Are you filing for a divorce but don’t know where to begin? Read these 4 common topics when beginning divorce, then call us for legal help.
1. Grounds for Divorce
There are several grounds for divorce in New Jersey. The most common grounds for divorce I see as an experienced New Jersey Divorce Lawyer include:
- Mental cruelty
- Physical cruelty
- Desertion
- Adultery
- Irreconcilable differences
Several of these grounds for divorce can be difficult to prove. The most common and cost-efficient grounds for divorce in New Jersey is irreconcilable differences. To prove this, you are only required to show that the parties were unable to get along for six months.
2. Evaluating Attorneys
The most common thing individuals ask when they contact me about a divorce consultation is, “What should I be looking for in terms of retaining an attorney?” In my opinion, that’s probably the most important decision you’re going to make – maybe in your entire life. First, you have to make sure the attorney you choose is qualified. Number two, be sure you can get along with that attorney. Number three, you must be able to contact that attorney and have questions answered in a reasonable fashion.
That doesn’t mean you will be able to reach out to your attorney as if they’re on speed dial because, obviously, attorneys have other cases and they have to spend time with other clients. You should reasonably expect to receive a return phone call within a day. When you call, your questions should be answered so that you understand what you need to know in order to pursue your matter.
3. The First Step in the Divorce Process
The most important step – and the first step in your divorce process – is to do the appropriate research and select an attorney to represent you. It’s important to realize that this involves more than just knowing whether an attorney is knowledgeable in the area, although that is certainly very important. You must make sure that you and the attorney with whom you decide to work have a rapport where you can easily and confidently talk to the attorney. Not only that, but you must be sure that you understand what the attorney is telling you. In other words, choose someone who can speak plain English to you, so that you fully understand and know how to proceed.
4. Serving Divorce Papers
A few factors must be considered when serving your spouse with a divorce summons and complaint. If yours is a friendly divorce and it’s simply a matter of having the spouse who will be the defendant acknowledge receipt, they can sign an acknowledgment of service of the complaint upon them, and that acknowledgement could then be filed with the court to show that they were, in fact, served.
If the spouse will not sign an acknowledgment of service, or if you simply don’t know where the spouse is – or if the spouse adamantly refuses to accept service – you’ll have to enlist the services of a process server. The process server can serve the spouse either at their home or where they work. If you know that your spouse will be at a gym or other specific place at certain times, you can arrange for the process server to wait for them there and actually serve them with the complaint.
If you or a loved one is thinking about filing for a divorce, read about the 4 common topics when beginning divorce. Then, contact our experienced New Jersey divorce lawyer for a free legal consultation and case evaluation to get started on your case today.
Like us on Facebook
Download Our Free Divorce Guide