Trusted Divorce Attorney Helping Families Across New Jersey & Philadelphia
Divorce is a major legal and personal decision. Whether you're considering divorce, have been served with papers, or need help with custody, property division, alimony, or support, experienced legal guidance can help you understand your rights and make informed decisions.
At the Law Offices of David T. Garnes, LLC, David T. Garnes provides personalized divorce representation throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia. He takes the time to understand your circumstances and goals before developing a practical legal strategy. Whether your case involves Irreconcilable Differences, complex finances, parenting disputes, or significant marital assets, David works toward resolution through negotiation or mediation when possible and is prepared to litigate when necessary.
Divorce Is Never Easy
Divorce involves much more than legal paperwork. Decisions about your children, home, finances, retirement, property, and support can affect your life long after the case ends.
You may be unsure whether to move out, how property will be divided, what happens to retirement accounts, or how custody and parenting time will be determined. Every divorce is different, which is why your legal strategy should reflect your family's circumstances rather than follow a standard formula.
In New Jersey, many divorces are based on irreconcilable differences. Issues such as equitable distribution, child custody, parenting time, child support, and alimony may be resolved through agreement or, when necessary, by the Family Part of the New Jersey Superior Court.
Getting legal advice early can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Clients Choose David Garnes
For years, David T. Garnes has represented individuals and families throughout New Jersey in divorce and family law matters, including cases involving custody, alimony, equitable distribution, businesses, and significant assets.
David believes every family deserves a personalized legal strategy. He provides straightforward advice, honest communication, and practical guidance based on your circumstances and priorities.
Whenever possible, he works toward negotiated or mediated solutions that can reduce conflict and give clients greater control over the outcome. When settlement is not possible, he is prepared to provide strong courtroom advocacy.
Divorce Services We Handle
We assist clients with a wide range of divorce and related family law matters, including:
Contested & Uncontested Divorce – Representation whether spouses agree on major issues or require court intervention.
Child Custody & Parenting Time – Parenting plans and custody disputes focused on the child's best interests.
Child Support – Establishment, modification, and enforcement of support orders.
Alimony / Spousal Support – Guidance regarding eligibility, obligations, and appropriate support arrangements.
Property Division – Evaluation and division of homes, retirement accounts, investments, businesses, vehicles, and debts under New Jersey's equitable distribution laws.
High-Asset & Complex Divorce – Strategic representation involving businesses, professional practices, investments, executive compensation, and substantial assets.
Mediation & Settlement Negotiations – Pursuing practical agreements when appropriate.
Post-Divorce Modifications & Enforcement – Assistance when circumstances change or existing orders are not followed.
Understanding Divorce in New Jersey
New Jersey provides a structured process for resolving divorce and related family matters. Equitable distribution does not automatically mean a 50/50 division of marital property; assets and debts are divided fairly based on relevant circumstances.
When children are involved, custody, parenting time, and support decisions focus on their best interests and the family's circumstances. Many cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation, while unresolved disputes may require court involvement.
Local procedures may also vary across Camden County, Burlington County, and surrounding South Jersey jurisdictions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce
Avoiding common mistakes can help protect your rights and position:
Waiting too long to seek legal advice
Making important decisions based on emotion
Oversharing on social media
Hiding or transferring assets
Signing agreements without understanding their consequences
Putting children in the middle of disputes
Failing to organize financial records
Tax returns, bank statements, retirement records, mortgage documents, business information, insurance records, and other financial documents may be important when preparing your case.
Our Divorce Process
Consultation
Discuss your circumstances, concerns, and goals with David Garnes.
Case Strategy
Review the legal, financial, and parenting issues affecting your divorce and develop a personalized approach.
Filing & Financial Disclosure
Prepare or respond to divorce documents and address the financial information needed to evaluate your case.
Negotiation or Litigation
Work toward settlement through negotiation or mediation when appropriate, or proceed with litigation when necessary.
Final Resolution
Resolve the remaining issues and enter the Final Judgment of Divorce, with assistance available for qualifying post-divorce matters.
Serving New Jersey & Philadelphia
The Law Offices of David T. Garnes, LLC represents clients throughout New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area, including Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Atlantic County, Cumberland County, Salem County, Philadelphia, and surrounding South Jersey communities.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your consultation provides a confidential opportunity to discuss your family and financial circumstances, understand how New Jersey divorce law may apply, ask questions about custody, support, alimony, or property division, and learn about potential next steps. David Garnes will help you understand your options and begin developing a strategy based on your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce
Q: Should I speak with a divorce attorney before telling my spouse I want a divorce?
Yes. Speaking with an attorney first allows you to understand your legal rights, evaluate your options, and avoid decisions that could negatively affect your case.
Q: How long does a divorce take in New Jersey?
Every case is different. The timeline depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, the complexity of the issues involved, and the court's schedule.
Q: What is the most common ground for divorce in New Jersey?
Most divorces are filed based on irreconcilable differences, which allows spouses to end their marriage without proving fault.
Q: Can I move out before filing for divorce?
Possibly. However, moving out may affect practical issues involving finances, parenting arrangements, or the marital home. Speak with an attorney before making this decision.
Q: How is property divided during divorce?
New Jersey follows the principle of Equitable Distribution, meaning marital assets and debts are divided fairly based on numerous legal factors rather than automatically being split equally.
Q: What happens to retirement accounts during divorce?
Retirement accounts may be subject to division depending on when contributions were made. Some accounts require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) before they can be divided.
Q: How is child custody determined?
Courts focus on the child's best interests while considering numerous factors related to each family's unique circumstances.
Q: How is child support calculated?
Child support is generally calculated using New Jersey Child Support Guidelines while considering each parent's income, parenting time, and the child's needs.
Q: Will I have to pay or receive alimony?
Possibly. Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's income, earning capacity, financial circumstances, and future needs.
Q: What documents should I gather before filing?
Gather tax returns, bank statements, retirement account information, investment records, mortgage documents, insurance policies, pay stubs, and records of assets and debts.
Q: Will my divorce go to court?
Not always. Many divorce cases are successfully resolved through negotiation or mediation. Court hearings are typically necessary only when important issues cannot be resolved through agreement.
Q: What if my spouse refuses to cooperate?
Your spouse cannot prevent a divorce simply by refusing to participate. New Jersey law provides legal procedures for moving contested cases forward.
Q: Can custody or support orders be modified after divorce?
Yes. If there has been a substantial change in circumstances, the court may modify custody, parenting time, child support, or alimony orders.
Q: Do I need an attorney if my divorce is uncontested?
Even in an uncontested divorce, having an attorney review your agreement helps ensure your rights are protected and that all legal documents are properly prepared.
Q: What if my spouse owns a business?
Business ownership can significantly affect property division and valuation. An experienced divorce attorney can help protect your financial interests throughout the process.
Q: How do I get started?
The first step is scheduling a confidential consultation. During your meeting, David Garnes will review your circumstances, explain your legal options, answer your questions, and help you determine the best path forward.
Request a Free Consultation
Cherry Hill Office
3 Executive Campus
2370 Marlton Pike West Suite 255
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Phone: 856-438-5234
Fax: 856-282-1159
Philadelphia Office
One Liberty Place
1650 Market Street 36th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 267-838-9713
Fax: 856-282-1159
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