Grounds for Divorce
Work With A Top-Rated Monmouth County Divorce Lawyer
New Jersey law requires that you outline in your complaint for divorce the reason(s)why you are seeking the divorce. The reason you provide is referred to as the ground(s) for divorce. It is important that you choose a lawyer who will help you determine the best option based on your goals and the specific details of your case.
No-Fault Divorce
There is no requirement that either party take the blame for the divorce. You can file under what is often referred to as a “no fault” divorce. No-fault divorce grounds are typically based on irreconcilable differences. An 18-month separation with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation can also be considered as a no-fault ground for divorce.
Fault-Based Divorce Grounds
In some cases, one spouse is at fault for the divorce and the divorce should be filed on fault-based divorce grounds, which include:
- Adultery
- Extreme Cruelty
- Desertion
- Addiction
- Incarceration or institutionalization
- Deviant sexual conduct
There may also be additional causes of action that you should bring as part of the divorce, such as civil claims for physical or emotional injury as a result of abuse, certain invasion of privacy claims, or other tort based civil claims or equitable remedies.