Grounds for Divorce

Divorce Attorney in New Jersey

Part of the divorce process will be the determining what the grounds for divorce are - that is, what are the reasons you are seeking a divorce. In most circumstances, saving adultery, both spouses must have been residents of New Jersey for at least a year in order to file for divorce in the state. In the case of adultery, at least one spouse must be a resident. There are eight grounds for divorce in this state, with the most commonly argued as extreme cruelty, no-fault separation and adultery. Beginning in December, 2010, no-fault divorce becomes the law of the land in New York state. For further information on this important data, contact a New Jersey divorce attorney as soon as possible.

In short detail, the eight grounds for divorce in New Jersey are:

• No-fault divorce: Spouses must have lived in separately and in different houses for at least 18 consecutive months and there exists no reasonable expectation of reconciliation. In December of 2010, new laws for New York State go into effect which allows for a no-fault divorce after 6 months.
• Fault divorce: When any sort of physical or mental cruelty exists and makes it impossible for one spouse to live with another.
• Adultery: When one spouse rejects the other by entering into a personal and intimate relationship with another, regardless of any specific sexual activity.
• Addiction: When there has been use of and dependence upon narcotics or alcohol for at least 12 consecutive months.
• Desertion: When one spouse - even when living under the same roof - willfully and continuously deserts the other spouse for at least 12 months and there is proof that sexual relations have been abandoned altogether for that time.
• Institutionalization: When a spouse has been placed into a mental institution for at least 12 months
• Imprisonment: When a spouse has been imprisoned for at least 18 months.
• Deviant sexual conduct: When such behavior is entered into without the consent of the other spouse.

New Jersey Divorce Lawyer

You can receive prompt and caring help from the team at the Law Offices of Steven P. Monaghan. Known for both excellent mediation and litigation, our firm can assist you with what is no doubt a difficult time in your life. Compassionate service coupled with strong legal advocacy can put both your case and your state of mind in a much better position.

Contact a New Jersey divorce attorney for the legal counsel you seek during a divorce proceeding.