Domestic Partnership Divorce in NJ : What to Know

Domestic Partnership Divorce in New Jersey

Ending a Same-Sex Marriage May Have Its Own Complications Our New Jersey Lawyers Help Dissolve Civil Unions, Domestic Partnerships and Marriages

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. Whecnever 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.”

Before Gay Marriage, New Jersey Legalized Domestic Partnerships & Civil Union

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.

Same Sex and Traditional Divorce — Same Rules Apply

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

Dissolution of a Domestic Partnership or Civil Union Must Be Filed on Grounds

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.

Talk to South Jersey Divorce Lawyer Ron Graziano for Free

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.

We Proudly Serve All of South Jersey

“I felt respected by her always keeping me informed and encouraged” - Real Client Reviews

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