Divorce Lawyers in New Jersey
If you live in New Jersey and have a family law issue, it makes a difference to hire an attorney who is familiar with New Jersey state laws. From Bergen County to Cape May County, family law cases demand the skill of a knowledgeable family law attorney. Couples seeking divorce, for instance, typically have multiple issues to adjudicate such as child custody, separation, alimony and child support. Not only do these matters require a lawyer with strong expertise in family law, but also one who is experienced in dealing with the local court system. In an effort to help people who may have questions about family law matters, we have provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in NJ? If you are about to start the divorce process, the cost of hiring a lawyer is probably weighing heavily on your mind. Indeed, in most instances, the biggest expense for divorcing couples is the lawyers’ bill. There are essentially two parts to that bill: the lawyer’s hourly rate and the number of hours needed for your case. A recent study of New Jersey lawyers revealed their minimum and maximum hourly rates. It found that the average minimum was $295 per hour, while the average maximum was $340 an hour. These rates skew higher than the national average for family lawyers and a bit higher than the average rates for Midwestern states. As a result, average combined costs for New Jersey family lawyers range from $12,500-$14,500. If there are few or no contested issues, you may wind up paying significantly less. On the other hand, you might pay much more due to the specific circumstances of your divorce.
Who Is Responsible for the Legal Fees in a Divorce in NJ? In a typical divorce case, both parties pay for their own attorney’s fees. Essentially, each spouse hires a lawyer that will protect their rights and interests. Nevertheless, there are some instances which may require different accommodations. For example:
Divorcing spouses in New Jersey can use martial funds when litigating a divorce. In fact, a court may order both parties to sell certain community property assets, like a family home, to pay for the divorce.
According to New Jersey law, one of the parties in a divorce may be held liable for part or all the other spouse’s attorneys’ fees. This can include everything from filing fees to the use of experts in addition to other out-of-pocket expenses. The court may order one spouse with larger assets to pay for some or all fees in order to level the playing field.
Is Alimony Mandatory in NJ? New Jersey does not a specific formula or equation to figure out the amount of alimony that a spouse may receive. Instead, the law includes several factors that the courts must consider when deciding whether a spouse should receive support. The length of the marriage, for example, is one factor used to determine the amount of alimony, and for how long. Nevertheless, there is no absolute or set length of marriage in the law that automatically entails an alimony obligation. Furthermore, if your marriage lasted less than 20 years, New Jersey does not permit alimony to continue longer than the actual time of the marriage, unless there are unusual circumstances. No matter which types of family law issues you are facing, your goal is to have them resolved in your best interests. We’ve answered a few of the most common questions to help people know what to expect when it comes to divorce and family law matters in New Jersey.
