Morristown Divorce Lawyer
Divorce can be a difficult and emotional time. If you are going through a divorce, it is important to be able to put your trust in an experienced Morristown divorce attorney who can guide you and protect your interests during the process.
At Broderick, Newmark & Grather, P.C., attorney Frank Grather heads our family law practice. Since 1965, he has helped families and couples through divorce in Morristown and all of northern New Jersey. He understands that you are concerned about your future and he will work to help you pursue your goals through negotiation, mediation and — if necessary — litigation.
Whether your divorce is complex or uncontested, his experienced legal representation during your divorce can help you protect your finances and your family. Contact Morristown divorce attorney Frank Grather online or call us at 973.813.7074 to discuss your divorce issues.
Understanding the Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey
In New Jersey, there are two types of divorce: fault divorces and no-fault divorces. In a fault divorce one or both spouses claim that the other spouse engaged in conduct which led to the divorce; in other words, the other party is “at fault”. Only certain, specific conduct will qualify for a fault divorce in New Jersey, including:
- Adultery
- Desertion
- Extreme cruelty
- Separation for 18 months prior to the filing of a complaint
- Drug addiction or habitual drunkenness for 12 months prior to the filing of a complaint
- Institutionalization for mental illness for 24 months prior to the filing a complaint
- Imprisonment for 18 months prior to the filing of a complaint
- Deviant sexual conduct performed by the defendant
In a no-fault divorce neither spouse “blames” the other. Rather, they allege a condition or set of circumstances, which leads to the conclusion that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. There are two no-fault grounds: (1) separation for 18 months, and (2) irreconcilable differences lasting more than six months. Sometimes more than one ground for divorce will exist at the same time. To obtain a divorce on grounds of an 18 month separation, you must be separated and living separate and apart for the full 18 months. If you seek a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, you need not be separated. Whether on fault or no-fault grounds, the divorce itself is rarely contested in New Jersey. Rather, the dispute is more often than not over alimony, child support, custody, parenting time, and/or distribution of property. Attorney Frank Grather can help you with these issues.
Comprehensive Divorce Representation
Attorney Frank Grather can help you understand the grounds for divorce and determine which may apply in your situation. He can also assist you with other aspects of your divorce, including:
New Jersey Divorce and Family Law Attorney
The attorneys at Broderick, Newmark & Grather represent clients throughout Northern New Jersey, including Morris County (the Morristown and Dover areas), Union County (the Summit and Elizabeth areas), Sussex County (the Newton and Sparta areas) Somerset County (the Somerville area), Warren County (the Belvidere area), Essex County (the Newark and Glen Ridge areas) and Passaic County (the Wayne area). Contact our firm online or call us at 973.813.7074 to speak with Mr. Grather about your case.