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Divorce Lawyer

Going through a divorce can leave you emotionally and financially drained.

Representation from an effective and compassionate divorce attorney can lessen the mental and financial burden on you and your family.

The Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq., in East Brunswick, can guide you through this challenging time.

Let the Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq. Help You Navigate the Divorce Process

Contact our East Brunswick firm today for a free consultation. 

What to Expect

Coming to terms with separating from your spouse is difficult. Even setting aside your feelings about the separation, the stress of determining a mutually agreeable plan between parties can be overwhelming. Depending on your unique situation, you may be responsible for spousal support, which can place a burden on your finances. You also may be entitled to receive spousal support.

It is important to plan for a number of changes during the timeline of your case. The help of a knowledgeable family law attorney such as Jeffrey W. Goldblatt can lessen the burden of the challenges that stand before you. He has successfully handled a spectrum of divorce cases for East Brunswick and is ready to do the same for you. 

Traditional Litigation in a New Jersey Divorce

Divorce is a court-sanctioned dissolution of marriage. A variety of issues can arise during the process, which can complicate all the related matters. When the separating parties are unable to agree on how to resolve matters, the court will enter orders outlining the details of the outcome. This can include alimony payments, child support obligation, and custody. Assets and other property interests are divided first. Then, the court will order that any debts the parties have acquired be paid by one party or the other. Alternatively, they may order that the debt be separated by dollar amount.

The Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq., in East Brunswick NJ, can help you understand what to expect during the proceedings. As your lawyer, Mr. Goldblatt will represent your best interests and be by your side during every step and can help answer any questions you may have along the way. Divorce is just one of our many practice areas in family law, meaning we can provide comprehensive guidance through all aspects of this process.

Protect Your Family's Best Interests

Divorce is rarely amicable, simple, or able to be resolved reasonably without the help of an attorney. Reach out online or call us today to take the essential first step in protecting both your children's future and your own. Our family law firm has offices in East Brunswick NJ,  to serve you. Initial divorce consultations are free.

Essential Aspects of a New Jersey Divorce

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Initiating the Divorce Process

The party who files the paperwork is considered the plaintiff, while the other party is considered the defendant. Depending on how the marriage has dissolved, the steps you need to take will vary. 

In New Jersey, the plaintiff may file for the divorce in the county where they feel the marriage began to dissolve, regardless of whether or not they still live there. For example, if you separated from your spouse while you were living in East Brunswick, but you currently live elsewhere, you can file in either Middlesex County or Monmouth County.

If you have any questions about where to file for divorce, get in touch with the Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq. We can help clarify this and every other detail regarding your divorce.

Determining Fault

A "no-fault" divorce can occur in two instances. In one, the couple has been living apart for at least 18 months prior to the start of the process. In the second, the couple has experienced irreconcilable differences that prevent them from maintaining a normal, functional marriage at least six months prior to filing to separate.

A "fault" divorce occurs when either party behaves or acts in a way that causes the marriage to dissolve. There are a variety of factors that can cause this type, but the most common reasons are desertion, adultery, and extreme cruelty. Desertion means that either party has deserted the other for a period of at least 12 consecutive months. Extreme cruelty is defined as the defendant acting violently or abusively toward the plaintiff, such as in instances of domestic violence.

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Couple signing papers

Amicable vs. Contested

In an amicable, uncontested case, the issues requiring resolution are easily agreed upon by the parties involved. There is no need to litigate matters by presenting conflicting points of view with supporting evidence in court. In a contested case, the parties are not able to agree on certain matters and will each present evidence in support of their position.

Many cases become contested when parents are unable to agree on custody of the children and parenting time, or when assets are hidden in an effort to shortchange one of the parties. A contested case can require extensive discovery, including depositions and witness interviews. Once the evidence has been gathered, the divorce lawyers present it to the courts and request specific rulings for their client.

"A Skilled Litigator." Serving East Brunswick

"Recently I was experiencing a difficult family situation and consulted Mr. Goldblatt for legal advice.. I found him to be extremely knowledgeable in family law. He was responsive to all my questions, made me feel very comfortable and handled my problem in an efficient and timely way. He was always accessible to talk with me. He is a skilled litigator and has had much experience in the courtroom. I would highly recommend him." Lewis L.

