Divorce

New Jersey Divorce Lawyers

Tanya L. Freeman wants to help you transition out of your marriage. Our New Jersey divorce lawyers remove barriers to moving forward, taking on the legal and administrative responsibilities of divorce while you focus on your wellbeing.

We know that every divorce is different, so we listen closely to you and customize a strategy that fits your unique situation and your goals for life after your marriage. Whether your divorce is amicable or contentious, complex or high-profile, you deserve experienced legal advocates who strategize tirelessly on your behalf.

Tanya L. Freeman focuses her practice on:

• High-profile and complex divorces
• Child custody
• Alimony or spousal support
• Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration
• LGBTQ+ divorces
• Division of marital assets

Even in the case of an amicable divorce, having a lawyer helps you understand your rights under the law and gives you confidence about the terms of your divorce settlement. We believe everyone deserves to move on from divorce with an experienced team by their side. Work with us because we want the best for you.

What You Need to Know About Divorce in New Jersey

Divorce Options

If you have concluded that going through a divorce is the best course of action for you, it’s exceedingly important to understand the legal process in New Jersey thoroughly. Fortunately, there are different alternatives available to you in the state.

Uncontested Divorce

This type of no-fault divorce allows you and your spouse to terminate your marriage with less tension and conflict. If you’re interested in pursuing a cost-effective and peaceful way to divorce in New Jersey, it’s certainly worth familiarizing yourself with this type of divorce. Even if your issues are complicated, it’s possible to have a no-fault divorce in New Jersey if both parties are willing to work together, communicate effectively, and act rationally.

To achieve an uncontested divorce in New Jersey, both you and your spouse will need to agree on all outstanding issues. During the process of a divorce, it is crucial to address several important issues that require careful consideration. These issues include alimony, child custody, child support, and the fair division of all marital assets. When dividing marital property in a divorce, assets to be considered include your home, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and business interests.

Contested Divorce

In a contested divorce, both parties are unable to come to an agreement on the terms of their divorce. These particular issues may be straightforward, but the parties involved may not be able to agree on how to solve them. As a result, some or all of the decisions pertaining to divorce must be made by a judge.

We acknowledge that going through a divorce in New Jersey can be a complicated process. It involves taking into account both legal and emotional aspects. Decisions that affect your children, assets, and future require careful deliberation and planning. Therefore, it is crucial to have skilled contested divorce lawyers evaluate all aspects of your divorce case to determine the best possible course of action.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

In the State of New Jersey, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) allows disputing parties to settle their differences outside the courtroom. It aims to reduce litigation costs and speed up the resolution process. These are the various types of alternative dispute resolution available in New Jersey:

Negotiation

Negotiation allows all parties involved to meet and quickly reach an amicable agreement. It is often the leading method of dispute resolution in New Jersey. Through constructive discussions and negotiations, you and your partner can assume control over the process of divorce. This enables you to make pivotal determinations concerning essential issues such as financial support for your children, custody arrangements, spousal support, as well as the equitable division of assets and liabilities.

Mediation

The purpose of mediation is to attain a harmonious resolution to conflicts that arise during a divorce. Qualified mediators help reach an amicable settlement by using skillful negotiating methods. Unlike litigation, mediation allows for a more open and communicative environment where both parties can express their concerns and work together to find a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation can be especially beneficial in cases involving children, as it allows for a more child-centric approach to decision-making. Overall, mediation offers a more constructive and less adversarial approach to resolving legal disputes in the realm of family law.

Collaborative Divorce

When going through a divorce, it’s important to consider the best approach for resolving conflicts. A low-conflict collaborative method prioritizes healing and involves both parties forming a team with trained divorce attorneys, financial advisors, and child custody specialists. By working together, the team aims to achieve positive outcomes for both parties and their children without any major conflicts. This approach can lead to a more amicable separation and a smoother transition for everyone involved.

Arbitration

Arbitration can be a solution for couples who cannot reach an agreement through negotiation. This method is similar to a trial but with simplified rules of evidence. In New Jersey, an arbitrator, agreed upon by both sides, is responsible for making the final decision. While it limits your control during a divorce, arbitration can be a more cost-effective solution compared to lengthy court battles.

It’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each approach before making a decision, and consulting with a legal professional can provide valuable insight.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

If you’re contemplating divorce in New Jersey or already in the process of one, it’s crucial to understand that this is a significant life event that can have far-reaching implications. Making informed decisions and avoiding common mistakes can make the process smoother and less stressful. At Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, we focus on guiding you through the complexities of divorce in New Jersey. In this section, we’ll discuss some common mistakes people make when going through a divorce and how our legal knowledge can help you navigate this challenging journey.

