New Jersey Contested Divorce Lawyers

Skilled Family Law Attorneys Represent Clients in Contested Divorce Proceedings Across New Jersey

To say that divorce can get ugly is an understatement.  When the relationship with the person you’ve planned to share your life with has reached the point of divorce, that relationship might understandably be difficult.  The experience and skill of your divorce lawyer can be key to helping you get through this difficult time.  

The contested divorce process does not have to be overly contentious.  At Team Law, our lawyers have years of experience helping clients resolve their issues fairly so that they can move forward with their lives.  

In reality, calling a divorce “contested” doesn’t mean that the parties disagree over whether to divorce.  More commonly, a contested divorce involves a situation where two spouses cannot resolve the important terms of the divorce on their own.  An experienced family law attorney can guide you through this process.

Some of the most important issues in your life are at stake when negotiating a divorce settlement agreement.  In a contested divorce, your lawyer will advocate to protect your interests every step of the way.  When time with your children and your future financial security are on the line, Team Law is here to help.  Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you through a contested divorce in New Jersey.

Understanding the Basic Contested Divorce Process

The divorce proceedings begin when one party files papers setting forth what they want out of the process with respect to child custody, division of the assets, support, and more.  If the other party agrees or proposes an acceptable counteroffer, the divorce can generally be resolved without much third-party intervention.  If not, the divorce is considered “contested”.

Resolving matters through the contested divorce process means that both parties must follow certain procedures and satisfy various timelines.  In general, in a contested divorce in New Jersey:

• One spouse files divorce papers with the courts
• The divorce papers are served upon the other spouse
• That spouse then has 35 days to respond, whether by filing an answer or a counterclaim
• Each spouse files an information statement disclosing things like the spouse’s assets, liabilities, property, income, expenses, etc.
• A discovery process may begin where each spouse has the right to request additional information from the other
• The case may be assigned to a settlement panel made up of impartial attorneys
• Your attorney presents your case to the panel, who will reach a non-binding conclusion
• The spouses can either accept the settlement or proceed to trial

Importantly, this general process does not address one of the most heavily contested matters in divorce: child custody issues.  Further, it is not the only way to resolve a divorce where issues are contested.  In many cases, a settlement panel isn’t even necessary–your lawyers can work with your spouse’s attorneys to negotiate the key terms of the divorce settlement.

Our lawyers at Team Law are committed to helping our clients see the big picture.  We are skilled mediators who can help you use alternative dispute resolution techniques to reach a comprehensive agreement with your soon-to-be former spouse.  Consultations are always confidential, so contact us today to learn more about the contested divorce process.

Trusted Family Law Attorneys Help New Jersey Clients Resolve Matters in a Contested Divorce

A contested divorce does not have to be painful and argumentative.  While difficult issues must be resolved, most divorcing couples are able to reach a reasonable settlement agreement without the trauma and expense of court intervention.  Our lawyers are here to help resolve the key issues most divorcing couples face, which include:

• Equitable division of the assets.  Dividing assets and liabilities can raise issues where one party questions the value of the assets or liabilities as stated by the other spouse.

• Child custody.  Agreeing on a workable child custody agreement can be difficult.  Our lawyers work with you and your former spouse to propose creative solutions.  Your schedule, parenting style, and the best interests of your child are all important factors in reaching a fair agreement.

• Spousal support.  Spousal support obligations depend upon a number of factors, including the length of the marriage and the financial position of each spouse.

• Child support.  Every New Jersey parent has a legal obligation to support their children financially.  We help you work through the details to make sure your children are protected.

A contested divorce can involve any number of unique issues.  Our lawyers have the negotiating skills you need to reach the most favorable result possible.  We put in the hard work needed to make sure you have full information about your spouse’s financial situation and goals so that we can negotiate a settlement that works for you.

Call Team Law to Learn More About Contested Divorce in New Jersey

Our lawyers know that the decision to divorce can be traumatic for your whole family.  We want to make the process as painless as possible.  A contested divorce does not have to result in tears and dramatic court appearances.  

At Team Law, our experienced divorce attorneys are skilled in resolving the complex issues you may be facing today.  To learn more about our practice and how we can help, contact us for a confidential case review today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Divorce in New Jersey