South Jersey Divorce Lawyer

Dedicated South Jersey Divorce Attorney Assists Clients Through the Legal Process

Unfortunately, some couples come to the realization that their relationship has come to an end, and they need to file for divorce. Even when a separation is amicable, divorce can be emotionally and mentally traumatic for one or both partners. Of course, when a divorce becomes contentious, it can seem like an insurmountable process. No matter the circumstances by which you and your spouse have come to seek a divorce, you need compassionate legal advocacy from a South Jersey divorce lawyer.

At Smedley Law Group, our attorneys recognize that no two divorce cases are the same. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and understand your concerns, needs, and goals for yourself and your family. That way, we can develop a focused strategy and plan to pursue the results you want—and deserve—in your case. Our legal team includes Certified Matrimonial Law Attorneys, a designation conferred by the New Jersey Supreme Court to only a small percentage of attorneys in the state that recognizes our expertise and skill in family law and divorce matters. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys can provide you with clarity about your rights and about the divorce process, to give you peace of mind that you and your family are in the right hands.

Contact us today for a case review to go over the details and circumstances of your unique divorce matter with a knowledgeable South Jersey divorce lawyer and to learn more about your legal rights and options in your case.

What’s the Divorce Process in South Jersey?

In New Jersey, a divorce can either be an at-fault divorce or a no-fault divorce. In an at-fault divorce, one spouse alleges that the other spouse has committed one of the statutory grounds for divorce, such as adultery, abandonment, or extreme cruelty. In a no-fault divorce, neither spouse gets blamed for the divorce; instead, there has simply been an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.” Fault ground divorces are rarely used today, making no-fault (irreconcilable differences) the standard unless circumstances dictate fault ground be used.

Divorce cases can either be a contested matter or an uncontested matter. In an uncontested matter, both spouses have reached a resolution regarding all issues ancillary to the divorce, such as division of assets and debts, alimony, and child custody/support. An agreement can be reached at any point in a litigated divorce, at which point it becomes uncontested. On the other hand, a contested divorce is one where both parties participate and proceed through the courts without an agreement and ultimately results in a trial. However, most divorces start as contested (i.e., no agreement) and then settle prior to trial. A true uncontested matter is one where both parties reach an agreement before anyone files, a marital settlement agreement (MSA) is signed, and then the divorce is filed with the other party not contesting it.

Ideally, spouses, with their attorneys’ assistance, will reach a settlement agreement to resolve all of the issues ancillary to their divorce such as custody and parenting time, support, and equitable distribution. If all issues resolve through settlement, the parties can ask the court to incorporate their agreement into the divorce judgment. But when issues remain outstanding, the court needs to hold a trial, in which the parties can present and cross-examine evidence and witnesses.

Let a South Jersey Divorce Lawyer From Smedley Law Group Help You to Understand and Protect Your Rights and Interests in Your Divorce

A divorce can be an emotionally stressful time for you, even when you and your spouse know that divorce is the right thing for both of you. That’s why it’s important to have a skilled South Jersey divorce lawyer from Smedley Law Group on your side to take the stress and burden of preparing your case and pursuing your rights and interests in your divorce matter off your shoulders.

When you choose us to help in your case, you can expect our firm to:

Explain your legal rights and options at every stage of your case.
Help you collect the necessary documents and information you’ll need, including financial papers such as bank records, income statements, and property deeds and titles.
Secure details regarding your spouse’s financial situation and request further information necessary for your case, including conducting depositions where necessary.
File the necessary pleadings and papers with the court on your behalf.
Represent you in settlement negotiations or during court-ordered mediation/alternative dispute resolution to try to reach an efficient and fair resolution of the outstanding issues between you and your spouse.
Advocate on your behalf to reach the most favorable outcome for you and your family.

Turn to our firm for help in protecting not only your rights and future but also the rights and interests of your family, especially your children. Our family law attorneys will sit down and explain the child custody and support process to you. We can help you to negotiate a custody and parenting time arrangement with your spouse that protects your children’s welfare and future.

Contact Our Firm Today for a Case Evaluation to Learn More About How We Can Make a Difference in Your Divorce Case

If you’re considering a divorce from your spouse, or if you’ve already filed for divorce or have been served divorce papers by your spouse, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and interests.

Call or contact Smedley Law Group today for a consultation to speak to a South Jersey divorce lawyer about what to expect in your divorce matter and how our firm can guide you through the process.

About South Jersey

“South Jersey” or Southern New Jersey refers to the region of New Jersey between the lower portion of the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean. South Jersey is often called part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, whereas North Jersey is associated with the New York metro area. Typically, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties are considered to comprise the South Jersey region. South Jersey’s principal cities include Camden, located near Philadelphia, and Atlantic City, located toward the south end of the Jersey Shore.

Smedley Law Group has an office located in South Jersey at 750 Cooper Street, Woodbury, NJ. Click here to get directions to our office or please follow these directions to 752 Cooper Street for instructions leading directly to our shared parking lot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in South Jersey

FAQ: I don’t want to get a divorce but my spouse does. Can my spouse force a divorce on me?

Yes. Under the law in New Jersey, either spouse may seek a divorce from the other for any reason, even if their partner does not wish to. While you cannot contest the filing for divorce, you can contest terms of the divorce settlement such as child custody and visitation, child support, property division, and spousal support.

FAQ: My spouse and I have amicably agreed to seek a divorce. Can we save money by using just one lawyer for our divorce?

No. One attorney cannot represent both you and your spouse in your divorce. Because you and your spouse are opposing parties in a legal matter (even if you both amicably agree to divorce and to settle the economic and personal issues in your divorce), for one attorney to represent both of you would constitute a non-waivable conflict of interest and a violation of the rules of professional conduct. In any event, both you and your spouse should have your own attorneys who are looking out and advocating for your own interests. That way, you never need to worry whether the actions taken or advice given by the attorney working on your divorce are in your best interest.

Services