Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging experiences in life. If you are reading this, it means that you may be facing a difficult decision, and you might be wondering whether you need a lawyer to guide you through the process. At Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. Emotions can run high, and there may be uncertainty about what to do next. You may be feeling anxious about the future, unsure of your legal rights, and concerned about what will happen to your family, assets, and finances. It’s completely normal to feel this way, but we want you to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. This is where a lawyer can make a huge difference.
Divorce is never easy, but having an attorney on your side can help bring clarity and reduce some of the stress you might be feeling. The right lawyer can guide you through the complexities of divorce, protect your interests, and help ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the process. At Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, we are here to help you get through this difficult time and work towards a successful outcome in your case. Here’s how a lawyer can be a valuable resource during a New Jersey divorce.
Understanding the Complexity of Divorce
A divorce is not just the end of a marriage; it is a legal process that requires careful attention to detail. In New Jersey, the divorce process can involve issues such as child custody, division of property, alimony, and child support. These are matters that often require legal knowledge and experience to navigate. Even if you and your spouse agree on some aspects of the divorce, there are still many legal requirements and procedures that must be followed to ensure that your divorce is finalized properly.
The law surrounding divorce in New Jersey can be complicated, and mistakes made during the process can have long-term consequences. It’s easy to miss important details or misunderstand legal terms, especially when emotions are running high. A lawyer can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your rights are protected at every step of the process.
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
The Emotional and Legal Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
Divorce can be emotionally draining, and many people find themselves overwhelmed by the thought of dealing with legal issues on top of their personal feelings. By hiring a lawyer, you gain a trusted advisor who can take on the legal burden while you focus on taking care of yourself and your family. Your lawyer can serve as a neutral party to handle negotiations and disputes, which can help keep things from becoming even more heated between you and your spouse.
Your lawyer will work to ensure that the divorce proceedings go as smoothly as possible and that your legal rights are upheld. If there are disputes or disagreements with your spouse, having a lawyer on your side can help facilitate communication and resolution, ultimately leading to a more favorable outcome for you. A lawyer’s ability to handle these matters without emotional involvement can also help reduce tension and make the process more manageable.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Child Custody and Support Issues
For many individuals going through a divorce, the most important concern is their children. When children are involved, a divorce can become even more complex. Determining custody arrangements and child support obligations can be difficult, especially if there is disagreement between you and your spouse. In these situations, it’s essential to have a lawyer who can advocate for your child’s best interests and ensure that you get a fair arrangement.
Your lawyer will help you understand the factors that New Jersey courts consider when making custody decisions, such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s age, and the ability of each parent to provide for the child’s well-being. If there are disagreements about custody or visitation, your lawyer can help negotiate a settlement or represent your interests in court.
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
Similarly, child support can be a contentious issue. New Jersey uses a specific formula to calculate child support, but there may be circumstances that require adjustments to the standard calculations. A lawyer can help ensure that child support is determined fairly and that any special circumstances, such as the child’s medical needs or educational expenses, are taken into account.
Protecting Your Financial Interests
Another important issue in divorce is the division of assets and debts. New Jersey follows an equitable distribution model, which means that marital property will be divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. This can lead to disagreements about how property, such as the family home, savings accounts, retirement funds, and other assets, should be divided. In some cases, spouses may try to hide assets or undervalue property in order to get a larger share. A lawyer can help you identify and value these assets, ensuring that you receive a fair distribution of property.
In addition to dividing property, a lawyer can assist with determining alimony, or spousal support. Alimony is often awarded to a spouse who needs financial assistance after the divorce, and the amount and duration of alimony can vary depending on factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the financial resources of each spouse. A lawyer can help you understand whether you may be entitled to alimony or whether you may be required to pay alimony, and can advocate for a fair resolution.
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Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
In some cases, couples may choose to pursue mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to avoid the cost and emotional strain of a lengthy court battle. Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps the spouses negotiate and reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce. While mediation can be an effective way to resolve disputes, it still requires careful legal guidance. A lawyer can help you prepare for mediation, represent your interests during the process, and review any proposed agreements to ensure that they are fair and legally binding.
Even if you pursue mediation or ADR, having a lawyer by your side can help you make informed decisions and avoid making concessions that may not be in your best interest.
Is It Possible to Get a Divorce Without a Lawyer?
While it’s technically possible to get a divorce without a lawyer, it’s not recommended for most people. Divorce is a legal process that involves many important decisions that will impact your life for years to come. Without legal guidance, you may not fully understand the consequences of your decisions or may miss crucial steps in the process. Even if you and your spouse are on amicable terms, having a lawyer ensures that your divorce is handled properly and that all legal requirements are met.
In some cases, individuals may attempt to handle their divorce without a lawyer, but often find that they encounter unexpected challenges along the way. This can lead to delays, mistakes, or unsatisfactory results. By hiring a lawyer, you increase your chances of a successful and fair divorce settlement.
If you are facing a divorce in New Jersey, it’s important to have a trusted legal advisor who can guide you through the process and protect your rights. A lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of divorce, ensure that you receive a fair settlement, and advocate for your interests in matters such as child custody, property division, and alimony. While divorce can be overwhelming, having a lawyer on your side can help reduce stress and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
At Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, we understand what you’re going through, and we are here to help. We will work with you to provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us today to discuss your case. We are here to help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.