Dissolution of Marriage Lawyer Union County, NJ
Dissolution of Marriage Lawyer Union County, NJ
In New Jersey, the legal proceeding that ends a marriage is called a dissolution of marriage. When you face the end of a marriage, understanding the process and your rights is essential. The Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division—Family Part handles all dissolution matters in Union County, with cases heard at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Whether you need an uncontested divorce or a contested case involving property division, spousal support, or child custody, the outcome can shape your financial future and your relationship with your children. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., represents clients in Union County dissolution cases. A former prosecutor, he brings extensive trial experience to the family law arena. The firm’s New Jersey location serves all 21 New Jersey counties, including Union County, Elizabeth, Plainfield, Westfield, and the surrounding communities. Reach us at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
What Dissolution of Marriage Means in Union County, New Jersey
Under New Jersey law, dissolution of marriage is the formal term for divorce. The state is an equitable distribution jurisdiction, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. The court considers factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s economic circumstances, and contributions to the acquisition of marital assets. New Jersey also provides for spousal support under the 2014 alimony reform, which ties durational alimony to the length of the marriage for unions of fewer than 20 years.
Union County dissolution proceedings begin with the filing of a Complaint for Dissolution in the Superior Court, Chancery Division—Family Part. The filing fee is $325 ($300 plus a $25 surcharge). After the complaint and mandatory Case Information Statement are filed, the court schedules a Case Management Conference to set a discovery schedule. A unique feature of New Jersey family practice is the mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP), where attorneys present each side’s position to a panel of retired judges who recommend settlement terms. Many cases resolve at the ESP without trial. The court sits at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, and hears all Union County family law matters.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Dissolution of Marriage Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each dissolution of marriage matter with a focus on the client’s long-term goals. The process begins with a confidential consultation to understand your circumstances, whether the matter is uncontested or involves complex issues such as business valuation, high-net-worth property division, or custody disputes. The firm then prepares and files the necessary pleadings in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division—Family Part for Union County. Throughout the case, the team communicates with you about the timeline and what to expect at each stage.
After filing, the court mandates participation in the Early Settlement Panel process. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare thoroughly for the ESP, presenting a clear, well-supported position to the panel of retired judges. If settlement is not reached at the ESP, the case progresses through intensive settlement conferences and, if necessary, trial. The firm has experience handling all phases of dissolution litigation, including motions for pendente lite relief, discovery disputes, and the presentation of expert testimony on valuation or custody matters. The goal is always to achieve a fair resolution while minimizing unnecessary conflict.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 following his service as a prosecutor. His work in the criminal courts provides a disciplined, evidence-based perspective that translates directly to family law disputes. Admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris personally leads the firm’s family law practice. He is supported by a team of experienced Of Counsel who bring additional depth in custody, support, and complex property division matters. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, backed by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
The firm represents clients across the full spectrum of dissolution of marriage issues, including contested and uncontested divorce, spousal support, child custody, and modifications. At the New Jersey location, Mr. Sris and his team are familiar with the local practices of the Union County Family Part and the expectations of the judges and ESP panel members. The firm’s multi-state presence also helps clients whose dissolution involves cross-border or multi-jurisdictional considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a dissolution of marriage different from a divorce in New Jersey?
A dissolution of marriage is the statutory term for divorce in New Jersey; there is no legal difference between the two. The New Jersey legislature uses “dissolution of marriage” in Title 2A to describe the process of ending a marital relationship. In practice, judges, attorneys, and the public often use the word “divorce” interchangeably. The grounds, procedural requirements, and effects on property, support, and custody are identical regardless of which term you use. If you are seeking to end your marriage in Union County, you will file a Complaint for Divorce/Dissolution in the Superior Court, Family Part.
How long does a dissolution of marriage take in Union County?
An uncontested dissolution in Union County typically resolves in 3–4 months from filing, while contested cases may take 8–18 months or longer. The timeline depends on the complexity of the issues, the court’s calendar, and whether the parties settle at the mandatory Early Settlement Panel, which is usually scheduled six to nine months after the complaint is filed. Cases involving business valuation, custody evaluations, or extensive discovery can extend the process. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we work to move each case forward efficiently while protecting your rights.
How much does a dissolution of marriage cost in Union County?
The Superior Court filing fee for a dissolution complaint is $325, but attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your case. An uncontested matter may be handled for a flat fee, while a contested case requiring discovery, motion practice, and trial involves higher costs. Additional expenses can include service of process, mediation, and experienced attorney fees for appraisers or custody evaluators. We discuss fee arrangements during the initial consultation so that you have a clear understanding of the anticipated costs for your specific situation. Results may vary.
How is property divided in a New Jersey dissolution of marriage?
New Jersey uses equitable distribution, not a 50‑50 split; the court divides marital property fairly based on statutory factors. Under New Jersey law, the judge considers the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, contributions to marital assets, and other factors. Separate property—assets owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance—generally remains with the owning spouse. Complex matters involving business interests, stock options, or professional practices require careful valuation and may be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, trial.
What is an Early Settlement Panel, and do I have to attend?
An Early Settlement Panel is a mandatory settlement conference where retired judges give non‑binding recommendations to help the parties reach an agreement. Every contested dissolution case in Union County is assigned an ESP date after the initial pleadings. Both parties and their attorneys appear before a panel, which reviews financial disclosures and the parties’ positions. While the ESP recommendations are not binding, they often guide the final resolution. Attendance is required unless the court grants an exemption. Our attorneys prepare thoroughly for the ESP to present your case effectively and work toward a favorable settlement.
Outbound primary‑source authority: New Jersey Statutes | Superior Court, Union Vicinage
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Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.