How Do I Begin the Divorce Process?

How Do I Begin the Divorce Process?

Divorce Attorneys in Bergen County, NJ

Beginning the Divorce Process

The beginning of the divorce process is often the most daunting part. Many of our clients have no idea where to start. After all, nobody plans on getting divorced. All of your planning and building is now subject to sudden and dramatic change. Among the litany of issues to be considered are the division of assets, child custody, child support, alimony, and how any pre-existing marital agreement such as a prenuptial agreement you may have in place will affect these issues.

Thankfully, you do not need to go it alone. The Law Office of Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark has helped clients successfully navigate the divorce process in New Jersey towns including Paramus, Hackensack, Ridgewood, Fort Lee, Teaneck, and the greater Bergen County area. We practice exclusively family and divorce law, allowing our attorneys to focus on the specific areas of law which will affect your divorce disputes. Lean on our 75 years of combined experience to protect your legal rights and reach a divorce agreement amicably and affordably.

Call our office today to discuss your unique needs and concerns regarding your divorce in a free and confidential consultation with our knowledgeable legal team.

Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?

Retaining the services of a knowledgeable legal team is of the utmost importance in divorce proceedings. That may be easy for us to say, but why is it so important? Even for our clients who are on good terms, the prospect of going through the legal quagmire of divorce without a professional is virtually impossible. While it may seem appealing to write your own agreement, keep it simple, and trust one another, the results may not protect you and/or your spouse’s legal rights moving forward.

Let’s say you and your spouse agree on the terms and go through the legal process alone. If your legal standing changes due to a change in circumstance, you may find yourself in need of a post-divorce modification. If your agreement is not clear or sufficiently specific,y not be able to change the terms without filing a family law appeal. Even then, you must go to court and prove that the initial agreement was unfair or based on misrepresented facts.

Working with an experienced divorce attorney is the only way to ensure that your best interests are properly represented throughout the divorce process. Saving money in the short term by going it alone is not worth the long-term cost, both financially and emotionally.

What Are My Options if I Don’t Want to go to Court?

Litigation is not a foregone conclusion in divorce proceedings. Even if you are in the midst of a contentious separation with complex divorce, these alternative methods are highly effective for our clients who choose to avoid the courtroom.

Mediationthe role of a mediator is to allow the perspectives of both spouses to be heard, understood, and considered when coming up with a reasonable divorce agreement. Mediation is not legally binding, and many of our clients enjoy this method of cooperative and communicative conflict resolution

Collaborative Divorcesimilar to mediation, collaborative divorce involves all parties working towards a mutually beneficial outcome. Collaborative conflict resolution takes this one step further by having participants sign a written agreement that both parties will resolve their differences without litigation

Arbitrationa legally binding method of resolving conflicts which involves an impartial arbitrator making a final decision based on the needs and legal standing of all parties

Is There Anything I Should Avoid?

First and foremost, we recommend speaking to a divorce attorney before you begin the process. Even if you have a trusting relationship with your spouse, signing any paperwork or agreeing to any terms may not be in your best interest in the long run. Trying to work together is a great mindset, but without the legal expertise of a family law professional, you run the risk of drawing up an unfair, unclear, and even possibly unenforceable document.

Do your best to avoid getting frustrated or impatient. This is probably the most difficult aspect of divorce proceedings for many of our clients. You may be forced to dredge up painful memories, correspond with someone with whom you may not wish to speak, and negotiate for the future of your children. However, getting angry and taking it out on your spouse, children, or other loved ones does nothing to help your case. If anything, erratic behavior may be used against you in divorce proceedings.

To put it simply, avoid doing anything too hastily. Our team of divorce attorneys is here to expedite the divorce proceedings process for you. By working with us and with your spouse, our clients have found success in finding solutions that suit everyone’s needs.

Contact our Hackensack, NJ Divorce Attorneys Today

At The Law Office of Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients to successfully and amicably resolve their divorce disputes in towns across New Jersey and Bergen County, including Paramus, Ridgewood, Hackensack, Teaneck, and Fort Lee. Our partners have been recognized by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Certified Matrimonial Law Attorneys, an honor earned by only 2 percent of practicing lawyers in the state.

To speak with our team of experienced family and divorce lawyers today in a free and confidential consultation regarding preparing for your divorce, your options for pursuing your divorce, or any other specific needs or concerns you may have regarding your divorce and the many issues it can present, please contact us online, or call our Hackensack offices anytime at (201) 397-1750.

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