Divorce in New Jersey involves filing, discovery, negotiation, and potentially trial, with most cases settling before court. Smedley Law Group, P.C., helps clients navigate property division, child custody, and support arrangements while protecting their long-term interests.
Key Takeaways:
- New Jersey requires one year of residency before filing, and spouses have 35 days to respond to a divorce complaint.
- Marital assets are divided equitably based on factors like marriage length, income, and each spouse’s contributions.
- Our Cherry Hill divorce attorneys offer both mediation services and litigation experience to support clients through any path their divorce takes.
When your marriage is ending, you need answers. How long will this take? What happens to the house? Will I get to see my kids? The uncertainty can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the emotional weight of divorce.
At Smedley Law Group, P.C., our trusted Cherry Hill divorce attorneys help you cut through the noise and understand exactly where you stand. We explain the process in plain English, lay out your options honestly, and help you make smart decisions about your future. No sugarcoating, no runaround, just straightforward guidance when you need it most.
Ready to get answers? Book a consultation today, and let’s figure out your next steps together.
The Divorce Process in New Jersey: What to Expect
Knowing what’s ahead makes everything feel more manageable. Here’s a general timeline of how divorce works in New Jersey:
Filing and Response
Once you meet the residency requirement of one year in New Jersey, you can file a complaint for divorce. Your spouse then has 35 days to respond. If they don’t, you may be able to proceed with a default judgment.
Discovery Phase
Both sides exchange financial information, including tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, and retirement account details. This phase ensures everything is on the table before any decisions are made. Hiding assets during discovery can seriously damage your case and credibility.
Negotiation or Mediation
Most divorces settle without going to trial. You and your spouse, with help from your attorneys, work through disagreements about property, custody, and support. Mediation with a neutral third party can help move things along when you’re stuck. This approach often saves time and money while giving you more control over the outcome than leaving decisions to a judge.
Trial (If Necessary)
When negotiation fails, a judge makes the final decision. Trials take longer and cost more, but sometimes they’re the only way to protect your interests. Our skilled Cherry Hill divorce attorneys are prepared to advocate for you in the courtroom if that’s what your case requires.
Key Decisions Our Cherry Hill Divorce Attorneys Help You Navigate
Every divorce involves choices that affect your daily life and long-term security. Here’s what you’ll need to work through and how we support you at each step:
Property Division
New Jersey courts divide marital assets equitably, which means fairly based on your circumstances. This includes real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, vehicles, business interests, and debts acquired during the marriage. We help you identify what’s on the table, understand what you’re entitled to, and develop a negotiation strategy that protects your financial future.
Parenting Time and Legal Custody
Courts want children to maintain strong relationships with both parents whenever possible. Legal custody determines who makes major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion. Parenting time establishes where the kids live and when they’re with each parent. We advocate for arrangements that protect your parental rights while keeping your children’s stability and well-being at the center of every decision.
Financial Support
Child support in New Jersey follows state guidelines based on both parents’ incomes, parenting time, and the children’s needs. Alimony depends on factors like marriage length, earning capacity, and the lifestyle you maintained together. We help you understand what’s reasonable to expect, negotiate fair terms, and pursue modifications down the road if your circumstances change.
With so much on the line, having the right team behind you makes all the difference.
What Makes Smedley Law Group, P.C. Different
We’re people first and lawyers second. That means we listen to what you’re going through and tailor our approach to fit your life, not the other way around.
- Transparent support. We’re real with you about your situation from the start. You get advice that respects your time, your money, and your emotional energy.
- Practical solutions. We know what works in New Jersey family courts and what doesn’t. That experience shapes every recommendation we make.
- Flexibility when you need it. We offer mediation services and are seasoned litigators, so we can advocate for you no matter what path your divorce takes.
- Clear communication. Legal jargon can be confusing and overwhelming. We break things down so you always understand what’s happening and why it matters.
Our responsive Cherry Hill divorce attorneys guide you through each phase with the support and clarity you deserve.
Take Control of Your Future
Divorce marks a major turning point. The choices you make now shape your finances, your relationship with your kids, and your ability to move forward.
At Smedley Law Group, P.C., our experienced Cherry Hill divorce attorneys give you the information and advocacy you need to navigate this transition confidently. We listen to your concerns, explain your options clearly, and fight for outcomes that set you up for success in your next chapter.
Book a consultation today and start getting the answers you need.
