Union County Divorce Lawyers
Serving All of New Jersey
Contact Us Today
(908) 398-2300
Marriage is difficult. Some of these relationships do not work out, leading a couple to divorce. When divorce is a reality, it is important to understand the road ahead. Unfortunately, over 50% of marriages end in divorce. The divorce process is complicated and can easily become emotional and heated. When a couple cannot come to terms over important marital legal issues, it can lead to a lengthy and complicated ordeal, impacting everyone involved. While some can agree to an uncontested divorce or the use of mediation to come to an amicable conclusion, this is not always the case. All divorces must address issues relevant to their situation. Most divorces are centered around disputed issues, including alimony, division of assets, child custody, and child support. It is important to understand the divorce process to ease your stress and prepare for the future. When you need a team of Union County divorce lawyers with the experience and dedication to see you through tough times, contact Ross & Calandrillo for a consultation.
At Ross & Calandrillo, we recognize that divorce is not just a legal process—it’s a deeply personal and emotional journey. Our Union County divorce lawyers are committed to guiding clients with both skill and compassion, helping them navigate each step with clarity and dignity. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and develop strategies that protect your rights while also safeguarding your emotional well-being and your family’s future. Whether your case involves complex financial matters, custody disputes, or the desire to reach an amicable agreement, our team is here to provide steady, knowledgeable support so you can move forward with confidence.
For a court to have jurisdiction over a divorce case, the couple must satisfy the residency requirement of New Jersey. In our state, one or both spouses must be a legitimate resident of the state or have lived in New Jersey for at least one year.
New Jersey is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning that a person cannot be denied a divorce based on the contest of fault grounds. No-fault grounds include:
New Jersey is not a pure “no-fault” divorce state. One can provide fault grounds to start the divorce process, including:
Though a person can go that route and cite fault grounds, it is becoming less popular because these grounds can be answered, leading to legal problems before the process even begins. Furthermore, fault grounds generally have little impact on the divorce itself, so many believe it is best to use “no-fault” grounds to start the divorce.
Once the residency requirement and grounds are addressed, the Complaint for Divorce is the document needed to start the process. Once filed, the defendant must be served within 4 months. If fault grounds are provided, the defendant may answer the Complaint. If no fault grounds are used and the party is served within the 4 months, the process can begin.
At the beginning of the process, the parties will discuss the applicable factors of the case in the Case Management Conference. The Case Management Conference introduces the judge to the case. During the conference, the parties will discuss contested issues, pre-trial discovery, a trial date, and the possibility of implementing alternative dispute resolution methods. The court will work to expedite the process. Remember, it costs the state a lot of money to hear cases. If litigation can be avoided, alternative dispute resolution benefits everyone. The judge will use their discretion in their recommendation. If applicable, the couple and their attorneys could be sent to the Early Settlement Panel.
The Early Settlement Panel works to expedite the divorce process, saving the couple and the state time and money. If appropriate, this method is comprised of a panel of attorneys who volunteer their time and receive no pay, with a unified goal of avoiding the emotional and financial impact of litigation. The panel will develop a well-reasoned, fair, and just recommendation. It is up to the parties to reject or accept. It is important to note that the ESP program only addresses matters regarding finances and property. Child-related issues are not discussed. If you reject the recommendation or if the program will not work with your situation, litigation may be the next step.
The trial is where both parties support their position on all contested marital issues. Each party will be able to provide opening statements, share evidence, call witnesses, cross-examine witnesses, call rebuttal witnesses, and provide closing statements.
Whether a couple litigates or resolves the matter through alternative dispute resolution, the divorce is finalized through a Final Judgment of Divorce. This document will include orders regarding relevant topics, including, but not limited to, spousal support, child custody and visitation, child support, and division of assets. When this document is issued and orders are handed down, the couple is divorced.
Disagreements in family matters—whether during divorce, separation, or co-parenting—can feel overwhelming. The courtroom often intensifies conflict, adding stress, time, and expense to an already difficult situation. Mediation offers a different way forward.
Through mediation, both parties work together—guided by a neutral professional—to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs. This process often preserves relationships, reduces costs, and allows families to move forward with greater understanding and respect.
At Ross & Calandrillo, we believe in resolving disputes in a way that protects your future and supports the well-being of everyone involved. Our experienced mediators help couples and families address divorce, parenting arrangements, and other family law concerns outside of court, creating agreements that truly work for both sides.
If you and your spouse or former spouse are ready to explore a more cooperative, less adversarial approach, we are here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and respect.
When Union County family law matters end up in court, they will go through the Union County Family Court in Elizabeth, New Jersey. If you find yourself in a situation that requires you to go to family court, you will need an experienced family law attorney to represent you. Contact Ross & Calandrillo to assess your case, explore your options, and zealously represent your needs.
Ross & Calandrillo is an experienced Union County divorce law firm located in Mountainside, New Jersey. We understand the impact divorce can have on everyone involved. We will explore every alternative to litigation before effectively representing your needs in the courtroom. If you need a passionate and skillful legal team to guide you through tough times, contact Ross & Calandrillo.