A Dedicated Law Firm

Over the past three decades, divorce lawyer Jeffrey W. Goldblatt and his law firm have handled thousands of family law cases in East Brunswick, New Jersey. His tenure practicing family law has taught him that no two settlements are alike.

A divorce may understandably leave you with a feeling of uncertainty. The pending change in family dynamics can be a source of stress and emotional turmoil. You and your spouse may be on different terms in the perception of your relationship, with one party eager to move forward while the other may be reluctant. 

Divorce attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt is a compassionate lawyer who knows this prospect is a challenging endeavor to undertake. Mr. Goldblatt will treat your case with special care and will take the time to explain every aspect of family law that applies to the details of your case. These details may include custody, child support, and any kind of alimony. Our practice areas include all of these family law matters and more.

Write to our law firm, or call our East Brunswick, NJ, office 

(732) 238-8700

Jeffrey Goldblatt

"I Am Very Lucky." Clients Recommend Our East Brunswick Divorce Lawyer

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Jennifer Rossan

2022

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Excellent experience from beginning to end.  Rachel is OUTSTANDING.  Highly recommend the Jeff Goldblatt team.

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Jigna

2021

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I felt very welcomed in the office by the staff Rachel,who is so down to earth and Mr. Glodblatt. I just want to say that you are the best lawyer i have ever hired.

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Attorney Jeffrey Goldblatt has been helping clients navigate complex family law matters for more than 45 years.

Options Outside Traditional Divorce

Proceedings do not have to involve a lengthy courtroom battle between lawyers dueling over property division and child custody. If you and your spouse are in mutual agreement about your separation, you may be able to take advantage of the recent innovations in family law that allow for more cooperative options outside of traditional litigation. Jeffrey W. Goldblatt is a lawyer who can help you with an uncontestedcollaborative, or mediated divorce.

Uncontested

You may have heard the phrases "contested" and "uncontested divorce", and wondered what the differences are between the two. 

Just because you and your spouse agree on getting a divorce does not mean you can have an uncontested case. Oftentimes, couples who think they have an uncontested divorce are actually contested. In an uncontested case, the parties agree on all issues involved in a final settlement. In other words, you and your spouse must be in absolute agreement on property division, custody, child support, and any other issues.

If you do qualify for an uncontested divorce, you will need an attorney to prepare and finalize the settlement agreement. Trial can be avoided using mediation or arbitration, both of which Jeffrey W. Goldblatt can help you with.

It is important to speak with an attorney knowledgeable in family law matters in order to determine if your divorce is uncontested. Divorce attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt in East Brunswick, New Jersey, represents clients involved in both types of divorce. As your divorce lawyer, Mr. Goldblatt can look at the specific circumstances of your situation and determine if you qualify for an uncontested divorce.

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Couple holding hands, with lawyer taking notes

Collaborative

Collaboration is an alternative to a contentious trial that can not only save time and money, but can also work to create or preserve an amicable relationship with your spouse. Collaborative law may be the answer for couples willing to negotiate the terms of their separation in an alternative forum. If it is a viable option for you and spouse, attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt in East Brunswick, NJ, can help guide you through the process.

Collaborative law is a relatively new way of handling the legal issues raised during this time. In a collaborative divorce, the separating couple must agree to resolve their differences through negotiation. They must be motivated to resolve issues without resorting to the court and each spouse is asked to pledge not to proceed to trial

Each party is represented by a lawyer of their own choosing. Parties then meet to negotiate an agreement that will be presented to the court to become legally binding. The agreement addresses all issues, including division of marital property, child custody, parenting time, and child support. If needed, other professionals, such as mental health and financial professionals, may offer suggestions in regard to complicated issues.

Mediation

Mediation is an alternative to traditional litigation. Rather than each party retaining a lawyer in preparation for a prolonged legal battle or negotiation, the parties agree to pursue a resolution of their issues by selecting an individual to act as a neutral third party. This third party can provide guidance in order to reach a settlement of all contested issues.

Family law attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt is qualified by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey to act as a mediator. Mr. Goldblatt has successfully mediated cases involving simple and complicated issues related to child custody, child support, and post-judgment issues.

The mediator does not act like a judge and cannot make binding decisions. Based upon Mr. Goldblatt's long history representing spouses as a divorce lawyer, he is able to guide the parties through the process calmly and thoroughly. He can provide information about how much sense a proposed resolution makes, as well as predict how a judge might view a case if it were to be tried in open court. 

