Nobody imagines themselves getting a divorce on their wedding day. Unfortunately, divorce is not uncommon, and if you are in a contested divorce, meaning you and your spouse cannot agree on the terms of your divorce, you may have a long road ahead. If you are in this situation, please read on and reach out to our experienced New Jersey divorce attorney to learn more about how our firm can help you through the legal process going forward. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What happens in a contested divorce?
Contested divorces often result in the distribution of assets, as well as changes to various other matters, such as the ones defined below:
- Child custody: This is perhaps the most sensitive issue in all contested divorces. The thought of losing custody of your child is unfathomable, however, if you are in a contested divorce, this may very well happen. That is why it is so crucial you hire an experienced attorney who will fight for your parental rights.
- Child support: To make matters worse, if you lose custody of your child, you may end up having to pay child support as well. Oftentimes, courts will impose payment plans that simply do not work for the supporting spouse.
- Spousal support, or alimony: If you are the financially independent spouse, very often the courts will order you dish out regular alimony payments to your former spouse. An experienced attorney is your best line of defense to have these payments minimized, especially if you feel your spouse is being dishonest about how much they truly need.
- Asset distribution: Assets, such as your home, may very well be taken away from you and given to your spouse. Though the thought of being forced to leave your home is a living nightmare for many, it happens, which is why you will need an aggressive attorney on your side.
What is the contested divorce process like?
When you enter a contested divorce, your assets will be subjected to equitable distribution, which, as you surely know, is seldom an equal or “50/50” split. The litigation process is often a contentious one, so it is always a good course of action to hire an attorney who seeks to resolve your divorce as swiftly as possible. The courts will consider various factors when divvying your assets, however, an experienced attorney can help effectively prove your case, thereby achieving results that are more favorable for you.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
Our firm proudly represents clients in New Jersey who are faced with matters of family law, criminal defense, business law, real estate law, or estate planning. If you require strong and dedicated representation for any of your legal matters, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of George J. Mardinly to schedule a consultation.