New Jersey Divorce Lawyers: Find the Support You Need Near You

Divorce in New Jersey can feel overwhelming — emotionally, financially, and logistically. Whether you're navigating disagreements about custody, dividing complex assets, or hoping for a smooth uncontested divorce, having the right support can make the process far less stressful.

New Jersey offers both no-fault and fault-based divorce options, and the state follows equitable distribution when dividing marital property. With decisions about your children, your financial security, and your future on the line, an experienced New Jersey divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights, avoid mistakes, and move forward confidently.

Below you'll find a clear guide to New Jersey divorce laws, when you may benefit from hiring an attorney, and a vetted directory of trusted family-law attorneys serving major metro areas throughout the state.

Understanding Divorce in New Jersey

Residency Requirement

You may file for divorce in New Jersey if:

• You or your spouse has lived in New Jersey for at least one year

• For fault-based cases, the event must have occurred in New Jersey

Grounds for Divorce

New Jersey allows:

• No-fault divorce: irreconcilable differences (6+ months)

• Fault-based: adultery, cruelty, desertion, substance abuse, imprisonment, and more

Most couples choose no-fault because it's faster and less adversarial.

Property Division

New Jersey follows equitable distribution, meaning:

• Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally

• Separate property remains with the original owner

Courts consider income, contributions, length of marriage, and future financial needs.

Child Custody

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, and may include:

• Joint legal custody

• Sole physical custody

• Parenting plans based on cooperation and stability

Child Support & Spousal Support

New Jersey uses guideline formulas for child support.
Spousal support (alimony) depends on:

• Length of the marriage

• Income and earning capacity of each spouse

• Standard of living

• Age and health

When You May Need a New Jersey Divorce Lawyer

Hiring an attorney helps protect your finances, your parental rights, and your long-term stability — especially if:

• You cannot agree on custody or parenting time

• A home, business, retirement accounts, or investments must be divided

• You suspect hidden income or financial misconduct

• Domestic violence or safety issues exist

• Your spouse has already hired a lawyer

• You want strong representation in negotiations or court

Even amicable cases benefit from a lawyer's review before finalizing agreements.

New Jersey Uncontested Divorce Options

If you and your spouse agree on all major issues, New Jersey offers a streamlined uncontested divorce process.

Divorce.com helps New Jersey couples:

• Prepare accurate, state-specific forms

• Avoid costly paperwork mistakes

• File quickly and confidently

• Get professional support throughout the process

This option works best for low-conflict couples who want an efficient, affordable outcome.

⭐ New Jersey Divorce Lawyers by Metro Area

A curated list of reputable family-law attorneys across the state.
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Newark

• The Cardenas Law Firm

• Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin & Plaza

Jersey City

• Kaplan Law Practice

• The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone

Paterson

• The Rotolo Law Firm

• Law Offices of Robert A. Olkowitz

Elizabeth

• Lesnevich, Marzano-Lesnevich, Trigg, O'Cathain, & O'Cathain

• Law Offices of Jeffrey R. Garber

Trenton

• Stark & Stark

• Szaferman Lakind