Divorce

Effective Bergen County, New Jersey, Divorce Lawyers

Reaching a fair and appropriate agreement on property division, child custody, and financial support is a challenge every divorcing couple must face. Certainly part of the challenge is the need to reach agreement with a person with whom you are in conflict.

Most people feel tremendously vulnerable during a divorce, particularly regarding their finances. They may not fully understand their current financial situation and are uncertain, even fearful about their financial future.

At the New Jersey law office of Aretsky & Aretsky, our divorce attorneys are committed to providing insightful legal advice and effective representation to clients in divorce negotiations, divorce mediation and divorce court. Our goal is to ensure you reach a divorce agreement that works for your family and protects your interests.

Contact our Ridgewood law office to schedule a consultation. Learn more about how our divorce attorneys can assist you. We also work with same-sex couples in the dissolution of civil unions.

A Change in New Jersey Divorce Law - No-Fault Grounds for Divorce

As of January 2007, New Jersey now allows couples to file for a divorce because of irreconcilable differences. Where previously a couple needed to prove fault (for example, adultery or extreme cruelty), they may now file for an uncontested divorce without alleging fault by either spouse. However, divorce based on fault still remains an option in New Jersey.

The Issues to be Decided When Filing for Divorce

Separation Agreement: Some couples choose a marital separation rather than a divorce, and the first stage of divorce for most couples is a period of separation. A this time, a temporary agreement will need to be reached to address who will live in the home, where children will reside, if support will be paid, to whom, and in what amount.

Property Settlement Agreement: Whether in mediation, through negotiation, or in court, you and your former partner will need to reach an agreement regarding the distribution of marital assets and marital debt. New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. Marital assets are distributed in relation to the circumstances of each individual involved. At Aretsky & Aretsky, we have a great deal of experience helping clients with the valuation and division of complex marital assets such as stock options, family businesses and deferred compensation plans.

Alimony: Spousal support decisions should be negotiated at the same time as property division, with consideration given to the income tax implications of alimony payments to both spouses.

Child Custody and Visitation: Few issues are more emotional for couples than the child custody decision. Fathers have as many rights as mothers to custody of their children. We help our clients access custody evaluators and psychology experts to assist them in arriving at a plan for parenting time. Along with the child custody agreement, child support must be decided in any divorce involving children.

Contact our New Jersey Divorce Attorneys

For legal help with these or other issues involved in separation or divorce, contact Aretsky & Aretsky by e-mail or call 201-445-5856.