3 Tips for a Cheap Divorce in NJ

For most couples looking for a cheap divorce in NJ, you don’t want to break the bank just to split up but you also don’t want to get ripped off.  And while the legal system isn’t exactly user-friendly the reality is for most couples doing it yourself, isn’t exactly an option. But the good news is there are a number of ways to save significant sums of money on your divorce and by following these 3 tips for a cheap divorce in NJ, you can save tens of thousands in unnecessary legal fees.

1. Recognize that the time for arguing is over – one thing that causes people to spend tons of money to get divorced is that they and their lawyers look at it like a battle where every point is something to be argued about and fought to the death.  The reality is the law is the law here in NJ and so whether you like it or not the outcome for 99.33% of couples who divorce in NJ is exactly the same or falls within some relatively similar range.  If you think being one of the lucky 2/3rds of 1% of people who actually litigate to try and get a different outcome is worth $200,000, please be my guest.  But if you’re looking for a cheap divorce in NJ, this isn’t the way.
2. Cooperate with your legal practitioner – it’s no secret what is needed to get divorced.  The discovery items, the process, the issues and the forms, it’s really all the same whether you make a $25,000 a year or $250,000 a year.  Sure there are more zeros on the end of the numbers in the rich couples settlement but at the end of the day it all boils down to the same things: tax returns, pay stubs, credit card statements, etc. By cooperating with preferably your NJ divorce mediator, you can and should provide the necessary documentation and make the necessary decisions to move the process forward.  If you’re looking for a cheap divorce in NJ, one of the best ways I know how to do this is to be prepared and present everything that is asked of you.
3. Use divorce mediation in New Jersey - it’s a fact: divorce mediation in New Jersey costs anywhere from $29,000 to $76,000 less on average than using attorneys or litigating.  If you’re looking for a cheap divorce in NJ that isn’t one of those fly by night Internet divorce providers for $399, then go the mediation route.  Divorce is an extremely complex process and marriage creates a significant number of legal entanglements that make getting a proper divorce an advanced task.  No book of forms or some guy in a strip mall is going to be able to help you properly settle your issues.

Have any items you’d like to share that can help divorcing couples pursue a cheap divorce in NJ?  Feel free to comment below or give us a call if you have questions about the divorce and mediation process.

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Joseph Dillon is a NJ divorce mediator and Managing Partner of Equitable Mediation Services – a New Jersey based firm that provides client with divorce mediation in New Jersey and divorce coaching services to clients throughout the United States.  Mr. Dillon may be reached at (908) 864-2177.

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Equitable Mediation to Open Three New Locations in Bergen County

Equitable Mediation Services announced today that it will now be serving divorce mediation clients in Bergen County, New Jersey in the towns of Paramus, Saddle Book and Hackensack, expanding the number of it’s New Jersey office locations to 12.

Managing Partner and Equitable Mediation founder Joseph Dillon said “I know I speak for everyone here at Equitable Mediation when I say that we’re pleased to be able to assist divorce mediation clients in an office location that’s convenient for them during their time of need and by expanding into Paramus, Saddle Book and Hackensack, we’re able to do just that for Bergen County couples.”

Until recently Equitable Mediation Services focused mostly on Central NJ and the lower part of Northern NJ with office locations in Bedminster, Bridgewater, East Brunswick, Iselin (Metropark), Morristown Princeton, Short Hills, Red Bank and Roseland.  With the expansion into Bergen County and the towns of Paramus, Saddle Book and Hackensack, clients in those areas will still be able to obtain the benefits of mediation in NJ but in a location that’s much closer to their home.  This is especially convenient for those individuals who may live in New Jersey but work in New York City which many Bergen County resident do.

“Our clients come to us from all over the state and up until recently, for those individuals who phoned us seeking mediation services in Paramus, Saddle Book or Hackensack, the best we could do was offer them a meeting in one of our other office locations which for some, wasn’t convenient.  Having these three new office locations is going to make it easier on our clients in Bergen County to get the services they need from a firm they can trust.  We’ve been mediating for a long time and divorce mediation is our full time profession.  Using an unknown firm without Accredited Professional Mediators just isn’t something clients should want to take a chance on.”

Because the laws of the State apply to all clients who are eligible to file for divorce in New Jersey,  Equitable Mediation Services is able to service clients no matter where they live.  Adding three new Bergen County office locations is in line with the Equitable Mediation philosophy of reducing the stress of an already uncomfortable situation by being where the clients need divorce mediation services the most. For information on the new Equitable Mediation Services office locations, please see the addresses below.

• Paramus Divorce Mediation: 140 East Ridgewood Avenue – Paramus, New Jersey
• Saddle Brook Divorce Mediation: (the Park 80 West building)- 250 Pehle Avenue, Suite 200 – Saddle Brook, New Jersey
• Hackensack Divorce Mediation (opening winter 2012) – 401 Hackensack Avenue – Suite 200 – Hackensack, New Jersey

If you have any questions about divorce mediation in NJ or our services, please call us at (908) 864-2177.

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