I Know I’m Getting a Divorce—What Is my First Step?

The decision to get a divorce can be a stressful and confusing time. Sometimes, getting started and initiating the process can be the most difficult part. If you know that you are going to get a divorce, it is understandable to have questions about how you should proceed with pursuing one.

Formally Filing for Divorce

The first step in the divorce process in New Jersey is filing a formal complaint with a state court. In New Jersey, the type of form required for this complaint will vary based on the kind of divorce for which you are filing. There are four types of divorce that may change the way you file:

• No-fault divorce based on 18-month separation
• No-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences
• Fault-based divorce based on desertion
• Fault-based divorce based on extreme cruelty

Required Documents

Once you choose the type of divorce under which you will be filing, you can proceed with compiling other important documents. To seek a divorce in New Jersey, you will need several pieces of documentation on hand for both the initial filing and later on in the process in court.

These include marriage-related court orders such as foreclosure orders, domestic violence restraining orders, or child support orders. Other documents, such as tax returns, wills, documents showing debt, insurance policies, and mortgage records, focus on relevant financial information. It may also be helpful to have your family’s social security numbers, marriage certificate, and birth certificates on hand.

There are many moving parts in a divorce, so making copies of the original documents and properly organizing them is usually a good move. This can help you keep original copies safe and make you feel more at ease when many documents may be needed at any given time.

Retaining Legal Counsel

Divorce is difficult and can be emotionally draining, so small details may slip through the cracks and go unnoticed, causing you problems and prolonging negotiation later on. Given the importance of your assets, kids, and other shared components of marriage hiring a knowledgeable attorney to help mitigate those concerns by organizing documents and advocating for you should be the very first step you take.

If you are getting a divorce and need to take that first step, don’t hesitate to reach out to the thoughtful and experienced lawyers at Moskowitz Law Group. Our team knows the divorce process backward and forwards and can help you get through this difficult time as smoothly as possible. Call today to schedule a consultation.