Rushing into the Process

Many individuals make the mistake of rushing into a divorce without fully assessing their situation. It’s essential to take your time, consider your options, and consult with our New Jersey divorce lawyers before proceeding. Our team offers a free initial consultation to help you understand your rights and the divorce process in New Jersey, enabling you to make an informed decision.

Neglecting Your Finances

Divorce can significantly impact your financial stability. Failing to take stock of your financial situation and not seeking proper legal guidance can result in unfair settlements. Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, has extensive experience in handling complex financial matters in divorce cases and can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Not Considering Alternative Dispute Resolution

Litigation can be expensive and emotionally draining. Choosing litigation as the default option can be a costly mistake. At Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, we provide alternative dispute resolution options, such as mediation and collaborative divorce, which can save you time, money, and emotional stress.

Failing to Prioritize Your Children

Divorce can be especially challenging for children. Failing to prioritize their well-being during the process can have long-term consequences. Tanya L. Freeman is dedicated to helping you reach child custody and support arrangements that are in your child’s best interests.

How Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, Can Help:

At Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, we understand the unique challenges that divorce in New Jersey presents. Our team of New Jersey divorce lawyers are committed to helping you avoid these common mistakes and achieve the best possible outcome in your divorce. Here’s how we can assist you:

Experienced Legal Guidance

With years of experience in New Jersey divorce law, our team provides guidance and support tailored to your specific situation.

Personalized Solutions

We understand that each divorce is unique. Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, works with you to create a customized strategy that aligns with your goals and priorities.

Compassionate Representation

We approach every case with empathy and a focus on achieving amicable solutions whenever possible, reducing the emotional toll on you and your family.

Child-Centric Approach

If children are involved, we prioritize their well-being and work diligently to create fair and sustainable custody arrangements.

We offer alternative dispute resolution methods to minimize legal fees and foster a collaborative atmosphere between parties.

If you’re considering divorce or in the midst of one, don’t make common mistakes that can impact your future. At Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, we are here to guide you through the complexities of divorce in New Jersey. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can assist you in making informed decisions during this challenging time. Your future and well-being are our top priorities.

Grounds for Filing a Divorce

The state of New Jersey is a no-fault divorce state. This means that neither party must establish guilt or misconduct in order to be granted a divorce. Irreconcilable differences, defined as a breakdown in the marriage that cannot be remedied, are the most common grounds for divorce in New Jersey. This is frequently referred to as “irreconcilable differences,” which is a “no-fault” reason for divorce.
Nevertheless, New Jersey recognizes a number of additional grounds for divorce, including:

Adultery

If one spouse has proof that the other committed adultery, the injured spouse can file for divorce on the grounds of adultery. Acceptable forms of evidence of adultery include witness testimony and photographs.

Desertion

Desertion is another ground for divorce in New Jersey. It occurs when one spouse abandons the other for a continuous period of at least 12 months without justification. The abandoned spouse must be able to prove that the other spouse intended to end the marriage and did not provide any support or communication during the 12-month period.

Extreme Cruelty

This refers to physical or mental cruelty that endangers the health or safety of the injured spouse. Examples of extreme cruelty may include physical abuse, verbal abuse, or emotional abuse. The injured spouse must be able to prove that the cruelty was severe and ongoing, and that it caused them to fear for their safety or wellbeing. If the injured spouse can prove these claims, they may file for divorce on the grounds of extreme cruelty.

Separation

It occurs when the spouses have been living separately and apart for at least 18 consecutive months with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. This means that both spouses have been living apart from each other and have not engaged in any sexual activity or attempted to reconcile during the 18-month period.

The concept of separation can be tricky in New Jersey divorce cases because it requires a physical separation between the spouses. Merely living in separate bedrooms in the same house may not qualify as a legal separation. Additionally, if the spouses engage in sexual activity or attempt to reconcile during the 18-month period, the clock will reset, and a new 18-month period must begin before the spouse can file for divorce on the grounds of separation.

Irreconcilable Differences

The state of New Jersey made a significant change to the laws surrounding divorce. In 2007, they included “irreconcilable differences” as grounds for divorce, which is commonly referred to as a “no fault” reason. This change followed the example of many other states and permitted couples seeking divorce to pursue legal proceedings in a more peaceful manner. It eliminated the need for specific allegations that could lead to a more contentious divorce. Essentially, the term irreconcilable differences means that the marriage has broken down, and this situation has persisted for a minimum of six months.