Dissolution of Marriage Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Options?
A dissolution of marriage in Bergen County is a legal action filed under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2, commonly known as divorce. The Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage handles all filings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for dissolution matters, including handling the mandatory Early Settlement Panel and equitable distribution. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide.
New Jersey Dissolution of Marriage Law
In New Jersey, a dissolution of marriage is the legal term for divorce. The process is governed by state statute, primarily N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2, which outlines the grounds for divorce. New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, meaning the most common ground is irreconcilable differences which have caused the breakdown of the marriage for a period of six months or more. The court’s primary objectives are to dissolve the marital bond and resolve related issues like equitable distribution of property, alimony, child custody, and child support under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1 and other statutes.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the governing statutes, refer to the New Jersey Statutes (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court forms and local procedures, visit the Bergen Vicinage website (official New Jersey Courts).
Bergen County Court Process for Dissolution
The dissolution process in Bergen County follows specific local rules. A key procedural fact is the mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP), where attorneys present each side’s position to retired judges who recommend settlement terms. This unique New Jersey step resolves many cases. The court at 10 Main Street, Hackensack handles all family matters.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the Superior Court Family Division in Hackensack, paying the $300 filing fee plus a $25 surcharge.
- Serve the complaint and summons on your spouse, followed by their opportunity to file an Answer.
- Attend a Case Management Conference to establish a discovery schedule and exchange mandatory Case Information Statements (CIS).
- Participate in the mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP) where a panel evaluates the case.
- If unresolved, proceed to an Intensive Settlement Conference and, if necessary, a trial before a Family Division judge.
Potential Outcomes in a Dissolution
In Bergen County, a dissolution of marriage results in the legal termination of the marital relationship and court orders on division of assets, support, and, if applicable, child-related matters.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Equitable Distribution | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property and debt. | Division of real estate, retirement accounts, businesses, and liabilities. |
| Alimony (Spousal Support) | Based on need, ability to pay, and statutory factors. Reformed in 2014. | Durational alimony (limited term) or open durational alimony for long-term marriages. |
| Child Custody & Parenting Time | Best interests of the child, with 14 statutory factors (N.J.S.A. 9:2-4). | Legal and physical custody arrangements, detailed parenting plan. |
| Child Support | NJ Child Support Guidelines, income shares model. | Monthly support obligation based on combined income and parenting time. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of New Jersey family law statutes and local Bergen County court procedures.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Bergen County. Firm-wide, our attorneys have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include matters resolved through dismissal, reduction of charges, favorable settlements, and successful trials.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Bergen County
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
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients with matters at the Bergen County courts in Hackensack. We represent individuals in communities throughout the county, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and Bergenfield. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — 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. The mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP) is scheduled 6-9 months after filing. Demanding 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. Service of process costs $25-$100. Attorney fees vary based on the issues in dispute. Additional costs can include mediation ($100-$350/hour) and custody evaluations ($3,000-$15,000). The Early Settlement Panel itself has no additional fee.
How is alimony calculated in New Jersey?
New Jersey alimony law was reformed in 2014. Durational alimony is limited to the length of the marriage for marriages under 20 years. For marriages of 20+ years, open durational alimony may be awarded. The calculation 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 the “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 all custody matters. A parenting coordinator may be appointed in high-conflict cases.
What is an affordable dissolution of marriage lawyer Bergen County?
An affordable dissolution of marriage lawyer Bergen County provides transparent fee structures and may offer payment plans. It is important to discuss costs upfront during a consultation. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers clear consultations to discuss your case and associated fees.
How do I find a dissolution of marriage lawyer near me Bergen County?
You can search for a “dissolution of marriage lawyer near me Bergen County” online or contact the state bar for referrals. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves Bergen County from our New Jersey location and is available for consultations by phone or appointment.
For more information, see our New Jersey Family Law overview. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Hunterdon County and Somerset County. If you are facing other legal issues, consider our Bergen County criminal defense lawyers.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on dissolution of marriage cases across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Hudson County NJ Dissolution of Marriage Lawyer · Dissolution of Marriage Lawyer Monmouth County NJ.