(973) 379-9292
(973) 379-9292
High-Quality Representation in Divorce
and Family Law Matters
A divorce settles who keeps the house, how spouses split their property, and when applicable, how they share time with their children. The Berkeley Heights divorce lawyers help spouses work through each of those decisions under New Jersey law. Although many cases settle through negotiation and mediation, others go before a Union County judge.
These decisions reach many households across the state, as New Jersey recorded 2.3 divorces per 1,000 residents in 2024, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every case begins with a close look at the family’s finances, parenting needs, and goals. The Berkeley Heights, NJ, divorce lawyers at Diamond & Diamond, P.A., focus on family law and guide clients from the first filings through the final judgments.
Every divorce involves paperwork, deadlines, and financial disclosures that shape the final result. The legal team at Diamond & Diamond, P.A., handles both negotiated settlements and litigation, including cases with business interests and executive pay. Some people call before filing, whereas others reach out after being served. Early advice at either stage can preserve financial records, protect joint accounts, and protect the rights of any children the spouses share.
New Jersey offers both no-fault and fault divorce. Most spouses file on irreconcilable differences that have lasted at least six months, although living apart for 18 months also qualifies. Fault grounds include adultery, extreme cruelty, and desertion for at least 12 months. When both sides agree on everything, the case is uncontested. Otherwise, a contested divorce that Berkeley Heights residents bring to court presents the disputed issues before a judge.
You can call our Short Hills, NJ office at (973) 379-9292 for your legal needs or send us an email at [email protected] to schedule a consultation today. Learn your options and how to proceed. Initial divorce consultations are free.
A high-net worth divorce that Berkeley Heights families face usually involves more than a house and two paychecks. These cases can include family businesses, investment portfolios, rental properties, deferred compensation, and pensions. Each asset needs an accurate value, so forensic accountants and business appraisers often play a role.
Many professionals at campuses such as the Connell Corporate Center earn bonuses and company stock along with a salary. Some of that stock comes with a waiting period, so an employee cannot cash it in until a future date. In a Berkeley Heights, NJ, divorce, stock earned through work during the marriage may still be marital property, even if the waiting period ends later. Bonuses also count as income for spousal support.
A divorce begins when one spouse files a complaint with the Superior Court’s Family Part, provided that at least one spouse has lived in New Jersey for a year. For Berkeley Heights residents, that filing goes to the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Once served, the other spouse has 35 days to respond. Although an attorney is optional, a Union County divorce lawyer can handle matters such as disclosures and negotiations, and represent a spouse at trial if needed.
Before a judge signs the final judgment, every divorce must settle money and parenting questions. Parents also attend a parenting education program, and custody disputes go to mediation. The main issues include:
Judges first decide what counts as marital property, which generally covers assets acquired from the wedding until the complaint is filed. For example, a 401(k) built from paychecks during the marriage is usually marital, whereas a grandparent’s inheritance kept in a separate account under one spouse’s name generally stays separate. Judges then weigh factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and homemaking contributions.
A divorce attorney whom Berkeley Heights residents hire gathers financial records, values assets, and develops a plan aligned with the client’s goals. Careful preparation often leads to fair settlements, although trial readiness becomes the backup when negotiations stall. The legal help typically covers:
An uncontested divorce can wrap up in a few months, whereas a contested divorce in Berkeley Heights often takes a year or more. New Jersey has no mandatory waiting period once the complaint is filed.
Yes, a spouse can file on irreconcilable differences even if the other spouse objects. If the other spouse never responds after proper service, the court can enter a default judgment.
No, many divorces end without alimony. A judge awards it only when one spouse needs support and the other can pay. These decisions are made on factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning ability, and the standard of living during the marriage.
When marriages end, life becomes challenging to say the least. The caring Berkeley Heights divorce lawyers at Diamond & Diamond, P.A., can explain your options, protect your rights, and help you pursue a successful outcome. Call us at 973-379-9292 or contact us online for a consultation. Initial divorce consultations are free. With an office located in Short Hills, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout the state.