Navigating a New Jersey divorce can be challenging, but following guidance relevant to your specific state can make the process smoother. With the right advice from experienced attorneys, you can take control of your future during this difficult time.

Here are some essential New Jersey divorce tips to get started:

Legal Representation is Critical for New Jersey Divorces

You are taking the first step toward a decision that will allow you to take control of the direction of your future life. First, you are going to start interviewing New Jersey divorce attorneys. You will need to hire a seasoned and practical family law attorney to guide you through the difficult divorce process. Every case is different, and you will want to select an attorney with experience handling situations relevant to your specific circumstances in the divorce.

Given the complexities of your divorce, a family law attorney will use their knowledge in the following areas to develop a strategic approach that will lead to a desired outcome in a divorce:

  • Asset division 
  • Business structures
  • Issues related to child custody and support 
  • Valuation methods

The Importance of a Comprehensive Parenting Plan

The issue of custody and parenting time is going to require you to relay the history and current status of each parent’s role in the child’s life. 

  • Who historically acted as the child’s primary caregiver and what was the division of responsibility for the child’s care? 
  • What are the current arrangements? 
  • What schedule works as a practical matter? 
  • What arrangement will serve your child’s best interest and work for both parents’ respective work responsibilities and schedules? 

Those are the topics to which you should give serious thought before even sitting down with your divorce attorney to discuss possible terms for a custody agreement or the goals of custody litigation. It is possible that documents related to the child, including records of schooling, activities, schedules, medical records, etc., may be helpful at some point. In the initial stages, however, the essential thing is to be prepared to provide your narrative, orally at a consultation, or perhaps even in written form, in order to relay the history, the current arrangements, and a proposed plan for the future.

Creating a Financial Snapshot: Assets, Debts, and Income

As a starting point, it makes sense to prepare a balance sheet detailing your assets and liabilities to review with your counsel. Of course, some spouses do not have comprehensive financial information at the start of the process, but as a starting point you can identify those assets and liabilities about which you are aware. 

Key Documents to Gather Before Filing for Divorce in New Jersey:

  • Tax returns for the last 3-5 years
  • Bank account and credit card statements 
  • Retirement and investment account statements 
  • Mortgage statements
  • Vehicle loan statements and titles
  • Property tax documents
  • Wills and other estate planning documents
  • List of all marital assets and their valuations
  • Insurance policies 
  • Marriage certificate
  • Birth certificates of children
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

Of course, to the extent you do not have this information, you are entitled to receive it through formal or informal exchange of information as part of the divorce process. Formal discovery once a case has started can include obtaining information directly from your spouse, as well as from third parties by way of signed authorizations or subpoenas.

Setting Realistic Goals for Your Divorce Outcome

Start by identifying what matters most to you:

  • Financial stability
  • Child custody and co-parenting arrangements
  • Desired asset division
  • Maintaining amicable relations with your ex-spouse

Seek advice from a divorce attorney to:

  • Learn about your options and legal rights
  • Get a realistic assessment

Answer key questions about your future: 

  • What are your long-term financial requirements?
  • How will this impact your children?
  • What do you need in order to co-parent successfully?

Build a Strong Case with Planning and Preparation 

The divorce process can be personally challenging and can take an emotional and financial toll. You need to be as prepared as possible and have a good working relationship with your divorce attorney. By securing the information and documentation you have and providing it to your attorney at the outset, you will put yourself in the best possible position to proceed efficiently. Gathering the documentation to get started with your divorce immediately advances the discussions about the real issues in the divorce and puts you way ahead of the curve for any challenges ahead.

We represent clients in all matters of family law including Divorce, High Net Worth Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Separation, and Mediation. Leaders and the spouses of leaders of finance, law, entertainment, sports, real estate, and members of America’s prominent families, rely upon the attorneys of our family law group. From start to finish, we work side-by-side with our clients to identify reasonable objectives and achieve the best possible result.