Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Bergen County, New Jersey
A Bergen County divorce lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles marriage dissolution cases at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. New Jersey is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences for six months. The firm provides full divorce representation, including handling the mandatory Early Settlement Panel unique to New Jersey.
New Jersey Divorce Law and Procedure
Divorce in New Jersey is governed by statutes including N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 (divorce grounds) and N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1 (equitable distribution). The state recognizes no-fault grounds of irreconcilable differences for at least six months, eliminating the need for a formal separation period. The court applies an equitable distribution standard to marital property, which means a fair, but not necessarily equal, division based on multiple statutory factors. Alimony determinations follow the 2014 reform act, which limits durational alimony for marriages under 20 years.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
- New Jersey Statutes (N.J.S.A.) – Official state code.
- Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage – Official court website for forms and procedures.
Bergen County Family Court Process
Bergen County Superior Court Family Division handles all divorce, custody, and support matters. A key procedural fact is New Jersey’s mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP), where attorneys present each side’s position to retired judges who recommend settlement terms. This unique step resolves many cases before trial. Both parties must also file a detailed Case Information Statement (CIS) as a mandatory financial disclosure.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse and file proof of service with the court.
- Complete and exchange mandatory Case Information Statements (CIS) and undergo discovery.
- Attend the mandatory Case Management Conference to set a discovery schedule.
- Participate in the Early Settlement Panel (ESP) with retired judges.
- Proceed to an Intensive Settlement Conference (ISC) and, if necessary, trial.
Potential Outcomes in a Divorce Case
In Bergen County, divorce involves the equitable distribution of assets and debts, potential alimony based on reformed guidelines, and child support calculated using the state’s income shares model.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital assets/debts. | Varies by asset value and debts. | Business valuation or pension division may be required. |
| Alimony | Durational, Open Durational, Limited, Rehabilitative | Support based on need, ability to pay, and length of marriage (post-2014 reforms apply). | Monthly payments for a set period or indefinitely. | Cohabitation can terminate or modify alimony. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (14 factors) | Parenting time schedule; legal decision-making authority. | Costs for parenting coordinator or custody evaluation. | Parenting plan required; “Children in the Middle” class often mandated. |
| Child Support | NJ Child Support Guidelines | Monthly payment based on income shares model. | Calculated from both parents’ incomes and parenting time. | Modifiable upon substantial change in circumstances. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s managing attorney, Mr. Sris, brings a background as a former prosecutor and a deep understanding of financial matters from his education in accounting and information systems, which is advantageous in complex divorce cases involving asset division. The firm-wide practice has documented over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Case Results and Client Representation
SRIS actively practices in Bergen County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Bergen County divorce attorney from our team provides focused representation for matters filed at the Superior Court in Hackensack.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Legal Services Information
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We represent individuals in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. As a Bergen County divorce attorney near you, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Bergen County, New Jersey?
It depends. An uncontested divorce may take 3-4 months from filing. A contested divorce typically takes 8-18 months. New Jersey requires a mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP) 6-9 months after filing, which can resolve cases faster. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Bergen County, NJ?
The Superior Court filing fee is $300 plus a $25 surcharge. Additional costs include service of process ($25-$100), mandatory parenting classes ($25-$50), and attorney fees for preparing the mandatory Case Information Statement. Mediation costs $100-$350 per hour. A custody evaluation can range from $3,000 to $15,000.
How is alimony calculated in New Jersey?
New Jersey alimony law was reformed in 2014. Durational alimony is generally limited to the length of the marriage for marriages under 20 years. For marriages of 20+ years, open durational alimony may be awarded. The court considers factors like need, ability to pay, and the marital standard of living.
How does child custody work in Bergen County, NJ?
New Jersey uses a “best interests of the child” standard with 14 statutory factors. There is no presumption favoring either parent. The Bergen County Superior Court Family Division handles custody matters. The court may appoint a parenting coordinator for high-conflict cases.
What is the role of a divorce attorney in Bergen County?
A divorce attorney provides legal representation throughout the dissolution process. This includes preparing and filing the complaint, guiding you through mandatory disclosures and the Early Settlement Panel, advocating for your interests in negotiations, and representing you in court for contested issues like asset division, alimony, and child custody.
Last verified: April 2026. For updated guidance on New Jersey divorce law, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.