Essex County New Jersey Divorce Lawyer James Patton
If a divorce is uncontested, and parties agree on major issues like property division and child custody, the process will go relatively smoothly. In most cases, however, disputes can become heated and an advocate is needed to seek a resolution that is in your best interests.
My name is James Patton, and I am a Livingston, New Jersey, divorce lawyer with over 30 years of legal practice experience. I regularly represent both men and women needing help with a divorce or separation agreement. While I encourage parties to work collaboratively whenever possible, I am more than willing than to take your case before a judge to achieve a fair result. I handle all aspects of your divorce, everything from child support to alimony to property division.
Notable case: I was able to recover assets that had been fraudulently transferred by a client's spouse.
The Eight Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey
New Jersey law provides eight grounds upon which a divorce may be granted. These are a mix of "no-fault" and "at-fault," and include:
- Separation — New Jersey's only no-fault ground for divorce: the parties must have been separated for 18 consecutive months prior to filing for divorce and must not have any reasonable chance for reconciliation
The seven remaining grounds for divorce all require fault on the part of one spouse. These are:
- Extreme cruelty
- Adultery
- Desertion
- Addiction
- Institutionalization
- Imprisonment
- Deviant sexual conduct
Things to Consider When Filing for Divorce
As an experienced divorce and matrimonial law attorney, I am skilled at handling all aspects of any proceeding. A divorce settlement agreement encompasses a wide range of issues. These include:
- Equitable distribution of marital assets; this does not necessarily mean that property will be split 50/50, it just needs to be fairly allocated
- Child custody/visitation/parenting time agreements
- Child support
- Alimony (commonly known as "spousal support")
Contact Me for Fair-Minded and Experienced Representation
I represent both men and women throughout Essex County and surrounding areas who have been served with a complaint seeking a divorce or who want to seek one for themselves. I offer free initial consultations to prospective clients and accept evening and weekend appointments as needed. Call me at call 973-577-7180 or send me an e-mail to schedule an appointment.