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While New Jersey has one of the nation’s lowest divorce rates in the country, there are still close to 10 percent of marriages in the Garden State that do not last. Our Somerville divorce lawyers understand how overwhelming the divorce process can be, particularly when complex custody issues are involved. 

We have certified matrimonial attorneys at our firm. That means you can expect the highest standard of care from any one of our divorce lawyers. We will work closely with you through every step of the divorce process and ensure that your best interests remain a top priority.

What Types of Divorce Cases Do We Handle?

Couples get divorced for many different reasons, and each case has unique challenges and obstacles to overcome. Our lawyers handle a wide range of complex divorce cases, including the following:

• High-asset divorces: If there is a significant amount of money involved in a high-asset divorce, we work tirelessly to ensure that our client receives the settlement they deserve according to New Jersey law. Depending on the circumstances, this may include alimony, a percentage of the marital assets, and other concessions that have been agreed upon by the ex-spouse.
• Military divorces: In military divorces, we work with the Department of Defense and the specific branch of the military in which the client or their spouse has served. We understand that service members may receive special accommodations in court, we will ensure that the appropriate alimony and child support payments are paid and that visitation rights are followed.
• Religious divorces: We understand how difficult religious divorces can be, particularly when couples are required to follow specific rules and practices required by their religion. Our divorce lawyers are sensitive to our clients’ religious and spiritual beliefs, and we will guide them through the process while protecting their rights.
• Same-sex litigation: There are unique issues involved with gay, lesbian, and same-sex divorces, and we have significant experience handling divorce and other important family issues involving LGBTQ+ couples.
• Uncontested divorces: Uncontested divorces tend to go more smoothly since both parties agree to the terms of the divorce. Our legal team will address any questions or concerns that may arise and ensure that the divorce is resolved as quickly as possible. 

What Are the Steps Involved in a Divorce?

Obtaining a divorce in New Jersey can be a time-consuming process, particularly if both parties are unable to reach an agreement and the case goes to trial. Every case is unique, however, the following are the general steps involved in a divorce:

• Filing a complaint: To initiate the divorce process, one spouse must file a complaint with the court. The complaint must include the names and addresses of both parties, the place and date of the marriage, and the grounds for the divorce, including whether it is a fault or no-fault divorce. 
• Answer and counterclaim: The spouse who receives the complaint must respond if they have a counterclaim or want to answer the initial complaint. 
• File the Case Information Statement (CIS): Both parties must file a CIS, which includes financial information about both parties that are relevant to the divorce, including income, expenses, debts, and assets. This is an extremely important document, as it is used to determine temporary and final support agreements. 
• Settlement agreement and Early Settlement Panel: Both parties will try to reach a settlement either before or after the complaint is filed. If a settlement cannot be reached, the couple will participate in an Early Settlement Panel, where their legal issues will be discussed and solutions presented.
• Mediation: If the couple is still unable to come to an agreement, they will be required to participate in mediation in an attempt to resolve their issues. 
• Intensive Settlement Conference: In some cases, couples cannot reach an agreement, even after mediation. In these cases, the couple will have to attend an Intensive Settlement Conference, where a final attempt will be made to reach a settlement before going to trial.
• Trial: In some cases, a couple cannot come to an agreement, even after taking the steps discussed above. Then, the parties will go to trial. A court will hear both parties’ arguments and issue a Final Judgment of Divorce.

What Are the Benefits of Working With a Somerville Divorce Lawyer?

It is certainly an option to file for a divorce on your own, particularly if the divorce is uncontested and you have very few assets and no children. However, the divorce process becomes much more complicated if there are retirement accounts, pensions, and other financial assets that need to be split, and if there are potentially difficult custody issues that need to be addressed. 

If this is the case, it is highly recommended that you hire a Somerville divorce lawyer who has a thorough understanding of the law and the court system. The following are examples of some of the main benefits of hiring an experienced divorce lawyer:

• Provides honest legal guidance. A skilled lawyer is going to provide you with the best legal advice, even if it is not what you want to hear, including the advantages and disadvantages of certain legal options, as well as the costs associated with the case and the length of the proceedings.
• Strives for a settlement but is prepared to go to trial. The ideal scenario is to reach a resolution through negotiation, settlement, or mediation. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to go to trial. An accomplished Somerville divorce lawyer will also have a strong reputation for being an effective trial litigator with a proven track record of reaching successful settlement outcomes.
• Protects your reputation. Oftentimes, one spouse will try to attack the other spouse’s reputation by making false accusations. A divorce lawyer who has experience handling high-conflict cases will take proactive steps to maintain a peaceful and mature negotiation and ensure that your reputation is protected.
• Educates clients about the divorce process. Rather than leaving you in the dark and making decisions on your behalf without consulting with you, a good divorce lawyer will make sure that you have a thorough understanding of the information discussed, the consequences of the decision, and the impact they could have on you and your children.
• Helps you avoid common mistakes. A dedicated divorce lawyer will take proactive steps to ensure that you avoid the following common divorce mistakes, such as overlooking retirement plans, pensions plans, and other valuable assets.
• Understands how certain judges can impact your case. Experienced divorce lawyers are familiar with different judges and how they are likely to rule on certain cases based on their courtroom styles, their opinions, and their past records and achievements.

Somerville Divorce Lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. Assist Clients Through Every Step of the Divorce Process

If you and your spouse have made the difficult decision to pursue a divorce, our Somerville divorce lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. can help. We will guide you through the divorce process and ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us at 908-575-9777 or contact us online. Located in Somerville, Morristown, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Somerset, Woodbridge, Morristown, Parsippany, Rockaway, Short Hills, Chatham, Randolph, Madison, and Morris Plains.

Lyons & Associates, P.C., Somerville Lawyers