What You Need to Know About Divorce From Bed and Board

Though many other states do, New Jersey, in particular, does not recognize a formal process for legal separation. Instead, the state of New Jersey recognizes its equivalent, known as divorce from bed and board. Simply put, this type of divorce means that the couple is economically separated, however, they do remain legally married. If you are considering getting a divorce from bed and board, please continue reading and reach out to our experienced Bergen County divorce attorneys today. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding the legal process ahead:

What is the purpose of getting a divorce from bed and board?

There are various facets of your marriage, family, and finances that may be addressed in a divorce from bed and board. Some of the issues you may handle in a divorce from bed and board are as follows:

  • Debts and Liabilities
  • Pensions/401ks/annuities/profit-sharing plans
  • Health insurance
  • Alimony
  • Child support
  • Child custody
  • Visitation
  • Marital assets
  • Marital property
  • Separate property

Once you complete the divorce from bed and board process, you will receive a judgment that equitably distributes your assets and property. The judgment will also ensure that all of your marital debts are apportioned.

How will my health insurance be affected by divorce from bed and board?

If you are a financially dependent spouse and get divorced from bed and board, you may remain on your former spouse’s insurance policy since a divorce from bed and board is not a complete and absolute divorce. Though a standard divorce is generally enough to be removed from your spouse’s insurance, a divorce from bed and board may not be a qualifying event that warrants you being removed from the health insurance policy.  That being said, if you plan on staying on your spouse’s health insurance, it is always best that you first confirm that you may stay on the policy with your insurer.

For any additional questions regarding your divorce from bed and board, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced Bergen County divorce attorneys today. We are here to help you through every step of the process ahead.

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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