Advocacy Before, During and After Divorce
Divorce can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with New Jersey’s legal process. At Torchin Martel Orr LLC (TMO Law), we believe informed clients make better decisions.
This quick-reference guide explains what happens when you contact our office and provides a general overview of the New Jersey divorce process so you know what to expect.
Reaching Out to TMO Law
- Contact Us
Call our office at 201-971-4866, or fill out our online form with some basic information about your family law matter.
- Conflict of Interest Check
Before scheduling a consultation, we first cross-check your information through our system to identify any potential conflicts of interest.
- Schedule a Consultation
A team member at our firm will contact you to schedule a consultation with an attorney, either in person or via Zoom.
- Sign the Retainer Agreement
If you choose to hire TMO Law, you will sign a retainer agreement outlining the terms of representation and pay our required retainer fee.
- Services Begin
Once the necessary agreements and initial requirements are completed, we will begin working on your case.
New Jersey Divorce Cheat Sheet
Every divorce is different, and the specific steps vary depending on the circumstances involved. Generally, a New Jersey divorce involves the following steps:
- File the Divorce Complaint: One spouse files a Complaint for Divorce with the court, identifying the grounds for divorce and beginning the legal proceeding.
- Case Management Conference: Initial hearing with a judge to set a timeline for your case. Each spouse will also complete a Case Information Statement (CIS), a detailed financial document detailing income, assets, debts, expenses, and other relevant financial matters.
- Discovery: Both spouses exchange relevant financial and personal information, such as financial records, tax returns, account statements, property information, and other documentation.
- Early Settlement Panel: If issues remain unresolved, the attorneys review the disputed issues and provide recommendations to help reach a settlement.
- Economic Mediation: If financial issues remain unresolved, the court may require a meeting with an independent mediator to continue working toward a negotiated resolution.
- Intensive Settlement Conference: If still unresolved, a judge steps in to oversee the settlement process and work in a last effort to resolve outstanding disputes.
- Trial: If all processes have been exhausted and no agreement has been reached, the divorce proceeds to trial, where a judge makes final decisions on all disputed matters.
Trusted Guidance Throughout the Divorce Process
At TMO Law, our compassionate divorce lawyers explain your options and provide clear expectations to confidently navigate each stage of the process and make informed decisions about your future. We are located in Paramus, NJ.