General Family Law Topics in New Jersey

Family law in New Jersey covers a broad range of matters that affect families, from the end of a marriage to the ongoing care and support of children. This overview introduces the most common topics and points you to more detailed information on each.

Divorce

Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage. In New Jersey, a divorce resolves not only the marriage itself but also related issues such as alimony, child support, child custody, property division and marital debt. Understanding the steps involved — from filing the complaint to the final hearing — can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for what lies ahead.

Alimony

Alimony, also called spousal support, is a payment from one spouse to the other to help address financial disparities after a divorce. New Jersey recognizes several types of alimony, including permanent, rehabilitative, limited-duration and reimbursement alimony, based on factors such as need, the length of the marriage and the ability to pay. Learn more on our alimony page.

Child Support

Child support is a regular payment made by one parent to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child. In New Jersey, child support is generally calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' income, parenting time and the child's needs. Learn more on our child support page.

Child Custody

Child custody involves both legal custody — the right to make important decisions about a child's life — and parenting time, which determines where the child lives and how time is shared. New Jersey courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Learn more on our child custody page.

Property Division

New Jersey uses the principle of equitable distribution to divide marital property, which includes assets such as the family home, retirement funds, businesses and investments. Equitable distribution does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split; it means a division that is fair given the circumstances of the marriage. Learn more on our property division page.

Marital Debt

Just as marital property is divided, so too is marital debt. Debts incurred during the marriage — such as mortgages, credit card balances and loans — are generally allocated fairly between the spouses. Understanding how debt is treated can help you plan for your financial future. Learn more on our marital debt page.

Get the Guidance You Need

Every family is unique, and the law can be complex. If you have questions about any of these topics or your own situation, please contact our office to speak with Karen Meislik, a certified matrimonial attorney serving families throughout New Jersey.