Divorce Lawyer Metuchen NJ 08840
Divorce Lawyer Metuchen NJ 08840
The divorce process can be an extremely difficult, complex and anxiety filled process. At Armour Law Firm we understand this and that is why we provide an experienced and professional divorce lawyer in Metuchen NJ.
The best way to alleviate the uncertainty and fear of divorce, is to have an experienced divorce lawyer dedicated to you who you can trust to provide you complete, prompt answers to all your questions, educate you of the laws governing your divorce and provide a clear roadmap of what to expect and how the divorce lawyer will lead you through this difficult process.
Before filing for Divorce
The divorce process begins as early as the contemplation of divorce. Many people contemplating divorce do not have a clear picture of their marital finances, do not have access to the significant marital financial accounts, and therefore, are often at a disadvantage once the divorce process is initiated.
Understanding your financial picture prior to engaging in the divorce process is imperative. You do not want to be unprepared or uneducated before making this life changing decision. You can avoid many months of litigation and thousands of dollars by gathering and copying key financial records prior to a divorce such as personal and business tax returns, bank and loan statements, credit card statements, insurance policies, most recent paystubs, retirement account statements, Wills and Trust Documents, Real and personal property appraisals, Deeds and mortgages, and Business records.
I also advise my clients contemplating divorce to begin keeping good records of what it actually costs to maintain the household.
Complaint and Answer
Mediation may be sought before filing for divorce. Divorce process begins once the complaint is filed. It is common practice for the initial complaint to ask for more than what the complaining spouse is entitled to. Attorneys often use the initial complaint as a wish list.
The Defendant has a limited time to file an answer. If the Defendant fails to answer, the Plaintiff may request to enter default judgment. The Defendant’s answer admits or denies each assertion and will ask the court to deny the Plaintiff’s request. Any claims the Defendant makes against the Plaintiff are written in the counterclaim. The counterclaim is a good idea because without it, the Defendant could easily find herself or himself at trial facing an agenda set by the other spouse’s inflated wish list.
The Plaintiff answers the counterclaim by admitting or denying every allegation.
Divorce Trial
Although fewer than five percent of all divorces go to trial, this percentage varies substantially according to certain variables. The length of your divorce trial will depend on the time the court allocates and the number and complexity of issues to be decided. Your trial may last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.
To speak with a divorce lawyer in Metuchen please call 732-243-9733 or click here to fill out our contact form.