Union City Divorce Lawyer | SRIS, P.C.
Union City Divorce Lawyer — What Are Your Rights in a New Jersey Divorce?
A Union City divorce lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters in Union County Superior Court. New Jersey is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences for six months. Our firm has extensive experience with the mandatory Early Settlement Panel process unique to New Jersey courts.
New Jersey Divorce Law and Equitable Distribution
Divorce in New Jersey is governed by statutes including N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 for grounds and N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1 for equitable distribution. This legal framework requires the fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital property acquired during the marriage. The court considers multiple factors, such as the duration of the marriage, each party’s economic circumstances, and contributions to the marital estate.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of New Jersey’s family law system, including the significant 2014 alimony reforms.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New Jersey’s divorce statutes, refer to the New Jersey Legislature website. For court forms and local procedures, visit the Union Vicinage of the New Jersey Courts.
Handling a Divorce Case in Union County
The Union County Superior Court Family Division handles all divorce matters. A key procedural step is the mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP), where attorneys present positions to retired judges who recommend settlement terms. This unique New Jersey process resolves many cases before trial.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the Superior Court and pay the $325 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse and file proof of service with the court.
- Both parties must complete and exchange mandatory Case Information Statements (CIS) detailing finances.
- Attend a Case Management Conference to establish a discovery schedule.
- Participate in the mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP).
- If unresolved, proceed to an Intensive Settlement Conference and potentially trial.
Potential Outcomes in a Union County Divorce
In Union City, divorce involves the equitable distribution of assets and determinations on alimony, child support, and custody based on statutory guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property, debts, and retirement accounts. |
| Alimony | Reformed 2014 Statutes | Durational alimony may be limited to the length of the marriage for unions under 20 years. |
| Child Support | NJ Income Shares Model | Calculation based on both parents’ incomes and the child’s needs. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Parenting plan based on 14 statutory factors promoting the child’s welfare. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in New Jersey Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we are prepared to handle complex family law matters.
Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney
Bar Admissions: Virginia; multi-state practice across VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY
A former prosecutor and firm founder, Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute and maintains a focused caseload on complex family law matters. His background in accounting provides an advantage in cases involving business valuation and asset division.
Case Results and Client Focus
Our firm actively practices in New Jersey. We have a documented record of case results in family law matters. These results include favorable settlements and outcomes for our clients in divorce, custody, and support cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Union City Divorce Law Firm Serving Local Communities
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 758-0001
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Union County courts. We represent individuals in Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield. For a Union City divorce attorney near you, contact us for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in New Jersey?
New Jersey has both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common is no-fault, based on irreconcilable differences that have caused the breakdown of the marriage for at least six months.
How is property divided in a NJ divorce?
New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. This means marital property—assets and debts acquired during the marriage—is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s economic circumstances, and contributions to the marital estate.
What is the Early Settlement Panel (ESP)?
The ESP is a mandatory step in New Jersey divorce cases. Each side’s attorney presents their position to a panel of experienced attorneys or retired judges. The panel then recommends settlement terms. Many cases are resolved through this unique process without going to trial.
How is child custody determined?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child. New Jersey law provides 14 factors for the court to consider, including the parents’ ability to agree, the child’s needs, the stability of each home, and the child’s relationships with parents and siblings.
How long does a divorce take in Union County?
It depends. An uncontested divorce can finalize in 3-4 months. A contested divorce, especially one with complex assets or custody disputes, can take 8 to 18 months or longer, depending on court schedules and the level of conflict.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our New Jersey Family Law overview. We also assist with related matters like criminal defense in Union County. If you are in a neighboring area, our Bergen County divorce lawyers can help.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.