Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging and emotionally draining experiences anyone can face. In New Jersey, divorce can become complicated, especially when disagreements arise between the two parties. The divorce process can take several months or even longer to finalize. During this time, both spouses still need to live their lives and address key matters, including child custody, financial support, and the use of shared assets. In such situations, a temporary agreement becomes crucial. A temporary agreement is a legal arrangement put in place during the divorce proceedings to ensure that both parties have clear guidelines to follow until the divorce is finalized. These agreements help maintain stability and provide structure during an uncertain period, reducing conflict and confusion. Understanding the importance of these agreements is vital for anyone going through a divorce in New Jersey.
Understanding the Purpose of a Temporary Agreement
A temporary agreement is essentially a set of rules or guidelines established by the court or mutually agreed upon by both parties. These agreements are designed to address immediate needs and concerns while the final divorce terms are being negotiated. It is important to recognize that a divorce is not simply the end of a marriage but the legal restructuring of two lives that have been intertwined. During this transitional period, both spouses may have different needs and concerns. A temporary agreement helps ensure that no one is left in limbo during this time.
In New Jersey, temporary agreements can cover a wide range of issues. They can outline child custody arrangements, establish visitation schedules, and specify financial responsibilities such as child support or spousal maintenance. In addition to addressing financial and parenting matters, temporary agreements may also deal with the division of marital assets, determining who will remain in the family home, and how bills and expenses will be paid while the divorce is pending. These agreements provide a temporary solution to prevent disputes and confusion during the divorce process, ensuring that both spouses and their children, if applicable, are supported.
More than an accomplished divorce and family law attorney, Tanya L. Freeman, is a consummate professional with a wealth of corporate and life experience. Known as a leader and strategist, Tanya L. Freeman was appointed by the Governor of New Jersey as Chair of the Board of Directors of the University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. Tanya L. Freeman also presents among the ranks of public speakers. She captivates and inspires professional groups nationwide. "Tanya has the eloquence and oratory brilliance with the ability to forge deep connections with her listeners."
Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law
Managing Partner of the Family Law Practice at Callagy Law
Child Custody and Parenting Time
When children are involved in a divorce, child custody is one of the most sensitive and critical issues that must be addressed. Temporary agreements play a significant role in establishing how the parents will share custody and parenting time while the divorce is being processed. It is not uncommon for emotions to run high when it comes to children, and disagreements can arise over who will have primary custody or how visitation schedules will be handled. A temporary agreement provides a clear structure for both parents to follow, allowing the children to maintain a sense of stability and routine.
In New Jersey, courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. A temporary agreement helps establish these arrangements early on in the process. This ensures that the children’s needs are met and that both parents have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Temporary custody arrangements can help prevent disputes and protect the child’s well-being by reducing the potential for conflict between parents. This agreement can later serve as the basis for a more permanent custody arrangement when the divorce is finalized, allowing the parents and the court to evaluate whether the temporary plan is working in the best interest of the child.
I was very fortunate to find Tanya online during an urgent family matter. I was able to speak with her on our situation and she immediately jumped on the case the same day. I was impressed at her knowledge and her team as they were able to answer questions on the spot and navigate through an unpleasant situation. Her honesty and responsiveness have made this process much easier, and the support she has provided has truly gone above my expectation of a family law firm. This is truly an exceptional firm & I would highly recommend.” - Lydia Martinez My father recently hired Tanya Freeman; Family Law Attorney and her team as a replacement to handle his divorce which has been going nowhere for over 3 years with a different attorney. Tanya and her team have done so much within just a few months for his trial and has given my father a new sense of hope. The team is always quick to respond to any questions. The case is still ongoing, however, my father has newly restored confidence that he will be treated fairly and with his best interest in mind. We definitely recommend Tanya Freeman; Family Law Attorney." - Molly Howard Tanya is an outstanding attorney! Her attentiveness to detail and willingness to be honest with her clients means you’re going to get the best possible outcome for your case. She and her team went above and beyond, making sure my divorce and custody case ended neatly and in the best interest of my children. Her pricing is reasonable and she’s willing to work with you. I highly recommend Tanya Freeman to anyone going through a divorce or family law case!" - Jenifer Mckinney
Financial Support and Stability
Divorce often brings financial uncertainty, especially if one spouse has been financially dependent on the other. Temporary agreements are critical in addressing financial concerns and ensuring that both spouses have the resources they need to maintain their standard of living while the divorce is pending. In New Jersey, financial support can take many forms, including temporary alimony (also known as pendente lite support) and child support. Temporary agreements help outline how much financial support one spouse will receive and ensure that essential needs such as housing, utilities, groceries, and childcare expenses are covered.
