Gloucester County Divorce Lawyers Located in Woodbury, NJ

Experienced Woodbury Divorce Lawyers Represent Clients in Gloucester County and Throughout South Jersey

We all know how contentious divorce can get. If you’ve never been through the process yourself, it’s important to know that reaching an agreement can be a difficult process even if you maintain a friendly relationship with your spouse.

Whether you’re divorcing by choice or by circumstance, we know that the path you’re about to travel may seem uncertain. Each person’s divorce experience is unique, much like a fingerprint, with no two people having the same experience. It may be tempting to ask your friends, family, or colleagues what you can expect. However, their stories will probably lead to more confusion or set unrealistic expectations.

When you choose Smedley Law Group, we’ll talk to you not only about your pending litigation—but also about your life. To move forward, it’s important to understand what problems exist in your current circumstances, how those problems affect you and your family, and what we need to do to create the life of your dreams, moving forward. We provide you with the clarity you need in a time of uncertainty. Then, we craft a strategy based on what’s most important to you as you move forward into this next stage of your life.

To learn more about our practice and how we can help, contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Divorce: Contested and Uncontested

A divorce matter can take on two forms: contested and uncontested:

• A contested matter is where the parties have not yet reached an agreement as to how the issues surrounding the dissolution of their marriage should be dissolved. Contested matters typically involve issues relating to custody and parenting time, child or spousal support, and/or the division of assets and debts.

• An uncontested matter is where the parties have already negotiated signed agreement resolving all of the issues related to the dissolution of their marriage.

Don’t be alarmed if you don’t yet have an agreement with your soon-to-be-ex; most matters resolve without having to go to trial, despite starting off as a contested matter. There are plenty of opportunities along the way to amicably resolve your matter, which can minimize the financial and emotional cost of your case. ​

That’s not to say that litigation doesn’t have its place. There are times where it’s necessary to fully litigate a matter:

• your soon-to-be-ex has taken an unreasonable position
• you can’t reach a compromise on one or more areas of your case
• the issues are complex
• experts are required to evaluate and assess an aspect of your matter.

When your matter requires litigation, Smedley Law Group works with you to develop a litigation strategy based on your individual situation and goals for the future. 

Understanding New Jersey’s Divorce Process

In New Jersey, either spouse can request a divorce without citing any specific reason. If one spouse wants a divorce, it’s sufficient to cite irreconcilable differences to begin the divorce process. To begin the process, one party must file the divorce complaint with the courts. The spouses then have a period of time to resolve important issues before the divorce is finalized.  

For most couples, those issues include:

• Child custody 
• Child support
• Equitable division of assets and debts
• Spousal support

It’s always important to have a lawyer by your side when resolving these critical issues that will impact the rest of your life—especially when children are involved. Our lawyers are here to help. We’ll work with you and your family to:

• Identify all assets and debts
• Schedule appraisals and asset valuations if necessary
• Help you get information about your spouse’s finances
• Identify your position with respect to assets and help you identify any “sticking points”
• Work with you to determine what type of parenting arrangement might be in your child’s best interests.

It’s always advisable to try to reach an agreement with your spouse about these issues without court intervention. Of course, it can be difficult for many divorcing couples to work reasonably with each other on their own.  

That’s where our experienced family law attorneys at Smedley Law Group can help. We can work to facilitate mediation where a neutral third party will help you and your spouse work through these difficult issues. 

We’re also Certified Matrimonial Law Attorneys—a designation given by the New Jersey Supreme Court to reflect our expertise in family law matters. To learn more about your options, give us a call today.

Our Woodbury Divorce Attorneys Will Help You Through the Entire Divorce Process

We know divorce is an emotional time for many couples. It’s important to have a lawyer by your side who’s able and willing to help you see the big picture. At Smedley Law Group, we handle every aspect of your divorce so you can focus on the big decisions you have to make. Our lawyers will:

• Prepare and file the legal documents needed throughout the divorce process
• Help you locate assets and get the details about your spouse’s finances if necessary
• Conduct all pre-trial discovery, serve interrogatories and conduct depositions as needed
• Advocate on your behalf to reach favorable resolution of issues like temporary child custody, support, and visitation issues through pre-trial motions
• Help you understand all of the legal aspects of the divorce, including tax issues, business restructuring, estate planning, and any matters specific to your divorce
• Negotiate on your behalf to reach an agreement that best achieves your goals and preferences
• Help you and your spouse work through mediation or alternative dispute resolution 
• Advocate for your rights before a judge in court if necessary.

The divorce process is complex and can get messy without a strong legal advocate in your corner. Our lawyers at Smedley Law Group do our best to help clients get the fair outcome they deserve.

How Can We Help Make Sure Your Children Are Protected in a Divorce?

Of course, your children are your most valuable asset. Time with your children must also be divided. This is another area where it’s important to take your time. Start by examining your children’s lifestyle and schedule—and those of you and your spouse. Often, the best way to protect your children is to make every effort to provide continuity to the extent possible.

Our Woodbury, NJ divorce lawyers are available to sit down with you and help you understand how child custody and child support arrangements get determined in New Jersey. We’re skilled mediators who can help you and your spouse reach an agreement that protects your children and their future.

To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

Call Smedley Law Group to Arrange a Consultation With an Experienced Woodbury, NJ Divorce Lawyer Today

At Smedley Law Group, our compassionate family law attorneys are here to help your family handle whatever life brings your way. If you’re considering divorce or your spouse has requested a divorce, it’s never too early to speak with an experienced family law attorney.  Having someone by your side to help you through the process can make divorce proceedings go as smoothly as possible.

• Locations Served in Gloucester County
• Clayton Deptford Township
• East Greenwich Elk Township
• Franklin Township Glassboro
• Greenwich Township Harrison Township
• Logan Township Mantua Township
• Monroe Township National Park
• Newfield Paulsboro
• Pitman South Harrison
• Swedesboro Washington Township
• Wenonah West Deptford
• Westville Woodbury
• Woodbury Heights Woolwich Township

Frequently Asked Questions About South Jersey Divorce Proceedings