Contested Divorce Lawyer Camden County, NJ
When a marriage cannot be resolved amicably, the divorce becomes contested — meaning the parties disagree on one or more key issues such as property division, alimony, custody, or child support. In Camden County, contested divorce proceedings are heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division – Family Part, at 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103. These cases can involve complex financial analysis, business valuations, disputes over parenting plans, and significant negotiation or litigation. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., leads the firm’s family law practice with a multi-state perspective. His Of Counsel team brings substantial experience to contested matters. For a confidential consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Contested Divorce Means in Camden County, New Jersey
New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. In a contested divorce, the Superior Court will divide marital assets and debts based on fairness rather than an automatic 50-50 split. The court considers statutory factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, contributions to the marital estate, and the standard of living during the marriage. Camden County’s Family Part also applies the 2014 alimony reform, which limits durational alimony for marriages under twenty years and permits open durational alimony for longer marriages. Cohabitation by the supported spouse can end or modify alimony obligations.
A unique feature of New Jersey’s contested divorce process is the mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP). Before a trial can be scheduled, both parties present their financial positions to a panel of experienced family law attorneys. The panel makes a recommendation that often resolves the case without further litigation. Camden County litigants should also expect a Case Management Conference early in the proceeding to establish discovery deadlines and address temporary issues such as pendente lite support or parenting time. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are well‑versed in these local procedures and work to protect clients’ interests at every stage.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contested Divorce Cases
Every contested divorce begins with a thorough assessment of the client’s goals and the factual and financial landscape. The team gathers and evaluates documentation—tax returns, bank statements, business records, pension valuations—to understand the full scope of marital property and the earning dynamics of the household. In Camden County, both spouses must exchange mandatory Case Information Statements (CIS), which detail income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Accurate CIS preparation is critical because the ESP and eventual trial rely heavily on these disclosures.
Once the discovery phase is complete, the firm engages in substantive negotiations, often through the ESP process, to seek a resolution that aligns with the client’s objectives. If settlement is not possible, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel litigate contested issues before the Camden County court. Their experience includes handling business valuations, division of stock options, complex custody disputes, and high‑net‑worth equitable distribution. Throughout the process, clients receive direct communication about case strategy and upcoming deadlines. All consultations are by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor gives him a distinctive understanding of how evidence is built and contested in court. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He leads the firm’s contested divorce work personally, ensuring each matter receives careful, strategic attention.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive experience in family law and civil litigation. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. They have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since the firm’s founding. The firm’s New Jersey location is at 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724. Consultations are by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a contested divorce different from an uncontested divorce in New Jersey?
A contested divorce arises when spouses disagree on any major issue, requiring court intervention to resolve the dispute. In New Jersey, an uncontested divorce is based on mutual consent or irreconcilable differences where both parties agree on all terms—property division, alimony, custody, and support—and can finalize with minimal court involvement. A contested divorce, however, often involves multiple court appearances, discovery, the Early Settlement Panel, and potentially a trial before a Family Part judge in Camden County. Because contested cases involve adversarial litigation, they generally take longer and involve greater expense than uncontested matters.
What factors does a Camden County court consider in dividing marital property?
New Jersey courts divide marital property equitably, considering sixteen statutory factors. The factors include the duration of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, contributions to the marital estate, debts and liabilities, tax consequences, and any history of waste or dissipation of assets. Equitable distribution does not mean equal; the court weighs all factors to achieve a fair result based on the unique facts of the case. In Camden County, the Family Part judge will consider evidence presented through CIS documents and experienced attorney valuations.
How is alimony determined in a contested New Jersey divorce?
Alimony in New Jersey is governed by the 2014 alimony reform, which established durational limits for marriages of less than twenty years and open durational alimony for longer marriages. The court evaluates several factors: the actual need and ability to pay, the length of the marriage, the age and physical and emotional health of each spouse, the standard of living, the earning capacities, and the equitable distribution of property. Cohabitation by the supported spouse can terminate or modify alimony. In a contested case, the Camden County court may hold a plenary hearing where both sides present evidence before a determination is made.
How does child custody work in Camden County contested cases?
New Jersey custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, using fourteen statutory factors. The court considers the parents’ ability to communicate and cooperate, the child’s relationship with each parent, the stability of the home environment, the child’s preferences if of suitable age, and any history of domestic violence or abuse. There is no presumption in favor of either mother or father. In Camden County contested custody disputes, the court may appoint a parenting coordinator or order a custody evaluation. The process can be adversarial, and having experienced legal representation is important to present your position effectively.
What is the role of an early settlement panel in Camden County?
New Jersey mandates an Early Settlement Panel (ESP) in contested divorce cases as a form of alternative dispute resolution before trial. Both parties and their attorneys present a summary of their financial positions to a panel of experienced family law practitioners. The panel then makes a non-binding recommendation on how the issues of alimony, equitable distribution, and related financial matters might be resolved. Many cases settle at or shortly after the ESP because it gives each side a neutral assessment of the likely trial outcome. In Camden County, the ESP is scheduled after discovery is substantially complete and before a trial date is set.
Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Camden County?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney, a contested divorce involves complex legal and financial issues that benefit from experienced counsel. In Camden County, contested cases require compliance with court rules, preparation of the CIS and other mandatory disclosures, participation in the ESP, and potential trial. An attorney can help you understand your rights, develop a strategy, and negotiate from a position of knowledge. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team offer consultations by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
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