Compassionate Divorce Advice From Trusted Hoboken Attorneys
Sometimes your future doesn’t go as planned, and you may be facing difficult decisions you’ve never thought about. Lofaro & Headley, LLC, has helped clients in both New Jersey and New York for over 40 years. We approach each case with the compassion and empathy it deserves. Together, we will work through all your options and find the light at the end of the tunnel.
Alternatives To Divorce
When considering divorce, it’s important to note that there are a few other options. Each family is different, and we may be able to find an alternative that works better for you and your spouse.
A legal separation allows each spouse to make the same decisions as in a divorce. This includes dividing property, child custody and child support decisions. While it doesn’t legally end your marriage, it is a good solution for couples who want to maintain their marriage status for religious or health care reasons. Another option is an annulment. This has the same legal effect as a divorce; however, it says that your marriage was never valid.
Guiding Clients Through High-Asset Divorce
High net worth divorces present unique complexities that require specialized knowledge and meticulous attention to detail. When substantial assets are involved, proper valuation and division become critical. Our divorce lawyers have extensive experience handling complex financial matters in divorce, including:
- Business interests and professional practices
- Investment portfolios and stock options
- Multiple real estate holdings
- Executive compensation packages
- Retirement accounts and pension plans
- Trust funds and inheritance assets
We work alongside forensic accountants, business valuators and tax professionals when necessary to ensure accurate assessments. Key concerns we address include:
- Hidden or undisclosed assets
- Precise business valuations
- Tax implications of property division
- Assets held across state lines
Throughout all our divorce and other family law cases, our goal is to secure a fair settlement that preserves your financial security and protects what you’ve worked hard to build.
What is the difference between alimony and spousal support in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, there’s actually no distinction – these terms mean the same thing. Both describe court-ordered financial payments from one spouse to the other following separation or divorce. These payments aim to help the recipient spouse continue living at a comparable level to what they experienced while married.
Courts examine multiple considerations when determining amounts and duration, such as how long the marriage lasted, each person’s ability to earn income, and what each spouse contributed (financially and otherwise) throughout the relationship.
If I reconcile with my spouse after a legal separation, what happens?
New Jersey handles this differently from many states. Rather than “legal separation,” courts here grant what’s called a “Divorce from Bed and Board.” Should you and your spouse reconcile, you’ll need to submit a joint petition asking the court to revoke this judgment. Our team can guide you through the process of formally dissolving this arrangement and restoring your marital status.
How is property divided in a New Jersey divorce? Is it always a 50/50 split?
Not necessarily. In New Jersey, courts observe “equitable distribution” principles. This means assets get divided fairly – though fair doesn’t automatically mean equal. Judges weigh numerous considerations: marriage duration, how each spouse contributed to acquiring assets (including nonmonetary contributions like raising children or managing the household), and each person’s financial situation. Even-splits happen frequently, but courts have discretion to adjust percentages when circumstances warrant a different division to achieve true fairness.
What are the grounds for divorce in New Jersey?
You may be asking yourself if you have to prove that your spouse did something wrong to warrant a divorce. No proof of wrongdoing is required. New Jersey allows divorce based on “irreconcilable differences” – essentially acknowledging your marriage has broken down irreparably for at least six months with no realistic chance of repair. This “no-fault” option is most popular. Alternatively, you can cite fault-based reasons like infidelity, abandonment, cruelty, or addiction.
However, proving fault rarely affects alimony decisions in New Jersey unless the behavior caused significant financial harm or involved criminal conduct.
Because fault-based divorces tend to be more complicated and emotionally draining, most couples choose the irreconcilable differences route.
Finding A New Future; Call Now
There are many decisions to be made, and we can help. From deciding how to divide your property to alimony and child support, we are here to answer any questions you may have. It’s normal to be emotional and overwhelmed. We can help make the process a little simpler.
Contact our Hoboken office today at 201-467-4020 or fill out our contact form.