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Divorce

Divorce Representation in Morristown, New Jersey

In a Divorce, You Need an Advocate

If you are facing a divorce, you need an advocate who cares enough to learn about your needs and can help you understand the process.

At Pallarino & Bogan, L.L.P., one of our experienced lawyers will sit down with you, determine what is important to you and your family, and then explain the options available to you.

The Divorce Process

The process begins with filing a complaint

  • File in the county of residence where the cause of action arose.
  • Causes of action include irreconcilable differences, 18 months of separation, extreme cruelty, adultery, 12 months of desertion, habitual drunkenness, and deviant sexual conduct.

After filing, the parties exchange financial information and engage in discovery

  • The parties file case information statements and exchange financial documents
  • The parties hire experts to value businesses, pensions and other assets

After discovery is completed, the parties attempt to resolve issues regarding:

These issues can be resolved through negotiation between the attorneys, as well as by participation in mediation. Mediation is a simple alternative dispute resolution process that avoids litigation and trial.

Divorce Trial
When the parties cannot resolve their differences through settlement, the case goes to trial. Both parties will testify and present other witnesses to support his or her position concerning custody, parenting time, alimony, child support, and equitable distribution of assets and debt. The judge will then decide the issues in dispute and memorialize the decision in a court order.

Divorce cases may involve the following steps:

  • Case Management Conference: A simple meeting or telephone conference with the court and other party’s attorney to schedule deadlines that certain tasks must be accomplished.
  • Filing Case Information Statement: Most important document in a divorce case which shows income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
  • Discovery: A period of time for the lawyers to gather information, prepare witnesses, and develop their cases
  • Early Settlement Panel: A small panel of neutral lawyers who examine both parties’ settlement proposals and make recommendations
  • Economic Mediation: If the case isn’t concluded in the early settlement panel, the next step is for both parties to meet with a court-appointed mediator who facilitates settlement
  • Intensive Settlement Conference: In some counties, the parties and their attorneys attend a full day settlement conference at the Courthouse to try to settle their case
  • Trial: If there are still issues in dispute, the court will hear testimony from both sides and render decisions about distribution of assets and liabilities, child custody, parenting time and support and other related issues
Contact Us ∙ 973-539-1140

We stay intimately involved in your divorce case. Contact our Morristown, New Jersey office today.