Temporary agreements provide financial stability by setting clear guidelines for how bills and expenses will be handled during the divorce. Without such an agreement, one spouse may be left without adequate financial resources, leading to unnecessary hardship and stress. By having a temporary financial arrangement in place, both parties can continue to meet their financial obligations, and the court can evaluate the financial needs of each spouse before making a final determination in the divorce settlement. Temporary financial agreements also prevent one spouse from cutting off access to financial resources, which can often happen when emotions are running high during a divorce.
Use of Shared Assets and Property
Another important aspect of a temporary agreement during a New Jersey divorce involves the use of shared assets and property. When a couple is going through a divorce, it is not uncommon for both parties to have joint ownership of various assets, such as the family home, vehicles, and bank accounts. A temporary agreement is essential in outlining how these assets will be used and managed while the divorce process is ongoing. For example, if both spouses own a home together, the temporary agreement can specify which spouse will remain in the home and who will be responsible for paying the mortgage and other associated expenses.
In addition to addressing the use of the family home, temporary agreements can also determine how other shared assets will be handled. This includes cars, personal belongings, and any joint bank accounts or retirement funds. These agreements help prevent disputes over asset usage and protect both parties from one spouse taking unfair advantage of the other during the divorce process. By having clear guidelines in place, both parties can continue using the assets they need without unnecessary conflict or confusion. This temporary arrangement ensures that both spouses are treated fairly and that the division of assets can be handled in a more organized manner when the divorce is finalized.
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The Role of Temporary Agreements in Reducing Conflict
One of the most significant benefits of a temporary agreement is its ability to reduce conflict between divorcing spouses. Divorce is often a highly emotional and contentious process, and disagreements over key issues such as child custody, financial support, and the division of assets can lead to intense arguments and stress. A temporary agreement provides a legal framework that both parties must follow, which helps to minimize the potential for conflict. By having a clear and enforceable set of guidelines, both spouses know their responsibilities and obligations, reducing the chances of misunderstandings or disputes.
In New Jersey, the court may impose a temporary agreement if the spouses are unable to reach a mutual agreement on their own. This ensures that even in high-conflict divorces, both parties have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Temporary agreements help to keep the divorce process on track by preventing unnecessary delays caused by ongoing disputes. They provide a sense of order during an otherwise chaotic time and allow both spouses to focus on reaching a final resolution. By reducing conflict and creating a stable environment, temporary agreements benefit both the spouses and their children.
A temporary agreement during a New Jersey divorce is essential for ensuring stability and fairness while the final terms of the divorce are being negotiated. It addresses critical issues such as child custody, financial support, and the use of shared assets, providing clear guidelines that both parties must follow. By having a temporary agreement in place, divorcing spouses can reduce conflict, maintain stability, and protect their rights while the divorce process is ongoing.
If you are facing a divorce in New Jersey, Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law can provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate this challenging process. With a strong understanding of New Jersey divorce laws, our firm is committed to helping you protect your interests and secure the best possible outcome. Whether you are seeking a temporary agreement or need assistance with other aspects of your divorce, our experienced team is here to help. Contact Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you during this difficult time.