New Jersey Equitable Distribution Lawyers

Dedicated Divorce Attorneys Defend Clients’ Rights during the Equitable Distribution Process in New Jersey

When a married couple decides to seek a divorce, it becomes necessary for them to divide the assets and wealth they have both worked so hard to acquire and grow. This process is known as equitable distribution and is the division of marital assets and liabilities between divorcing spouses that is fair to both parties in light of the circumstances of their marriage. 

Many people wrongly assume that equitable distribution means a 50-50 split. In reality, the goal of equitable distribution is to achieve a split of assets and liabilities that are fair to both spouses in light of the economic history of the marriage, the spouses’ respective personal and financial situations, and their financial, emotional, and labor contributions to building the wealth of the marriage. 

Equitable distribution can be a complicated task, particularly when couples have significant or complex assets and/or liabilities to distribute. If you are in the middle of an equitable distribution proceeding, contact the New Jersey divorce attorneys at Team Law today for a confidential case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights and options. 

Factors That New Jersey Courts Consider in Equitable Distribution

Under New Jersey statutory law, a court deciding the issue of equitable distribution between divorcing spouse is required to consider the following factors in rendering its decision:

• The duration of the marriage
• The age and respective physical and mental health of the parties
• The income and assets brought into the marriage by each party
• The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage
• Any written agreement of the parties made before or during the marriage, concerning property distribution
• The respective economic circumstances of each party that will result when the equitable distribution is made
• The respective income and earning capacity of the parties (as determined by their education, training, employment skills, work experience, length of absence from the job market, custodial responsibilities for children, and the time necessary to acquire education or training for a party to become self-sufficient in a standard of living comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage)
• The contribution of each party to the other’s education
• The contribution of each party to the acquisition and preservation of marital property
• The tax consequences of the proposed distribution on each party
• The present value of the marital property
• The need of the custodial parent or parent of primary residence to own or occupy the marital residence
• The debts and liabilities of the parties
• The need to create a fund to secure medical or educational costs for a spouse or children
• The extent to which a party deferred his or her career goals

In addition to these factors, courts are expressly authorized to consider other factors relevant to the particular couple.

Team Law Will Fight to Protect Your Hard Work and Fair Share during Equitable Distribution

Regardless of whether both you and your spouse worked or whether one spouse was the “breadwinner” while the other was the “homemaker”, both you and your spouse have contributed to building your life and wealth together. When you choose Team Law to represent you during equitable distribution proceedings, you can expect that our attorneys will work tirelessly to argue for an equitable distribution arrangement that properly reflects your contributions to the marriage and ensures that you are able to keep your hard-earned wealth. Our skilled attorneys can help you negotiate postnuptial or property settlement agreements that can also include alimony or other support in conjunction with equitable distribution that can help you keep what’s most important to you. And if equitable distribution must be turned over to the courts, our experienced litigators will vigorously advocate for an equitable distribution award that achieves your goals and interests.

Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation Today to Speak with a Knowledgeable Equitable Distribution Lawyer from Team Law

When you work hard in building a life and a home during your marriage, you understandably will want to keep the wealth and assets that you believe rightly belong to you. Equitable distribution is often one of the most complicated parts of any divorce proceeding. You need experienced legal representation who can ascertain the extent of your and your spouse’s property and advocate on your behalf to walk away with that part of the marital estate that you fairly deserve. Contact the New Jersey equitable distribution attorneys at Team Law today for a confidential consultation to discuss how we might help protect your rights and interests in your equitable distribution matter.

Frequently Asked Questions about Equitable Distribution in New Jersey