection of your parenting approach and could negatively affect perceptions in a courtroom setting or mediation process.

Moreover, frequent emotional online outbursts will make you appear unstable. To avoid facing repercussions for someone else's posts, ask those closest to you to respect your privacy and not post anything that might be directly or indirectly related to you. Subtle implications or perceived slights can have wider implications than expected, affecting public and legal views.

Although your best option is to simply halt social media usage until your divorce is finalized, this might not be possible for some. Understanding the potential impact of your online interactions is crucial during this sensitive time.

Here are some tips to consider if you choose to continue to use social media:

• Tell your friends and family not to post about your divorce
• Never discuss the details of your situation online
• Do not use the check-in feature or share your location
• Do not repost memes about marriage
• Do not post pictures of you out with friends or at a party
• Do not post about any vacations you took or plan on taking
• Do not post pictures or videos of your children engaging in activities your spouse would not approve of

If you post on social media about your divorce, it is very likely the judge will catch wind of this information. Posting negative, harassing, or defamatory comments about your ex-spouse will inevitably only make you look bad in the eyes of the court, and may even prove to show you as an unfit parent. The permanence of online posts cannot be understated; once shared, they may be used as evidence, supporting or diminishing your claims in legal settings.

Also, you must remember divorce is essentially about finances. If you are requesting alimony or denying being able to pay child support, yet you display living a lavish lifestyle, the judge will not be impressed by these displays. Aligning statements with behaviors can significantly support your legal position.

All of these factors and more can be used against you, which is why it is essential you are advised by a Bergen County divorce lawyer such as ours at Sherwood, Johnson & Poles. Acting with discretion and prudence online aligns with the strategic counsel we provide to navigate your divorce with integrity.

How Can a Divorce Attorney in Bergen County Help You?

If you are going through a divorce, our family attorneys in Bergen County are here to help. When you hire an attorney from Sherwood, Johnson & Poles, you are not only hiring a legal professional experienced in divorce but an individual who will go above and beyond to help ensure that the process is as smooth as possible for you. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing the supportive guidance needed during this challenging time, helping you focus on rebuilding your life with confidence.

A Wyckoff divorce attorney can help you in the following ways:

• Paperwork: Filing all of your paperwork efficiently and correctly ensures that everything is in order and deadlines are met, reducing potential for oversight.
• Time: Helping to ensure that no mistakes are made that could potentially delay the process, facilitating a quicker resolution and minimizing the emotional toll.
• Support: Supporting you psychologically and offering you emotional reassurance throughout your divorce proceedings, addressing both legal and emotional aspects of your situation.
• Legal Counsel: Providing you with important legal information to help ensure that your rights are protected, empowering you to make decisions with clarity and purpose.
• Representation: Representing you if your situation gets taken to court for various family-related matters, advocating for your best interests with skill and integrity.

We have helped many couples going through a divorce. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our divorce attorneys in Bergen County, and to learn more about the many benefits provided by hiring an experienced attorney. Our personalized approach is designed to put you at ease, thoroughly addressing all aspects of your divorce with sensitivity and care.

Related Family Law & Divorce Pages

• Divorce FAQ
• Alimony & Spousal Support
• Asset Division
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Contested Divorce

Additional Bergen County Divorce Resources

• BLOG: How to Get Yourself Ready for a Divorce
• BLOG: Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce
• BLOG: Divorce with Special Needs Children
• BLOG: When Doctors Get Divorced: Important Factors to Consider