At Fuhrman & Edelman, our licensed attorneys serving Mount Laurel have guided thousands of individuals through family law matters, enabling them to move forward confidently with the rest of their lives.
We are proud that several clients return to us for guidance when they face life’s new challenges. We understand how overwhelming annulment or any family change can be for you and your loved ones.
Our family law attorneys serving Mount Laurel, NJ, are dedicated to helping you navigate this process with as little anxiety and disruption as possible, always prioritizing your unique priorities.
Our approach to family law is focused on providing clients with:
- Straightforward and honest advice
- Personalized, one-on-one attention
- Individualized solutions based on your family's unique needs
- Detailed information about all of their options
When dealing with divorce or separation in Mount Laurel, it helps to have a legal team deeply familiar with the local family courts and New Jersey divorce statutes. Our attorneys bring over 80 years of combined legal experience, along with a thorough understanding of the Burlington County Family Courthouse’s procedures. We know what Mount Laurel judges expect, how to prepare required documentation under New Jersey law, and how to guide clients through choices that support both their emotional and financial well-being. We combine comprehensive legal knowledge with direct local insight to help Mount Laurel families face the realities of divorce with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
New Jersey Divorce Requirements
In New Jersey, you must be separated for at least 18 months before filing for divorce. Additionally, you and your spouse must have lived apart for a minimum of 18 months. If you reside under the same roof, there must be no marital relations and you must maintain complete separation within the household.
There are several exceptions to the 18-month separation rule. If you or your spouse has been convicted of a felony, or your spouse has abandoned you, you may be eligible to file immediately.
We strongly recommend consulting a divorce attorney in Mount Laurel to fully understand these requirements and how they apply to your situation. Our legal team will help you determine if any exception may expedite your divorce process.
Understanding the legal prerequisites for divorce in New Jersey is essential for those contemplating this life change. In addition to separation and residency, Mount Laurel residents are required to file all divorce documents at the Burlington County courthouse. The process also involves establishing grounds for divorce, submitting comprehensive financial disclosures, and meeting all court deadlines. Our Mount Laurel divorce lawyers keep up with ongoing changes in New Jersey law, prepare all legal paperwork with precision, and ensure there are no avoidable delays. With our guidance, clients know what to expect and can approach the divorce process well-prepared and confident.
Does It Matter Who Files First for Divorce in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, it does not impact the legal outcome who files for divorce first. The filing party is considered the plaintiff, and the other spouse is the defendant.
In some cases, obtaining necessary paperwork or setting hearing timelines may be easier for the spouse who initiates the process, especially if the other party is uncooperative. Filing first can sometimes provide logistical advantages, such as allowing the plaintiff to choose the venue within New Jersey—this is particularly relevant when parties live in different counties, as it may mean handling the divorce at the Burlington County Family Court for Mount Laurel residents.
If your spouse is unresponsive or attempts to delay proceedings, the court can step in and issue orders requiring cooperation. Our divorce lawyers in Mount Laurel help you evaluate practical and strategic considerations, so you are prepared for each phase and avoid unnecessary obstacles during your divorce.
Your Advocates During Difficult Times
Divorce is a stressful event for everyone involved, impacting your emotional well-being and the lives of those closest to you.
Hiring a compassionate divorce lawyer in Mount Laurel can alleviate much of the tension associated with separation. While your lawyer will need information from you, our legal team manages virtually every legal detail—giving you more time and space to care for yourself and your family throughout the process.
To speak with our experienced Mount Laurel divorce lawyers, call us at (856) 288-2772 or contact us online today.
Being your advocates throughout this challenging period means much more than preparing paperwork or attending hearings—it is about offering stability, reassurance, and consistent support. At Fuhrman & Edelman, we are known for being approachable and responsive, ensuring clients in Mount Laurel always feel heard and supported. We frequently connect clients to community resources, counseling, and support groups, helping alleviate the emotional burdens of divorce. Our central Mount Laurel location ensures confidential, convenient access for all your legal and personal needs, reflecting our dedication to serving as your trusted advisers and legal representatives during every stage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing for Divorce in New Jersey
Pursuing a divorce in New Jersey involves a series of clearly defined steps, each of which presents its own legal considerations. Our Mount Laurel divorce lawyers will guide you through this complex process from start to finish.
- Meet the residency requirements: One spouse must be a resident of New Jersey for at least 12 months before a complaint can be filed.
- Determine grounds for divorce: State "irreconcilable differences" for no-fault divorce (where the marriage has been broken for at least six months) or select an appropriate fault-based ground.
- Obtain the necessary paperwork: Visit the Family Court clerk in Burlington County to gather the required complaint forms, "Confidential Litigation Information Sheet," and "Certificate of Insurance Coverage."
- Complete legal documentation: We recommend working with a divorce attorney in Mount Laurel to avoid errors and ensure all preferences are clearly set forth—saving you time, stress, and potential future revisions.
- File original paperwork and keep copies: The court retains the original documents and will stamp them. You must have copies for yourself and for serving your spouse.
- File at the proper courthouse: For Mount Laurel residents, this means the Burlington County courthouse, where your case will be assigned through the Dissolution Intake office.
- Pay the filing fee: If payment is a hardship, we can help you request a waiver from the court.
- Serve the divorce papers: The court clerk may assist with having official documents served to your spouse by a sheriff or court officer. Your spouse then has 35 days to respond.
