Divorce Attorney in East Orange, New Jersey

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally taxing experience, whether it’s an uncontested divorce or a more complicated case. Having a trusted divorce attorney in East Orange, New Jersey, by your side is crucial to managing the legal proceedings and making sure that the process runs as smoothly as possible.

The Law Office of Angus U Ejiofor, LLC is committed to guiding clients through each step of the divorce process. With a focus on clear communication and tailored strategies, the firm makes sure that clients fully understand their options. Contact the firm today to learn how the Law Office of Angus U Ejiofor can make a difference in your case.

What Does a Divorce Attorney Do?

When facing a divorce, having a professional by your side can make a significant difference. A divorce attorney isn’t just a legal representative but someone who will act as your advocate. They offer support, advice, and guidance, making sure the divorce process goes as smoothly as possible.

Here are some of the primary duties a divorce attorney performs:

• Providing legal advice: A divorce attorney helps you understand your rights and responsibilities and advises you on potential courses of action.

• Handling paperwork: Divorce cases often involve a lot of paperwork. Your attorney will manage and file the necessary documents, making sure everything is done correctly and on time.

• Representing you in court: If your case goes to trial, your divorce attorney will represent you in court, advocating for your interests and helping you make informed decisions.

• Assisting with settlement negotiations: Many divorces are resolved outside of court. Your attorney will work with the other party’s attorney to negotiate a fair settlement.

• Helping establish child custody and support: If children are involved, a divorce attorney will help establish child custody and support arrangements that are in the interest of the children and your rights as a parent.

Having an experienced divorce attorney can make the legal process more manageable and less stressful, providing clarity on what to expect throughout the divorce.

Key Divorce Laws in New Jersey

Understanding New Jersey’s divorce laws is essential to making informed decisions during the divorce process. Divorce in New Jersey is based on both fault and no-fault grounds. Here’s a breakdown of what each means:

• No-fault divorce: New Jersey allows for a no-fault divorce, where neither party has to prove wrongdoing. Instead, they can file for divorce based on "irreconcilable differences." The marriage is considered irretrievably broken if the couple has been separated for at least six months.

• Fault divorce: A fault-based divorce can be filed when one spouse is at fault for the dissolution of the marriage. Common reasons include adultery, abuse, or abandonment. While fault can be considered in property division or alimony, it isn’t a determining factor for divorce in New Jersey.

• Residency requirement: To file for divorce in New Jersey, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of 12 months before filing.

It’s vital to have a divorce attorney who’s familiar with these laws and how they can impact your case. An attorney can help you determine optimal courses of action based on your circumstances.

Child Custody and Support in Divorce Cases

One of the most emotional and contentious aspects of a divorce, especially when children are involved, is child custody. In New Jersey, the court’s main priority is the well-being and interests of the child. While parents can work out an agreement, the court will step in if necessary.

Custody is divided into legal and physical types. Legal custody involves making decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and religion, which can be joint or sole. Physical custody determines where the child lives, with shared or sole custody options for parents. When determining custody, the court considers several factors, including:

• The child’s safety and well-being

• The relationship between the child and each parent

• The child's preference (if they’re old enough to express a reasonable preference)

• The parents' ability to communicate and cooperate with each other

• The stability of each parent’s home environment

Additionally, child support is another aspect of divorce cases involving children. New Jersey follows a child support guideline to determine the amount of support one parent must pay to the other. The calculation is based on both parents’ income and the needs of the child.

A divorce attorney can help make sure that your rights as a parent are protected and that any child custody and support decisions are made to prioritize the interests of the children in question.

Division of Assets and Alimony

Dividing assets during a divorce is another area that can become contentious. New Jersey follows the principle of "equitable distribution," meaning that marital assets and debts are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. This process takes into account several factors, including:

• The length of the marriage

• The financial and non-financial contributions of each spouse to the marriage

• The economic circumstances of each spouse

• The value of the property being divided

• The needs of each spouse and children

New Jersey also considers alimony, or spousal support, in divorce cases. Alimony is not automatically granted and depends on several factors, including:

• The length of the marriage

• The standard of living during the marriage

• The recipient spouse’s needs and the payer spouse’s ability to pay

• The recipient spouse’s ability to support themselves

Alimony can be temporary or permanent, depending on the situation. A divorce attorney can help make sure that the division of assets and any alimony arrangements are fair and reasonable, protecting your financial interests.

The Divorce Process in East Orange, New Jersey

If you're considering filing for divorce in East Orange, New Jersey, it’s important to understand the general process. While every divorce case is unique, the process typically follows these steps:

1. Filing the complaint: The process begins when one spouse (the plaintiff) files a divorce complaint with the court.

2. Service of process: The defendant (the other spouse) must be officially notified of the divorce proceedings.

3. Answering the complaint: The defendant has 35 days to respond to the divorce complaint. They can agree or disagree with the terms outlined.

4. Discovery: Both parties exchange information and documents related to assets, debts, and other relevant issues.

5. Negotiation and settlement: In many cases, the spouses reach a settlement agreement before trial. If an agreement is reached, the court will review it and approve it.

6. Trial (if necessary): If the parties can’t agree on all terms, the case goes to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions on contested issues.

A divorce attorney can help you understand each step and provide you with guidance along the way. Having a lawyer with knowledge of local court procedures and laws can make the process more efficient and less stressful.

Why Choose the Law Office of Angus U Ejiofor, LLC?

Choosing the right divorce attorney is crucial to achieving positive outcomes in your case. The Law Office of Angus U Ejiofor, LLC is dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to clients facing divorce in East Orange, New Jersey, focusing on understanding your individual needs and working toward a fair resolution.

The firm is committed to offering personalized attention and practical solutions, addressing clients' concerns and explaining the legal process in clear, straightforward terms, and offering support from start to finish.