However, mediation is not always a viable option. If there has been a history of domestic violence, Mr. Goldblatt will recommend traditional divorce options to ensure that one party is not being intimidated or manipulated by the other. 

Mediation

"Genuine, Ethical, Responsive and Effective." Our Lawyer Protects East Brunswick's Best Interests

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Violeta S.

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[Jeffrey Goldblatt] has gone above and beyond helping me with my situations...He never quit until the job was finished. Jeff will be my lawyer for life. He takes care of every aspect of my life, from wills to real estate. I am very lucky he came into my life. Both myself and my business feel protected. Thank you Jeffrey

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Chris P.

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Mr. Goldblatt is an excellent Attorney and very easy to work with.  His knowledge of family law and his dedication to me as a client resulted in a much better than expected outcome.  I highly recommend Mr. Goldblatt for any matters you might need legal assistance with.

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A Mutually Beneficial Resolution

If you are able to utilize any of the alternative options to traditional litigation, attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt will facilitate a dialogue between the parties and promote a congenial atmosphere where the divorcing couple is able to discuss differences and reach a resolution that is beneficial for both parties as well as their children.

​Help with Your Divorce

With his history of practicing family law in East Brunswick, New Jersey, divorce lawyer Jeffrey W. Goldblatt can handle your unique case for you. Mr. Goldblatt will work closely with you to develop a strategy that meets your needs.

Alimony Explained

New Jersey courts can order alimony and spousal support, so it is important to be prepared for this possibility. With his long history practicing family law in East Brunswick NJ, Jeffrey W. Goldblatt is a lawyer who will make sure your rights are protected throughout the process.

One of the most difficult issues in any divorce action can be determining how much these payments should be. It takes a divorce lawyer well-versed in family law matters to counsel clients on what to expect when spousal support is an issue. There are many different factors considered by the state of New Jersey when it comes to determining spousal support payments:

  • The actual need and ability of the parties to pay
  • The duration of the marriage
  • The age of the parties
  • Their physical and emotional health
  • Standard of living established during the marriage
  • The earning capacities, education levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties
  • The length of absence from the job market of the party seeking maintenance
  • Parental responsibilities 
  • The time and expense needed for education or training
  • Each party's financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage
  • The equitable distribution of property ordered and payouts on equitable distribution out of current income

We Fight for Fair Alimony

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Our law office will help you understand the many different factors of alimony and work with you in determining the appropriate amount and duration of payments and what to expect from a court determination. Spousal support payments are an issue that will have long-lasting consequences and it is important to properly prepare your case in order to argue in your best interest and achieve a fair, equitable result.


Attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt and his law firm will work closely with you in representing your best interests and in presenting the case to a court in a clear and concise manner. With his thorough understanding of family law, Mr. Goldblatt can find creative solutions to any obstacles in reaching a settlement you may encounter.

"Mr. Goldblatt is a Terrific Advocate."

"Very professional, attentive and very well understands the process. Mr. Goldblatt is a terrific advocate and will give you an honest assessment of your particular situation. His assistant, Rachel was terrific in ensuring that all documentation was handled promptly and accordingly. Highly recommend Mr. Goldblatt!" Maria Garr

High-Asset Divorce Protection When Especially Valuable Marital Property Is at Stake

Do you and your soon-to-be ex own especially valuable property such as a privately owned business, real estate, stock options, and pensions? If so, attorney Jeffrey Goldblatt has the resources to ensure that these assets are divided fairly. You may be wondering: Why do assets like these call for any special considerations? There are many reasons, but the most important include:

  • You may not understand the true value of these assets.
  • These situations often involve "hidden assets," which are made intentionally undetectable to an untrained eye by one spouse or the other prior to a divorce, and could easily remain unaccounted for when dividing marital property.
  • Contention typically increases with the value of shared assets during a divorce.

In cases like these, we enlist the help of forensic accountants and other experts. They aid our legal team in determining the real value of your marital property, making certain that every single asset is considered during the division of property, and achieving the all-important objective of helping you collect everything to which you are entitled. 

Don't trust this complex process to any divorce attorney. It requires a firm that handles cases like these on a regular basis and has a track record of success when it comes to protecting the best interests of clients with especially valuable assets. Attorney Jeffrey Goldblatt can help you walk away from your marriage with absolutely everything that is rightfully yours.

