Contested Divorce Lawyer Burlington County, NJ
Contested Divorce Lawyer Burlington County, NJ
You and your spouse have been trying to resolve the terms of your divorce, but despite months of discussion, you can’t agree on how to divide your property, what parenting-time schedule is best for your children, or what support arrangement is fair. When Burlington County spouses cannot settle their disputes outside of court, the divorce becomes contested, and the case moves to litigation before the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division – Family Part. An experienced contested divorce lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your interests. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in contested family law matters throughout Burlington County. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
How We Approach a Contested Divorce in Burlington County
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to resolve contested divorce cases as efficiently as possible while keeping your goals at the center of every decision. We begin by understanding what is most important to you—whether that is the family home, a specific parenting plan, or ensuring financial stability after the divorce. We then evaluate the marital estate, any custody disputes, and the relevant New Jersey statutes to develop a strategy aligned with your priorities.
In many cases, disputes can be narrowed through negotiation and formal settlement conferences. When that is not possible, Mr. Sris and Of Counsel prepare thoroughly for trial, building a record that supports your position on every contested issue. Throughout the process we maintain candid communication so you understand what is happening at each stage.
What to Expect During the Contested Divorce Process
A contested divorce in Burlington County begins when one spouse files a Complaint for Divorce with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division – Family Part, at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly. The filing fee is $325. The other spouse is served and has an opportunity to respond. Early in the case, both parties are required to file a Case Information Statement—a detailed financial disclosure that forms the foundation for resolving property, support, and alimony issues.
New Jersey has a unique mandatory procedure called the Early Settlement Panel. Before a trial can be scheduled, both sides present their positions to a panel of retired judges, who then recommend settlement terms. Many cases resolve at the ESP stage. If no agreement is reached, the court will schedule a Case Management Conference, an Intensive Settlement Conference, and—if necessary—a trial. Throughout this process, pendente lite motions can address temporary support, custody, and exclusive use of the marital home while the divorce is pending.
Consequences of a Contested Divorce
Choosing to litigate rather than settle a divorce has real financial and emotional costs. Contested custody disputes can extend the timeline and require a custody evaluation or appointment of a parenting coordinator. Property-distribution fights often involve business valuations, pension analysis, and sometimes expert testimony, all of which increase legal fees. Alimony determinations are heavily fact-specific, and New Jersey’s 2014 alimony reform limits durational alimony for marriages under twenty years, making it all the more important to present a complete financial picture to the court. While trial may be necessary in some cases, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team will explore every realistic settlement option before committing you to the expense and uncertainty of trial.
Meet Your Legal Team — Mr. Sris and Of Counsel
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 1997. He appears regularly in Burlington County family courts and handles the full range of contested divorce issues—from equitable distribution and alimony to child custody and support. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, which gives him a distinctive perspective when negotiating or litigating high-stakes family matters. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris works alongside a team of Of Counsel attorneys. Together they bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide. The firm maintains a New Jersey location at 44 Apple Street, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, and serves clients in all twenty-one New Jersey counties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Divorce in Burlington County
How long does a contested divorce take in Burlington County, New Jersey?
Contested divorces in Burlington County typically take between 8 and 18 months from the filing of the complaint to the entry of a final judgment, though the timeline varies based on the complexity of the disputes and the court’s calendar. The mandatory Early Settlement Panel usually occurs six to nine months after filing. Cases involving business valuation, pension division, or extensive discovery may extend beyond eighteen months. Reaching a settlement earlier can shorten the process significantly; Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to explore settlement at every stage.
How much does a contested divorce cost in Burlington County?
The filing fee for a divorce complaint in the Superior Court, Burlington County, is $325; attorney fees and litigation costs are additional and depend on the intensity of the disputes. Custody evaluations, business valuations, and expert witnesses add to the expense. Mr. Sris discusses fee structure at the initial consultation. Contested cases that settle early generally cost less than those that proceed through trial.
How is alimony determined in New Jersey?
New Jersey courts weigh multiple statutory factors to decide the type, amount, and duration of alimony, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. The 2014 alimony reform limits durational alimony to the length of the marriage for unions under twenty years. Cohabitation with a new partner may modify or terminate alimony. The Burlington County Family Court will consider the parties’ Case Information Statements and any expert reports when making an alimony determination.
How does child custody work in a Burlington County divorce?
New Jersey courts apply the “best interests of the child” standard, which evaluates fourteen statutory factors, when deciding legal and physical custody. There is no presumption favoring either parent. The court may appoint a parenting coordinator in high-conflict matters or order a custody evaluation. Burlington County child custody cases are heard at the Family Part of the Superior Court, located at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly. A parenting plan that both parents can support often becomes the basis for a custody order.
What is the Early Settlement Panel, and do I have to attend?
In Burlington County, as throughout New Jersey, both spouses and their attorneys are required to attend a mandatory Early Settlement Panel before a trial date can be set. At the ESP, each side presents a summary of its position to a panel of retired judges, who then recommend settlement terms. While the panel’s recommendation is not binding, it often helps parties reach an agreement and avoid trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team prepare thoroughly for the ESP to give your case the trusted opportunity to resolve at that stage.
Can I avoid trial in my contested divorce?
Yes, most contested divorces in Burlington County resolve without a trial—whether through direct negotiation, the Early Settlement Panel, or conferences with the court. Settlement can occur at any point before the judge issues a final ruling. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explore settlement possibilities while simultaneously building a strong litigation record, so you are protected whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.
Request a Consultation
To discuss your specific situation with an experienced contested divorce lawyer, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Consultations are available by appointment. You can also visit our New Jersey location at 44 Apple Street, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724. We serve Burlington County communities including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
New Jersey Primary Sources
New Jersey Courts ·
New Jersey Legislature ·
Burlington Vicinage
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
Results may vary.