Union County Divorce & Family Lawyer | SRIS Law
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Union County, New Jersey
Union County divorce is governed by New Jersey’s equitable distribution laws under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1, requiring a fair division of marital assets. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorces, child custody, and support matters in the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage. The firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results across multiple states. Filing fees start at $325.
In Union County, a no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences for six months is the primary ground, and the mandatory Early Settlement Panel often supports resolution.
New Jersey Family Law Statutes
New Jersey family law is codified in Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes. Key provisions include N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 for divorce grounds, N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1 for equitable distribution of property, and N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 for alimony, which was significantly reformed in September 2014. Child custody follows the “best interests of the child” standard under N.J.S.A. 9:2-4, and child support is calculated using the income shares model per N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.9a.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1 (official New Jersey Legislature) – The statute governing equitable distribution in divorce.
- Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage website – For court forms, rules, and contact information.
Union County Family Court Procedure
The Union County Superior Court Family Division at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth handles all family matters. New Jersey’s unique Early Settlement Panel (ESP) is a mandatory step where retired judges recommend settlement terms, resolving many cases.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files the Complaint for Divorce and pays the $325 filing fee at the courthouse.
- Serve Your Spouse: The paperwork is formally delivered, completing service of process.
- Attend Case Management Conference: The court sets a schedule for discovery, including the mandatory Case Information Statement (CIS).
- Complete Early Settlement Panel (ESP): Attorneys present to retired judges who suggest a settlement framework.
- Participate in Intensive Settlement Conference: If issues remain, a final pre-trial settlement conference is held.
- Proceed to Trial: If no agreement is reached, a judge hears the case and makes a final decision.
Potential Outcomes in a New Jersey Divorce
In Union County, divorce can result in the equitable division of assets and debts, determinations of alimony under the 2014 reform law, child support based on guidelines, and custody arrangements focused on the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1) | Fair, not necessarily equal, split of marital assets/debts | Business valuation or pension division may be required |
| Alimony | Reformed Statute (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23) | Durational alimony limited to length of marriage for under 20 years; open durational for 20+ years | Cohabitation can terminate or modify alimony |
| Child Support | Income Shares Model (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.9a) | Calculated based on both parents’ incomes and expenses | Mandatory until child is 19 or emancipated |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (N.J.S.A. 9:2-4) | Parenting time affects child support calculation | Court considers 14 statutory factors |
Results may vary. The outcomes above are general legal standards; each case is unique.
Firm Credentials in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters. Our approach is case-specific, built on a deep understanding of New Jersey statutes and local Union County court procedures.
Documented Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. This extensive experience informs our strategy for Union County family law cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Representation in Union County
Our New Jersey location serves clients at the Union County courts in Elizabeth. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Route 22. As a family law lawyer near Elizabeth and the surrounding communities, we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
We serve clients throughout Union County, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in New Jersey?
New Jersey is a no-fault divorce state. The primary ground is irreconcilable differences for at least six months. This means you do not need to prove fault like adultery or cruelty to file for divorce.
How does New Jersey handle the division of property in a divorce?
New Jersey is an equitable distribution state under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1. The court divides marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s economic circumstances, and contributions to the marriage.
What is the Early Settlement Panel (ESP) in Union County?
It is a mandatory step in contested divorce cases. Attorneys present each side’s position to a panel of retired judges who recommend settlement terms. This unique New Jersey procedure resolves many cases before trial.
How is child support calculated in New Jersey?
Child support follows the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines using an income shares model. The court considers both parents’ incomes, the number of children, parenting time, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses to determine the amount.
What is a Case Information Statement (CIS) and is it required?
Yes, a CIS is a mandatory, detailed financial disclosure form required in all New Jersey divorce cases. Both parties must file it, listing assets, debts, income, and expenses to provide the court with a complete financial picture.
Related Legal Resources
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.