Putterman Legal
New Jersey Divorce Lawyer
At Putterman Legal, our Atlantic County divorce attorneys are knowledgeable, effective, and solutions-focused advocates for justice, guiding clients through the legal journey of divorce and family law matters. We have an experienced legal team providing comprehensive legal services across all practice areas related to NJ divorce. With experience handling both uncontested and contested divorce cases, we provide the comprehensive family law representation that clients deserve. If you are preparing for a divorce, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a confidential consultation with a top New Jersey divorce attorney.
An Overview of Divorce Laws in New Jersey
Divorces are handled at the state level. If you file for divorce in Atlantic County or elsewhere in the surrounding region, your divorce will be governed by New Jersey law. The divorce process in New Jersey is overseen by the Superior Court, which handles family law cases, and as an equitable distribution state, New Jersey ensures that marital assets are divided fairly, not necessarily equally, during divorce proceedings. Here are key points to understand about the divorce laws in New Jersey:
- Residency Requirement: To file for divorce in New Jersey, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least 12 consecutive months before the divorce case is filed. You should file in the county where you (or your spouse) resides. The statute does not require the 12 month requirement if you are alleging adultery.
- No Fault (Typically): New Jersey allows no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences. Neither spouse must prove wrongdoing to dissolve the marriage. The couple must show the differences lasted at least six months and that reconciliation is not likely. There are still fault-based grounds as well, but they are not often used.
- Equitable Distribution: New Jersey follows the rule of equitable distribution for dividing property. As an equitable distribution state, a 50/50 division is possible, but not guaranteed. Instead, what the court deems fair will be the resolution. Many different factors can be considered for equitable distribution purposes, including the length of the marriage, age and health of the parties, income and earnings capacity, standard of living, contributions to the marriage, economic circumstances of each party, tax consequences, custodial arrangements, any other relevant factors.
- Best Interests of the Child: For custody and visitation cases, it is the best interests of the child that are examined. The court examines factors like each parent’s ability to provide, the child’s needs, ability to co-parent, stability of home environment, health of the parties, support system, child’s preferences, presence of domestic violence in the home.
Divorce cases fit into two broad categories in New Jersey. Uncontested divorces are settled divorces. A couple is able to resolve all material issues without a judge making a decision. A contested divorce in contrast is one that requires litigation. Our firm handles all types of divorce cases.
Child Custody, Support, and Parenting Time in New Jersey
Navigating child custody and support is often one of the most sensitive and complex aspects of any divorce or family law matter in New Jersey. The state’s family law courts are committed to protecting the best interests of the child when making decisions about custody and parenting time. Custody arrangements can take several forms, including sole custody, joint custody, or shared custody, depending on what best serves the child’s needs and circumstances.
Experienced New Jersey divorce lawyers and family law attorneys work closely with clients to address all aspects of child custody, from developing parenting plans to representing parents in court during a custody battle. Parenting time, which outlines the schedule for when each parent spends time with their child, is a crucial part of these agreements and is tailored to support the child’s stability and well-being.
Child support is another key component, calculated based on a variety of factors such as each parent’s income, the child’s needs, and other relevant expenses. New Jersey divorce lawyers are skilled at ensuring that child support arrangements are fair and comply with state guidelines, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. With the guidance of a knowledgeable family law attorney, parents can achieve solutions that prioritize their child’s welfare and provide a foundation for positive co-parenting after divorce.
Property Division and Asset Distribution
Dividing property and assets during a divorce in New Jersey requires a thorough understanding of the state’s equitable distribution laws. Unlike some states that mandate a 50/50 split, New Jersey’s family law courts focus on what is fair and equitable, which may not always mean equal. Marital assets—such as real estate, retirement accounts, investments, and personal property—are identified, valued, and distributed based on a range of factors.
Family law attorneys, especially those with certification in matrimonial law, play a critical role in guiding clients through the property division process. The court considers the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage, and the overall financial picture when determining how to divide marital assets. This approach ensures that both parties receive a fair share, taking into account their unique situation.
Having an experienced divorce lawyer on your side is essential for protecting your interests and ensuring that all marital property is accounted for and distributed appropriately. Whether your case involves complex assets or straightforward property division, a skilled family law attorney can help you navigate the process and secure your financial future as you move forward.
How New Jersey Divorce Attorney Bonnie Putterman Can Help
Going through a divorce is very difficult. You and your spouse may be confident that it is the right decision to end your marriage, but there are still many challenging legal, logistical, and financial issues to work out. The right legal representation can make the difference. Bonnie Putterman is an experienced divorce attorney and part of a dedicated legal team with a commitment to solutions and an extensive record of client testimonials. When you contact us at our Atlantic County law office, you will have an opportunity to consult with a New Jersey divorce attorney who can:
- Hear your story and answer questions about your family law rights;
- Help you gather and organize records and handle divorce paperwork;
- Represent you in any settlement negotiations with your spouse; and
- Take action to help you get the best outcome in your divorce case.
Divorce & Separation in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There is no definitive timeline, as it can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. However, if both parties are able to reach a settlement without going to trial or requiring court intervention, the process may take just a few months.
The divorce process can often be expedited through uncontested divorce, divorce mediation, or collaborative divorce, which are all forms of the collaborative process designed to resolve matters more efficiently and amicably than traditional litigation.
The duration also depends on the county where the complaint was filed. Some counties have significant backlogs, which can delay the process, especially if no agreement is reached.
Additionally, the timeline can be influenced by how effectively the parties negotiate and whether the attorneys are working cooperatively to help facilitate a resolution.
Bonnie is collaborative when possible and solution-oriented in her approach. However, she is always willing and prepared to advocate vigorously for her clients in the courtroom when necessary to achieve their goals.
If a settlement cannot be reached, the process may take up to a year or longer.
No. New Jersey allows for no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences. That means that you only need to show that the marriage has broken down for at least six months. You can still file on fault-based grounds, but doing so rarely changes the outcome and it is uncommon.
You must still file in court to finalize your divorce in New Jersey. New court directives allow for Divorce on the Papers. A substantial amount of the counties in New Jersey are allowing for final hearings via Zoom.
The New Jersey Superior Court Family Division oversees all divorce proceedings. While you must file with the superior court, uncontested divorce and divorce mediation can minimize or even eliminate the need for in-person court appearances.
Contact Our Atlantic County Divorce Attorney Today
At Putterman Legal, our New Jersey divorce lawyers are standing by, ready to review your case and help you determine the best course of action. If you are preparing for a divorce, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation. We handle contested and uncontested divorces in Atlantic County and throughout all of New Jersey.
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Laura S.
I have used Bonnie for years in several legal areas divorce, child support, and real estate transactions and will continue to use it if necessary. She is highly professional and knowledgeable… Read More