What is No-Fault Divorce?

If you are looking to get a divorce in Bergen County, you are most likely unsure of the best place to start. Divorce is a complicated process, which is why if you are someone who is ready to get one, you need an experienced attorney who can guide you through all of your options. For example, in New Jersey, divorcing couples can file a no-fault divorce if they do not wish to cite specific fault grounds, which may benefit them greatly in the long run. Please continue reading and speak with our experienced Bergen County divorce attorneys to learn more.

What are grounds for divorce?

When getting divorced, you and your spouse may choose to cite what are known as fault grounds. In other words, you can state why you wish to divorce your spouse. Some of the fault grounds you may cite are as follows:

  • Adultery
  • Abandonment
  • Desertion
  • Incarceration
  • Institutionalization
  • Extreme cruelty

Unfortunately, though these are all unsavory actions, and in some cases downright malicious, the truth is, under most circumstances, citing fault grounds, such as infidelity, will have little to no impact on the outcome of your divorce, and, in certain cases, it may even work against you. This is because when you cite fault grounds, you give your spouse a chance to answer your accusations, which oftentimes opens up a can of worms, prolonging your divorce, costing you and your spouse time and money. That is why, oftentimes, we advise clients to opt for a no-fault divorce.

Why should I get a no-fault divorce?

When you file for a no-fault divorce, you do not have to accuse your spouse of anything, thus keeping your divorce more private and potentially making the process that much easier. In a no-fault divorce, you may either cite irreconcilable differences for at least 6 months, or separation for at least 18 months. Though you will still most likely have to enter the litigation process, we find that it is often most beneficial for our clients to avoid citing fault grounds. For any additional questions about the divorce process ahead, give our knowledgeable Bergen County divorce attorneys a call.

Contact our experienced Bergen County firm

At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients to understand and protect their legal rights before, during, and after the divorce process in towns across New Jersey and Bergen County, including Hackensack, Ridgewood, Paramus, Teaneck, and Fort Lee. To speak with our team of divorce lawyers today in a free and confidential consultation regarding your concerns about your divorce, please contact us online, or through our Hackensack, NJ office at (201) 397-1750.

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