When people think about divorce, they typically assume one party is overtly to blame for the cause of the divorce. However, sometimes marriages simply do not work anymore. Marriages may reach a point where they are beyond repair, however, no one party is to blame. When a couple simply grows apart, they will pursue a no-fault divorce. In this case, couples would cite irreconcilable differences as their grounds for divorce. If you are seeking a no-fault divorce, contact one of our skilled and determined Middlesex County, New Jersey Divorce Lawyer who can help you cite irreconcilable differences.
Does New Jersey allow couples to cite irreconcilable differences as grounds for divorce?
In New Jersey, couples are legally allowed to pursue an at-fault or no-fault divorce. When a couple pursues a no-fault divorce, they must cite irreconcilable differences as the grounds for divorce. Essentially these grounds refer to when the marriage does not work anymore and there is no one party to blame for the dissolution of the marriage. Irreconcilable differences cannot be cited in an at-fault divorce. In an at-fault divorce, one party’s actions are to blame for the cause of the divorce such as adultery, substance abuse, imprisonment, and cruelty.
What are some examples of irreconcilable differences?
When a couple cites irreconcilable differences as grounds for divorce it could be a result of:
- Lack of communication
- Lack of trust
- Financial disagreements
- Incompatibility
- Lack of shared interests
- Long distance due to work
- Lack of sexual intimacy
- Lack of shared household responsibilities
- Different political views and opinions
- Personal habits and personality conflicts
There are several reasons a couple may cite irreconcilable differences as grounds for a divorce. However, couples can only cite irreconcilable differences if they previously agreed on all major issues pertaining to divorce such as child support, child custody, property division, and alimony. Couples who cite these grounds basically reduce the lengthy divorce process in half. Divorces on such grounds typically only take six months to finalize as all pertinent marital issues are mutually agreed upon. No-fault divorces effectively avoid litigation while saving couples a substantial amount of money in legal fees.
How do I file for a no-fault divorce?
In New Jersey, couples who want to cite irreconcilable differences as grounds for divorce must meet certain requirements before filing. Couples must meet the following criteria when pursuing this type of divorce:
- Both parties must reside in New Jersey for at least twelve consecutive months before pursuing a divorce.
- The grounds for divorce, in this case irreconcilable differences, must have occurred for at least six months before filing for divorce.
- The dissolution of marriage was caused by irreconcilable differences and there is no hope for reconciliation.
If a couple can meet the above criteria, they can file a no-fault divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences in New Jersey.
If you want to cite irreconcilable differences as grounds for divorce, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced and trusted team members. Our firm can help guide you through the intricate legal process.
