The decision to end a marriage can be an extremely difficult one. However, once the decision has been made, several different steps must be taken, including filing for divorce to terminate the legal union between spouses. Unfortunately, this process can be quite complicated, particularly if the relationship has become contentious. To ensure that your rights and interests are fully protected, an experienced legal professional must represent your case.
If you or someone you know is considering a divorce from their spouse, the services of a qualified legal representative can be a tremendous assistance during this difficult time. Contact the Monmouth County divorce attorneys of the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. today at (732) 898-2378 to speak with an experienced, understanding member of our legal team about your rights and options in this trying situation.
How We Can Help
Depending on the circumstance, several different types of divorce options may be pursued. The assistance of an experienced attorney can help you understand which type of divorce may be right for you. At the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq., our professional staff has considerable experience representing clients in cases involving:
- Contested Divorce
- Uncontested Divorce
- Mediated Divorce
- Collaborative Divorce
- Simplified Divorce
- Same-Sex Divorce
- Military Divorce
By providing our clients with the best possible representation of their needs, we strive to make this process as simple and painless as possible.
Why Choose the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. to Represent You
If you are considering filing for divorce, or if your spouse has already filed for divorce from you, you are likely in need of support more than anything else. Support from your family, friends, and loved ones is essential now. What is also essential is having the legal support you need to get through the divorce process and retain what is most important to you.
During the divorce process, it is important that you feel like your voice is heard and that your wants and needs are considered. At the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq., we provide our clients going through a divorce with understanding and knowledgeable representation to ensure their needs are met. We have served Monmouth County residents for over a decade and earned a reputation for fair and honest representation. Not only has the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys recognized us as one of the 10 Best Firms in Client Satisfaction in 2015, but we also have many satisfied clients who can attest to our ability to help them in their time of need. The lawyers at Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. are here to help you.
How long does a divorce take?
Several factors affect the amount of time that your divorce may take. Divorce proceedings can last as long as it takes for the parties to settle and agree on the various aspects of the case. If both parties seem to approve of several elements of the post-divorce agreement and there are few disputes, you are more likely to reach a faster resolution than couples that cannot quickly agree on certain aspects of the case. Each spouse will experience different challenges in each case. Some divorce options will have quicker resolution times than others due to the nature of the divorce option. To determine which option is best for you and your situation, please get in touch with a divorce attorney today.
What are the separation requirements in New Jersey?
While many aspects are required to initiate and finalize a divorce, some states require a couple to be separated for a specific amount of time before they can file for divorce. However, a waiting period is typically not required if the couple has been married for more than six months in New Jersey. The reason for this is that because a waiting period is not needed, you must prove to the court that the irreconcilable differences have persisted for more than six months. If a party can show adultery occurred, a divorce may begin immediately. However, each case is different, and each case is highly circumstantial on the specifics of your case.
Do I have to go to court?
While there are options for divorce that aim to keep you and your family out of the courtroom and out of the court system, most cases still require you to go before a judge, another official acting as a judge, or a magistrate to prove residency requirements. Even in an uncontested case, you may be required to meet with a judge to ensure that your paperwork is in order which typically takes less than an hour. However, you must have a more formal hearing before a judge for a contested case.
What is a collaborative divorce?
A collaborative divorce is a good option for those who have agreed on many issues concerning the divorce but need help settling final matters. In a collaborative divorce, each party hires a lawyer and attends meetings to reach a marriage settlement agreement. Collaborative divorce is often quicker and cheaper than an option that may take your case to trial. This option also allows you to walk away with your integrity and dignity intact if you and the other party can come to an agreement that works for both sides.
Which option is best for my children?
The divorce of two parents will naturally affect children at any age emotionally. Therefore, making this process as simple and peaceful as possible is essential to protect your children. If you and your partner are on civil terms with one another, a collaborative divorce may be one of the best options if you want to keep your children out of the court system. Collaborative divorce allows both parties to develop a post-divorce child custody plan that works for both sides. You get to decide what is best for you and your family instead of the court deciding.
Divorce Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New Jersey had a divorce rate of 2.2 divorces for every 1,000 residents. This was slightly lower than the national average of 2.5 divorces for every 1,000 Americans.
The U.S. Census Bureau released a recent report on nationwide marriage and divorce rates among women 15 and older. According to the report:
- From 2011 to 2021, both marriage and divorce rates for U.S. women 15 and older decreased.
- In 2021, the U.S. marriage rate was 14.9 marriages per 1,000 women, down from 16.3 in 2011.
- The 2021 divorce rate was 6.9 divorces per 1,000 women, down from 9.7 in 2011.
- Puerto Rico had among the lowest marriage and divorce rates in 2021, with 4.7 marriages and 3.9 divorces per 1,000 women. These low rates likely partly resulted from an exodus of young adults following Hurricane Maria.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. understand how challenging divorce can be and how it can affect your life and family. We are here to help you settle your divorce as easily as possible.
Contact Us
Let us handle the legal details of your divorce so that you can focus on what’s truly important. Contact the Monmouth County divorce lawyers of the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. at (732) 898-2378 today to discuss the details of your situation with an experienced legal professional. Find our law firm on Google Maps and read what our clients have shared.