Experienced Law Firm On Your Side

At TMO Law LLC, we understand the challenges of divorce and provide compassionate support to our clients. Our skilled divorce lawyers have over 100 years of combined legal experience and serve Paramus residents in all divorce-related matters. Our team is dedicated to collaboratively developing robust legal strategies and exceptional representation to secure the best outcome for our clients.

What Divorce Legal Matters Does TMO Law LLC Handle?

TMO Law LLC handles all divorce matters, including but not limited to the following:

• Alimony
• Arbitration
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Collaborative Divorce
• Division of Marital Assets and Debts
• Divorce
• Domestic Violence
• Guardianship
• Mediation
• Post-Judgement Matters
• Postnuptial Agreements
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Relocation
• Same-Sex Divorce

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey?

When filing the petition, you must cite a reason for the divorce, legally known as “grounds.” New Jersey recognizes both “no-fault,” also called “uncontested,” and “fault-based” divorces. Most divorces in New Jersey are uncontested, with couples citing “irreconcilable differences.” When citing irreconcilable differences, there is no requirement to provide additional details about the reasons behind the marital dissolution. Spouses often choose an uncontested divorce because it is typically more cost-effective and time-efficient.

If you file a fault-based divorce, you are responsible for providing evidence to support your allegations, which can be difficult without legal assistance. An experienced Paramus divorce lawyer at TMO Law LLC will have a network of investigators and experts who will help gather the evidence.

Does it Matter Who Files for Divorce First in New Jersey?

Legally, it does not matter which spouse files for divorce first, though there are some distinct advantages for doing so, such as the following:

• Filing first allows you to establish grounds for divorce, plan a strategy with your lawyer, and control the narrative of proceedings.
• Filing first will give you more time for preparation, including consulting and hiring a lawyer, considering your options, and gathering the required paperwork.
• Filing first will give you flexibility of where court proceedings take place by filing in the most convenient county.

You must serve your spouse with divorce papers within 30 days of filing. Once served, your spouse has 35 days to formally answer, dispute your claims, or file their own counterclaims. If no response is received within 35 days, the court has leeway to grant your requests and finalize the divorce.

What Costs Should I Expect During Divorce?

The cost of divorce depends on the type of divorce and the length of the process. Spouses with many assets may expect to incur more expenses and use outside experts to locate and value assets during the discovery phase. Spouses in short-term marriages and those without children typically have fewer overall costs.

New Jersey courts have fixed fees for divorcing. Expect to pay $300 to file for divorce, $175 to file an Answer or Counterclaim to the Complaint for Divorce, and parents must pay an additional $25 to attend a required parenting workshop.

Low-income divorcing couples may apply for a fee waiver, eliminating filing costs if earning at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Other applicable expenses may include attorney and process server fees and private mediation or parenting coordination costs.

Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Fees?

In certain circumstances, New Jersey courts can require one spouse to bear the attorney fees of the other, known as a “pendente lite award.” This determination is influenced by several factors, including but not limited to the following:

• Financial resources of each spouse
• Ability of each spouse to cover the attorney fees
• Complexity of the divorce proceedings
• Needs of any children involved

If the court finds that one spouse is at a financial disadvantage, it has the authority to instruct the other spouse to contribute either a portion or the entirety of the attorney fees. This ensures that both spouses have equal access to legal representation. Our experienced Paramus divorce attorneys will provide legal guidance if you have concerns about covering these fees.

Settlement Issues in New Jersey Divorces

Numerous issues need to be resolved in New Jersey divorces, such as the division of assets, child custody and support, and alimony. All of these must be incorporated into a legally binding agreement between the spouses. To facilitate reaching an agreement, there are several alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options available, including mediation or arbitration. Yet, if ADR is unsuccessful, courtroom litigation will be necessary. The court must approve and file the agreement before the final divorce decree can be granted.

How Will TMO Law LLC Help Me With My Divorce?

New Jersey does not require you to hire a divorce lawyer, though it is wise to do so. Divorce law is complex and challenging to navigate. Without extensive knowledge and experience, representing yourself may significantly and negatively affect the outcome of your case.

Additionally, divorce is emotional. Hiring our seasoned Paramus divorce lawyers provides the guidance and much-needed support you need during the proceedings. An experienced Paramus divorce lawyer will do the following:

• Determine the grounds for divorce.
• Offer objective legal advice throughout the proceedings.
• Prepare and file all court filings.
• Locate and compile marital assets and debts.
• Establish a fair division of marital property.
• Assess spousal support and payment amount.
• Mediate or negotiate a settlement.
• Establish child custody and visitation schedules.
• Determine appropriate child support.
• Protect your rights.
• Litigate if the case goes to trial.

Our Skilled Paramus Divorce Lawyers at TMO Law LLC Help Clients Get the Best Possible Outcome in Their Divorce

Divorce can be daunting and confusing without legal help. If you are considering a divorce, our experienced Paramus divorce lawyers at TMO Law LLC will address your concerns and discuss your options. Call 201-971-4866 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Paramus, New Jersey, we serve clients in Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex, and Hudson counties and northern New Jersey.