Facing a divorce or child custody issue can be emotionally stressful, and you may not know what to expect. Here are some of the most common questions the attorneys at Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas, LLP are asked about the legal process associated with divorce and family law matters.
HOW LONG DOES THE DIVORCE PROCESS TAKE?
The amount of time a divorce can take will vary, depending on the complexity of the issues — and whether spouses are able to settle out of court. While an uncontested matter can be concluded in just a few months, a highly contested case can continue for several years or more. If spouses can work to resolve their disputes out of court in mediation or by using the collaborative process, a case can usually be settled much faster.
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR MY CASE?
If you’re going through a divorce or facing a family law issue, the only way to ensure your rights are protected is by working with experienced attorneys. They know how to navigate the legal system, file paperwork with the courts correctly, and can offer critical knowledge to help you secure the best outcome in your case. By not having an attorney to guide you, costly mistakes can be made, and you may spend more time and money on your case in the long run.
HOW MUCH WILL MY CASE COST?
Just as it is difficult to determine how long a case will take from the outset, the amount it will cost largely depends upon how contentious the parties are. Typically, the more conflict there is, the higher the legal bills will be. Whether your case is litigated or negotiated outside of court can influence the cost of divorce. Cases that are negotiated or utilize an alternative dispute resolution method are generally resolved more quickly and less expensively.
IS LITIGATION MY ONLY OPTION?
It’s important to understand that not every divorce needs to be litigated. In fact, many divorces never see the inside of a courtroom. Using a process such as mediation or collaborative divorce can help reduce cost and conflict, keep your divorce private, and allow you to remain in control of the outcome — rather than a judge.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE FULL CUSTODY?
“Full custody” is a term many people use when it comes to their family law cases and it is often misunderstood. Child custody is comprised of two parts — physical custody and legal custody. Both types of custody can belong only to one parent or be shared between them. Physical custody, also known as residential custody, refers to where the children will live. The parent with whom the children primarily live is called the “parent of primary residence,” and the other is referred to as the “parent of alternative residence.” Legal custody refers to who has the authority to make important decisions for the children.
Contact an Experienced New Jersey Family Law Attorney
If you are facing a family law issue, it’s important to have an attorney on your side who you can trust. The New Jersey-based family law attorneys at Hoagland Longo have the knowledge and experience to obtain positive results in your case. Call 732-545-4717 to schedule a free consultation.