Dissolution of Civil Unions Explained in New Jersey Law

New Jersey has, since 2007, granted same-sex couples the right to enter into civil unions, which confer many of the same rights as marriage. Of course, not all civil unions and not all marriages last. If you are in a civil union and are considering ending the relationship, talk to an experienced lawyer first.

At Graziano & Flynn, P.C., in Cherry Hill, our lawyers are committed to representing people throughout southern New Jersey who are seeking the dissolution of a civil union. We have handled these issues since the civil union law was first passed in 2007, and we have deep experience advising and representing clients seeking civil union dissolution.

In fact, Ronald A. Graziano has authored an article dealing with dissolution of civil unions formed in New Jersey. Mr. Graziano was also a certified trial attorney for over 25 years, so he understands the nuances of the law.

Attorneys Knowledgeable About the Dissolution of Civil Unions

Many of the issues and areas of contention are the same for the dissolution of a civil union as they are for a same-sex divorce. New Jersey has amended many of the statues related to child custody and visitation, property division, and spousal support to ensure they apply to the dissolution of civil unions. The end result is that a civil union dissolution proceeds nearly identically to a divorce proceeding.

Just as with divorce, the dissolution of a civil union can be sought for fault or no-fault. New Jersey courts recognize the same fault actions for civil unions as for divorce:

Voluntary sexual intercourse with another person
Willful and continued desertion for a period of 12 or more consecutive months
Extreme cruelty
Separation for a period of at least 18 or more consecutive months
Voluntarily induced addiction to drugs or alcohol
Institutionalization for mental illness for a period of 24 months
Imprisonment of the defendant for 18 or more consecutive months

Serving Same-Sex Couples in Camden County, Burlington County and Gloucester County

We are committed to helping protect the rights and interests of people seeking the dissolution of a civil union. We recognize that while New Jersey’s civil union law is relatively new, many people had established domestic partnerships prior to the new law taking effect. This means that many of these cases involve significant assets, children, and retirement savings. Our Cherry Hill lawyers use nearly 80 years of combined legal experience to help protect our clients’ current and future interests.

We Proudly Serve All of South Jersey

Contact a Cherry Hill Attorney to Discuss Dissolution of Civil Unions

If you are considering seeking the dissolution of a civil union in New Jersey, please contact Graziano & Flynn, P.C. We can be reached at 856-499-4351 or toll free 866-948-7568. You can also send us an email and we will respond promptly.

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Best Lawyer Around!

Ron surpassed my expectations in my case. He always kept me in the loop, updated me with any change, and answered ALL of my questions.. And I had a ton! He was very knowledgable, honest, supportive, and calm. I was nervous every step of the way and he listened to each and every one of my concerns. He was always available by phone and email; He responded very promptly to every email I sent (I sent a ton!). Ron is an extremely trustworthy lawyer. Listen to what he says and have faith in him, you will be as impressed as I am! I couldn’t have dreamed of a better outcome in my case. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to represent me, I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an amazing lawyer!! His staff is amazing as well!!

– Gia

I am a Father and my daughter wanted to live with me and attend school closer to my home (I wanted to enroll her into private school) so that would mean I would need to become the primary parent of residence. I thought it would be impossible to get that changed because I also have a career as a firefighter so my work schedule rotates and its 24 hour shifts. I contacted Robyn and she was upfront and honest provided me with possible outcomes. Robyn was outstanding! She had to do the work of two attorneys because the defendants’ attorney would not submit paperwork to the court in a timely manner and that would’ve slowed the process. The case went to trial and having the experienced attorney really showed! I am now the primary parent of residence my daughter and I couldn’t be happier. She always answered my calls, emails and was on time. Both parents were found to be fit by the judge yet a change of custody was still granted in my favor.

– Delvin C.

I couldn’t be more pleased with my attorney Ron Graziano, when it came down to understanding and knowing his area of expertise there is no doubt that this Law Firm is everything plus that. Ron was very easy to talk with and clearly knew how to approach my case. I went to court for a child support/custody situation and it could not have worked out more satisfying for me if i had not had the Graziano & Flynn firm representing me in the most professional and knowledgeable way possible. I did not have to speak with the Judge not one time, i was represented absolutely well by my attorney Ron, he’s the best and i will continue to use him, if need be; Thank you so much.

– Barber B