Essex County Divorce Lawyer
For many people, getting a divorce is one of the most painful events of their lives. The loss of the future that they had planned with a spouse can be devastating and often feels overwhelming. For other couples, divorce may have been a long time coming, and the end of their family law case comes as a great relief.
No matter what your situation, filing for divorce is an important decision that you should not make without careful contemplation and preparation—or without representation from a qualified family attorney. If you are considering divorcing your spouse, or if your spouse has already filed for divorce against you, you may want to schedule an appointment with an Essex County divorce lawyer as soon as possible.
How Divorce Attorneys Could Help
The job of divorce lawyers in Essex County and throughout New Jersey is to zealously represent their clients’ interests throughout their family law case. Attorneys use their negotiation skills and litigating tactics to push both sides toward a mutually agreeable marital settlement. Many people struggling with a divorce find relief when they hire a family lawyer because they no longer have to deal with their former spouse themselves.
Essex County attorneys could advocate for several types of relief on a person’s behalf during their divorce. Some of the most frequently negotiated areas of family law include property division, child custody and visitation, child support, and spousal support.
Property Division
Parties to a divorce are required to list and divide up the property that they acquired during a marriage. Skilled legal counsel could work toward a property agreement that fits a family’s unique needs. For instance, a spouse with primary custody of the children may want to keep possession of the marital home.
Child Custody and Visitation
Courts and lawyers alike will follow New Jersey state law and guidelines regarding issues of child custody and visitation when drafting a custody agreement. Parents and their legal representatives must devise a parenting plan that protects each person’s legal rights, works in the best interests of their children, and is manageable for both parties’ schedules.
Child Support
One parent may need to pay child support to the other, depending on how the parents share physical custody. During a divorce, an attorney could work to create a child support agreement that works for both parents’ incomes and ensures the children have adequate financial care.
Spousal Support
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is another type of relief available in divorce cases. Some spouses may be entitled to alimony based on a marital contract, while others may receive spousal support based on the length of their marriage and their financial circumstances.
Choosing a Divorce Lawyer
When selecting a divorce lawyer to handle a case in Essex County, it is essential to consider what type of litigation each party wants. Some divorces are more complicated than others and require extensive litigation. Others are relatively simple and straightforward, and the parties may not need to go to court often, if at all.
People consulting with divorce attorneys should consider what they need and want from their legal counsel and should speak with each lawyer about their style of practice. Many attorneys pride themselves on being aggressive and fully litigating each case in court. Others take a more cooperative approach and prefer to use mediation or collaborative divorce techniques to resolve their cases.
Contact an Essex County Divorce Attorney Today
Filing for divorce does not have to be overwhelming. By working with a family lawyer who you trust, you may be able to protect yourself and your children financially and emotionally. If you are separating from your spouse, schedule an appointment with an Essex County divorce lawyer to start exploring your options.