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Important Things You Should Do Before Filing for Divorce in New Jersey

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Jun 13, 2019 | 0 Comments

The process of finalizing a divorce is overwhelming, and there's a lot at stake for both parties. If you're contemplating ending your marriage, there are certain precautions you can take in the meantime that will make the process more peaceful and equitable. These steps can also maximize your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Interview Attorneys

Retaining the right attorney is half the battle. Before you decide to file for divorce, you want to interview several attorneys to choose one who understands your goals, has a track record of achievement, and fits your style. Each attorney has their own respective level of experience and price point. If you predict that your divorce is going to be contentious, prioritize finding an attorney who is qualified for your particular case.

Identify Your Goals for Custody

Child custody cases are almost always the most emotionally charged aspect of a divorce. In ordinary cases - that don't involve abuse, domestic violence, substance issues, etc. - it's likely that you and your spouse will end up sharing joint custody of the children. In order to stay ahead of the game, try to assess your work schedule, your children's schedule, your spouse's schedule, and other relevant obligations to craft an ideal custody plan. If you can come up with a reasonable arrangement that gives you and your spouse appropriate time with your child(ren), you'll be ahead of the game.

Gather Financial Documents

Divorce proceedings and outcomes rely heavily on documentation. This is why it's important that you keep a record of financial documents, like bank account information, mortgage information, car notes, phone records, and other relevant information. Gathering most, if not all, of this information prior to filing for divorce will save yourself a headache in the future. The reality is, many spouses do not react well to being served with divorce papers, and some may choose to restrict access to financial documents and other important information out of spite.

Draft a Balance Sheet

A marital balance sheet with your property, cars, retirement accounts, bank accounts, mortgages, credit cards, and other debts will give you a picture of what you and your spouse will split. Having a clear idea of the debts and assets you share with your spouse will help you come up with reasonable and attainable financial goals. Also, knowing your total amount of assets can help you budget the fees of retaining a good attorney and navigating divorce litigation.

New Jersey Family Law Attorney

Divorce cases are unpredictable. But you can gain some control of your circumstances by taking steps to make the appropriate preparations and hiring the right family law attorney. Joseph D. Lento of the Lento Law Firm is here to help you get through your divorce with minimal issues. For more information or for a consultation, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento is a veteran of one of the nation's busiest family courts with nearly 20 years' experience passionately helping families. By day, he worked in the trenches of family court, and at night, he studied the law. He helped countless families while working at family court, and he went on to become an attorney, dedicating his law practice to continuing the work he started years earlier. Mr. Lento's experience both behind the scenes and on the front lines allows him to understand a client's family law matter from all angles, and allows him to find and employ the most effective strategies to get favorable outcomes for any client. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in New Jersey and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings! He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and protects their interests.

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Contact a Family Law Attorney Today!

Attorney Joseph D. Lento has more than a decade of experience practicing Family Law in New Jersey. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you and your family, contact our offices today. Family Law Attorney Joseph Lento will go above and beyond the needs for any client and fight for what is fair.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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