Hackensack Contested Divorce Lawyer
A contested divorce in Hackensack is generally much more complex than an uncontested divorce. If you are pursuing a divorce to which your spouse does not agree, you may need the help of a skilled Hackensack contested divorce lawyer.
Since contested divorces can result in lengthy litigation, it is often imperative that you have a skilled divorce attorney on your side. While most contested divorce cases end in settlement, parties will still need to be prepared for trial, and there are numerous pre-trial steps you and your legal counsel should take when pursuing your best interests.
Discovery Process in Contested Divorces
In uncontested divorces, both parties typically want to shorten the process and make it as efficient and economical as possible. While the parties may not always agree on the terms of the divorce, they are not typically trying to draw out the process purposefully.
With contested divorces, the parties may not be so upfront about all the matters considered during the proceeding. Consequently, one or both parties might be required to spend time and resources trying to get the necessary records for the divorce to move forward. As a knowledgeable family attorney could explain, this process of obtaining a comprehensive look at both parties’ assets is called discovery.
As an example, if one spouse is hiding assets or unwilling to provide a full picture of their financial situation, the other party would likely need to legally compel the unwilling party to disclose all necessary information. An experienced Hackensack contested divorce attorney could guide a person through the discovery process and help them effectively obtain the information they need.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
At each stage of a contested divorce, a New Jersey court may mandate that both parties attend various alternative dispute resolution proceedings to help promote a settlement between the parties. As a knowledgeable lawyer in Hackensack could explain, these methods for a contested divorce may include any or several of the following:
- Nonbinding arbitration before the early settlement panel, which involves volunteer marriage attorneys reviewing both sides’ arguments and giving their opinion on settlement terms
- Court-ordered child custody and visitation mediation with a neutral mediator who can help parties craft a parenting plan
- Economic mediation for parties with complicated financial disagreements
- An evaluation with a mental health professional who can give their opinion regarding child custody and visitation matters based on the best interests of the child
Speak with a Hackensack Contested Divorce Attorney
Contested divorces are most common in high net-worth cases when the parties involved have substantial wealth and assets that need to be divided equitably. These cases typically involve litigation over issues related to pensions, business assets, retirement accounts and 401(k)s, brokerage accounts, properties, and other assets. Properties involved typically include homes, vacation homes and commercial properties.
No matter your situation, though, a driven Hackensack contested divorce lawyer could help if your spouse is unwilling to move forward with an uncontested divorce. While no one enters the divorce process hoping to go through a contested divorce, having a seasoned attorney on your side could help put your mind at ease and proactively navigate the complexities of the process. Call today to learn more.