Filing for divorce in Mount Laurel can feel daunting, but having a knowledgeable divorce lawyer by your side streamlines the process. Our familiarity with Burlington County’s court requirements enables us to prepare thorough financial disclosure forms, draft effective legal statements, and keep your proceedings on track. We focus on removing uncertainty so that you can concentrate on life’s important changes while we manage every legal detail.
Comprehensive Representation for All Family Law Matters in Mount Laurel
While it is always your decision how to proceed, your dedicated divorce lawyer in Mount Laurel ensures you understand all legal options, explaining which paths may best protect your family and interests.
Our family law attorneys can handle all divorce-related issues, including:
Our lawyers are available to travel to your county for representation when needed.
Since 1986, our skilled team has represented clients in Mount Laurel and the surrounding areas of Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties, providing experienced family law guidance for every stage of the divorce process.
At Fuhrman & Edelman, we recognize that divorce often involves related legal concerns—from business valuations to relocation disputes, retirement account division, or post-judgment modifications. Our team is prepared to anticipate and address these interconnected needs, consulting with local financial professionals and court-appointed experts in Mount Laurel and Burlington County as necessary. We represent clients in enforcement actions, modifications, and appeals, always striving to offer seamless advice and dependable support. By delivering a comprehensive range of family law services under one roof, we build lasting partnerships with our clients, providing peace of mind through every phase of your divorce and beyond.
No-Fault Divorce in New Jersey: What to Know
Since 2007, New Jersey has offered a "no-fault" divorce option. This means that if you and your spouse have lived separately for at least 18 months, or have experienced irreconcilable differences for six months or more, you can file for divorce without assigning blame.
If you wish to complete your divorce sooner, you must qualify based on a specific fault—such as adultery, abuse, or abandonment.
No-fault divorce offers Mount Laurel families a less confrontational and often quicker resolution to ending a marriage. This allows both spouses to prioritize solutions about their children, finances, and property with less animosity and greater cooperation. Our divorce lawyers in Mount Laurel can help you decide if a no-fault approach supports your ultimate goals. Due to our familiarity with the Burlington County legal system and Mount Laurel community resources, we often help streamline no-fault divorces, minimizing unnecessary court appearances and disputes whenever possible.
Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey: What You Need to Know
While New Jersey’s no-fault rules make it easier for many, some people must pursue divorce based on legally recognized grounds. Beyond separation or irreconcilable differences, other accepted grounds include:
New Jersey permits the following grounds for fault-based divorce:
- Extreme cruelty: Filing is permitted three months after the last incident.
- Adultery: You may file at any point if substantiated.
- Desertion: Permitted after 12 consecutive months of abandonment.
Divorce, whether filed as no-fault or fault-based, can become complicated by disputes about property, finances, or child custody. Your Mount Laurel divorce attorney will guide you through collecting evidence, preparing court statements, and advocating for your rights at every step. Our experience in Burlington County courtrooms ensures that your case is managed with the care and attention needed to achieve the best outcome for your individual circumstances.
Our family law attorneys are committed to supporting you so you can move forward with confidence, security, and a clear plan for your family’s future.
Ready to Start a New Chapter? Contact our Mount Laurel divorce attorneys online or call (856) 288-2772 for a free consultation
Divorce Costs & Fee Structure in Mount Laurel, NJ
Understanding the costs of divorce is an important concern for many families in Mount Laurel. Standard expenses in New Jersey include court filing fees, processing costs for required documentation, and attorney fees for professional legal representation. At FUHRMAN & EDELMAN, we value transparent, open conversations about fees from your very first consultation. Our divorce lawyers in Mount Laurel help explain the local Burlington County court costs and outline options for payment plans, as well as potential fee waivers or mediation strategies that can save you money.
If your case involves significant assets, contested child custody, or business interests, there may be additional legal and professional expenses. Because our legal team has handled a wide variety of complex divorce cases in Mount Laurel, we are able to provide accurate estimates for your unique circumstances. Throughout your matter, we prioritize clear, ongoing communication about all costs—reflecting our dedication to client trust and responsive service at every stage of the divorce process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to finalize a divorce in Mount Laurel, NJ?
The time required to finalize a divorce in Mount Laurel depends on the complexity of the case, agreement between spouses, and the current caseload at Burlington County Family Court. An uncontested divorce can be resolved in as little as three or four months. However, if the divorce is contested and requires multiple hearings or negotiation, the process can extend to a year or more. There are also statutory minimum separation periods required by New Jersey law before you can file. Our team consistently works to move your case forward efficiently, using our in-depth knowledge of Mount Laurel court processes to minimize unnecessary delays.
What if my spouse refuses to participate in the divorce process?
Even if your spouse is unwilling to cooperate, you can still move forward with your divorce in Mount Laurel. Once you serve legal notice, the New Jersey court will proceed if your spouse does not respond within the mandated timeframe. In such cases, a default judgment may be granted based on your evidence and filings. Our attorneys manage every procedural and documentation step to ensure due process and provide strong advocacy at the Burlington County Family Court if your spouse is absent or nonresponsive. We also explain additional options that allow you to keep the process moving if faced with resistance.
Can I modify divorce orders after the case is finalized?
Yes, divorce orders for child custody, child support, or alimony may be modified in Mount Laurel if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, changes in income, or significant changes in parenting schedules. Petitions for modifications are filed with the Burlington County Family Court. Our divorce lawyers in Mount Laurel guide you through gathering and presenting the required documentation to support your application. We are dedicated to helping clients secure legal arrangements that accurately reflect their current situations, ensuring continued protection of your and your family’s interests after divorce.
