Dissolution of Marriage Lawyer New Jersey — What Are Your Rights?
A dissolution of marriage in New Jersey is a legal process to end a marriage, governed by state statute. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal help for this significant life event. A dissolution of marriage lawyer New Jersey from our firm can guide you through the legal steps, from filing to final judgment, protecting your interests regarding assets, debts, and parental rights.
Understanding Dissolution of Marriage in New Jersey
In New Jersey, “dissolution of marriage” is the legal term for divorce. The process is governed by the New Jersey Statutes, specifically Title 2A, which outlines the grounds and procedures. New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, by the court. The state also recognizes no-fault grounds, such as irreconcilable differences for at least six months, which is the most common path for ending a marriage.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Jersey Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the New Jersey Statutes Title 2A (official New Jersey Legislature). For court forms and local procedures, visit the New Jersey Courts website.
Procedural Insights for a New Jersey Divorce
The process for a dissolution of marriage begins with filing a Complaint for Divorce in the Superior Court in the county where you or your spouse live. New Jersey requires a residency period. A key local procedural fact is that all divorces involving children require participation in the Early Settlement Panel, a mandatory mediation step, before a trial date can be set. This emphasizes the state’s focus on resolving family matters cooperatively when possible.
- File the Complaint: Submit the Complaint for Divorce and other required documents with the Family Division of the Superior Court and pay the filing fee.
- Serve Your Spouse: Legally deliver the filed papers to your spouse, who then has 35 days to file an Answer.
- Case Management & Discovery: Attend a case management conference and exchange financial information and other evidence through the discovery process.
- Early Settlement Panel (if children are involved): Participate in this mandatory mediation to attempt to reach an agreement on custody, support, and parenting time.
- Economic Mediation: Attempt to resolve property division and alimony issues with a mediator.
- Trial: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a trial before a judge who will decide all contested issues.
Potential Outcomes in a Divorce
In New Jersey, a dissolution of marriage can result in court orders for the division of property, allocation of debt, alimony, child support, and custody arrangements.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair, court-divided split of marital assets and debts. |
| Alimony | Statutory Factors (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23) | Temporary or permanent support based on need and ability to pay. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal and physical custody arrangements and parenting time schedule. |
| Child Support | New Jersey Child Support Guidelines | Court-ordered financial support based on parental income and time-sharing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your New Jersey Divorce
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings decades of combined experience to family law matters. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of New Jersey’s family courts and statutes. We focus on clear communication and strategic guidance, whether your case requires negotiation or litigation.
Our Commitment to Your Case
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is committed to providing focused legal help for your dissolution of marriage. We understand the personal and financial stakes involved and work to achieve resolutions that protect your future.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
SRIS New Jersey Location — 51 JFK Parkway, 1st Floor West
Short Hills, NJ 07078
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: 856-291-6150
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients across all 21 counties. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. If you need a dissolution of marriage lawyer near New Jersey, contact us to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dissolution of marriage and divorce in New Jersey?
No difference. “Dissolution of marriage” is the formal legal term used in New Jersey statutes for the process of ending a marriage, which is commonly called divorce.
How long does a dissolution of marriage take in New Jersey?
It depends on whether the divorce is contested. An uncontested divorce with no minor children can be finalized in as little as 2-3 months after filing. A contested divorce involving disputes over assets, alimony, or custody can take a year or more to resolve through litigation.
Do I need a lawyer for a dissolution of marriage in New Jersey?
Yes. While not legally required, an attorney is crucial to protect your rights regarding property division, debt allocation, support, and custody. The legal process and paperwork are complex, and mistakes can have long-term financial and personal consequences.
What is equitable distribution in a New Jersey divorce?
Equitable distribution is the legal standard New Jersey courts use to divide marital property and debt. “Equitable” means fair, not necessarily equal. The court considers many factors, like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and contributions to the marriage, to decide a fair split.
Can I get alimony in New Jersey?
It depends. The court considers statutory factors like the need for support, the other spouse’s ability to pay, the length of the marriage, and each party’s standard of living. Alimony is not automatic and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.
A dissolution of marriage case is one part of divorce & separation lawyer, and our page on divorce lawyer New Jersey covers the wider process.