As of 2004, the Civil Union Act allowed same-sex couples, as well as couples over the age of 62 to form civil unions. These civil unions are not quite the same as marriage, though they do give couples many of the same benefits afforded in marriage. Despite same-sex marriage being legal in New Jersey now, many of these same-sex couples never bothered to change their civil union to marriage. That being said, if you are now looking to separate from your partner, there is still a legal process that you must follow. Read on and speak with our knowledgeable Bergen County divorce attorneys to learn more about civil union dissolutions in New Jersey and how our firm can help you through one. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding the legal process ahead:
How do civil union dissolutions work in New Jersey?
The first thing that you should understand is that in many cases, civil union dissolutions do not particularly differ from divorce, as they oftentimes deal with many of the same divorce-related issues. Some of the issues that may come up in your civil union dissolution include property division, child custody, spousal support terms, child support, and more. These are all critical issues, which is why you should hire an experienced attorney who can fight for what is rightfully yours when entering the litigation process.
Can I hire a mediator during the civil dissolution process?
Fortunately for many couples, there are other options outside of litigation. One of the most popular options is mediation. Essentially, a mediator is an unbiased third-party who will listen to both you and your partner’s desires for the outcome of your civil dissolution. From here, the mediator will work to facilitate a productive conversation that will, hopefully, in the end, lead to a compromise. While both partners most likely won’t get everything they want, they should both be able to leave feeling as though their voices have been heard, and that the core issues at hand were sufficiently addressed. This often allows both partners to freely accept the outcome of their civil dissolution and move on with their lives. If you have any further questions about civil dissolutions in New Jersey, give us a call today. We are here to help.
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.
