There are few things more mentally, physically, and financially draining than divorce. Divorce is oftentimes a document-heavy process, further complicating an already emotionally complicated issue. Fortunately, our experienced Bergen County family law attorneys are here to help. If you are getting a divorce, please continue reading to learn more about no-fault divorce in New Jersey and what our firm can do for you. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding the legal process going forward:
What is a no-fault divorce?
In years past, spouses would frequently have to state their reasoning for divorce. Fortunately, in today’s day and age, New Jersey is now a “no-fault” state, which simply means that individuals are not required to cite what are known as “fault grounds” when filing for divorce. Generally, under most circumstances, our attorneys will recommend you file for a no-fault divorce, for many reasons. First and foremost, if you choose to cite fault grounds, you allow your spouse to respond to your accusations. This, very often, prolongs the divorce process, costing you more time, money, and effort in the long run. What’s more, this process is often contentious the entire way through, and to top it all off, citing fault grounds rarely impacts the outcome of your divorce.
Do I have to file a no-fault divorce?
In short, the answer is no, you do not. There are fault grounds that you can cite for your New Jersey divorce. They are as follows:
- Extreme cruelty
- Incarceration
- Institutionalization for mental illness
- Addiction
- Adultery
- Desertion
- Deviant sexual conduct
Though these are all unsavory acts (to say the least), as stated before, under most circumstances, it is not particularly beneficial to cite them as grounds for divorce. We understand why many spouses wish to inform the court that their spouse’s infidelity is the reason their marriage is ending, however, as stated before, this seldom swings the outcome of their divorce in their favor. However, this may change depending on your individual case, which is why it is always best to listen to the guidance of a compassionate divorce attorney dedicated to fighting for his client’s best interests, every step of the way.
Contact our experienced Bergen County firm
We understand how challenging divorce and other family law issues can be, which is why we are dedicated to providing individuals with the compassionate, knowledgeable legal representation they deserve. Arohnson, Weiner, Salerno & Kaufman has helped clients through the various family law matters for over 40 years, which is why we know we have the experience needed to do the same for you. For powerful legal counsel regarding family law, litigation, business law, real estate, and criminal law, you know where to turn–contact Arohnson, Weiner, Salerno & Kaufman today to schedule a consultation.