Domestic Partnership Divorce

When same sex marriage became legal in New Jersey in October of 2013, many happy couples couldn’t wait to exchange vows. They promised to love, honor and cherish until the end. However, in all relationships, when “the end,” comes sooner than one expects, a couple seeks a divorce (or in the case of domestic partnership or civil union – a legal dissolution).

The laws governing same sex divorce, as well as domestic partnership dissolution, can be complicated. Whenever a relationship ends, either or both sides can be angry and the debate over assets and custody issues can get acrimonious.

If you are in this situation, you need an experienced, knowledgeable Camden County, NJ divorce lawyer who isn’t afraid to fight for everything you are entitled to. Whether through settlement or trial, NJ divorce lawyer Ron Graziano, managing partner of Graziano & Flynn, P.C., will be on your side, every step of the way. He was a certified trial attorney for over 25 years and has been listed in the publication “The Best Lawyers in America.”

Prior to same sex marriage being legalized in New Jersey in October 2013, gay men and women could join together in civil union (previously known as domestic partnership.)

New Jersey changed its laws regarding gay union in 2007. Since 2004, domestic partnership was defined as “same-sex couples age 18 or older and opposite-sex couples age 62 or older.” In early 2007, New Jersey instituted the Civil Union Act, which allowed same-sex or opposite-sex couples 62 or older to register as domestic partners.

Both domestic partnerships and civil unions that are currently in place will require dissolution, should the couple wish to legally separate. It is still an open question if a civil union needs to be dissolved before entering into a same sex marriage in this state or other states. If you are in this situation, don’t go it alone. Hire an experienced NJ domestic partnership dissolution lawyer from Graziano & Flynn to make sure you are protected legally and financially during the settlement proceedings and as you build your new life.

New Jersey is a no-fault divorce state. Any legally married couple, same or opposite sex, that wants to legally divorce does not need to file papers based on “fault.” Irreconcilable differences, meaning there is a breakdown of the marriage lasting for more than six months without hope of reconciliation, or living separately for more than 18 months are no-fault grounds for divorce in New Jersey.

However, there are also grounds for divorce in the Garden State. When one of these applies, you should really contact a knowledgeable divorce attorney who understand the relevant laws and will fight to make sure you get what’s rightfully yours.

NJ Grounds for Divorce are:

• Adultery
• Deviant Sexual Conduct
• Addiction
• Desertion
• Extreme cruelty (domestic violence)
• Imprisonment
• Confinement in a Mental Institution

NJ divorce attorney Ron Graziano will help you determine the most appropriate grounds in your case and fight on your behalf to make sure you are completely protected — legally and financially. He will deal with custody issues, alimony, high net worth asset cases, and any other concerns you may have.

Breaking up is hard to do. It’s especially difficult if you’ve been together for a very long time, have children and shared property. You need a divorce lawyer who understands the nuances and special circumstances surrounding same sex divorce and dissolution of domestic partnerships/civil unions in New Jersey.

We invite you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced NJ divorce attorney at 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. Ron Graziano will work hard on your behalf to make sure you are able to move on, protected, and able to begin rebuilding your life after divorce.