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Jeffrey Goldblatt Can Be Your Advocate

The outcome of a divorce can change the course of your life forever. Don't take chances when it comes to achieving the fair results you deserve. Call us now to book a case review with an attorney who has spent over 45 years practicing family law. We have offices in East Brunswick to serve you. There is no charge for initial divorce consultations.

The Seven Steps  OF THE DIVORCE PROCESS IN NEW JERSEY

Filing

 One spouse files complaint documents with the New Jersey Superior Court in their home county. The complaint will be served to the other spouse, and it's the filing spouse's responsibility to notify the court that they were served. The non-filing spouse has 35 days to respond.

Case Management Conference

Both spouses will meet the judge and will be briefed about what to expect. The judge may also recommend that both parties meet with experts regarding finances, custody, and parenting time.

Discovery

Each spouse’s legal team will study the details of the marriage and gather information about income, debt and other financial matters. 

Early Settlement Panel

You and your attorney will meet with an Early Settlement Panel consisting of neutral attorneys who will make recommendations regarding your divorce settlement. If you and your soon-to-be ex reach an agreement, a judge can sometimes finalize your divorce right away.

Economic Mediation

If your case remains unsettled, a “post-panel” economic mediation takes place with a neutral attorney who will help reach an agreement regarding division of marital property. 

Intensive Settlement

If the case is still unresolved, a judge will schedule an Intensive Settlement Conference (ISC). The attorneys (with no testimony from either spouse) will discuss unresolved issues with the judge, who will make settlement recommendations.

Trial

Your case will go to trial if it's still unresolved at this point. You and your spouse will give testimony alongside any experts. Based on this info and statements by your lawyer, the judge will make a decision regarding all unresolved issues.

After a Spouse Files for Divorce

A non-filing spouse has 35 days to respond after being served divorce papers

A Chance at a Fresh Start

If you are going through a separation, you deserve a chance at a new life to start as soon as possible. Attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt in East Brunswick, NJ, will use his depth of knowledge about family law to take whatever action is necessary in order to make sure these important issues are presented to the court in a persuasive and timely manner.

No two cases are alike and the Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq., are sensitive to the unique aspects of each client we represent. As your attorney, Mr. Goldblatt will meet with you so he can learn the history of your marriage and relationship with your spouse in order to craft a meaningful solution to your divorce

To see how divorce lawyer Jeffrey W. Goldblatt can help you move forward, simply or write to our East Brunswick, NJ, headquarters at today.

(732) 238-8700 

New Jersey Divorce FAQs Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

No two states have precisely the same laws and policies regarding divorce. We invite you to take a moment to learn how certain aspects of divorce are handled within the state of New Jersey:

Should I file in New Jersey?

In most cases, you have to reside in the state of New Jersey for at least a year in order to file for divorce here.

How long will I be paying or receiving alimony?

Alimony can be permanent or paid for a limited amount of time. This depends on many factors, including the actual need and ability of the parties to pay, the duration of the marriage, both parties' ages, and their physical and emotional health.

How is child support determined?

First, the gross incomes and the net allowable incomes for child support of both spouses will be calculated. If one spouse owes the other spouse alimony, that amount will be calculated first and then factored into the child support calculation. Having an attorney throughout this process can help to ensure that the paying parent is not obligated to contribute an amount of support outside of his or her means.

Can one spouse be ordered to pay the other's legal fees?

Yes. This determination is up to the courts. The decision is based on one spouse's need and the other's ability to pay, whether the request was made in good faith, and whether the amount requested is fair.

Your Advocate Every Step of the Way

"Jeff met me outside of the courtroom and went through what the process would be like in front of the Judge. I was quite nervous so I was very relieved to have had him there to walk me through it beforehand. Once we were in the courtroom it went very smoothly and just as Jeff had explained to me." Amanda
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Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq.

Attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt has been representing family law, criminal law, and social security disability clients since 1975. He is proud to be affiliated with top legal organizations, including:

  • Middlesex County Bar Association
  • Family Law Committee
  • Monmouth County Bar Association
  • New Jersey State Bar Association 

If you are looking for legal representation from a top-rated lawyer in East Brunswick, call our law firm at (732) 238-8700 or request a consultation online.

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