Needless to say, the best idea is to hire a trustworthy family law attorney, licensed to practice in your state. You could start your search for a lawyer through this New Jersey State Bar Association webpage. Or try the American Bar Association's Consumer Guide to Legal Help in New Jersey. For more information on an attorney, a NJ Attorney Index is kept by the NJ State Judiciary.
When all else fails, before you decide to represent yourself in court, please consider these other ideas:
Option #1 - Mediation
Divorce mediation has become a popular option. Many
mediators are family law attorneys, and mediation is far less expensive
than a knock-down, drag-out court fight. Read more >>>
Option #2 - Legal Services of New Jersey
Legal Services of New Jersey offers free legal advice to low-income residents of New Jersey. LSNJ also publishes a handy book for everyone to use: Divorce in New Jersey: A Self-Help Guide. Read more >>>
Option #3 - Consultants and Ghostwriters
Some people pay lawyers to be their ghostwriters, also known as ghosts or ghost attorneys. Ghostwriting is one of the "unbundled" services offered by many lawyers today for self-represented litigants.
Read more >>>
Option #4 - Free Consultations, Workshops, and Seminars
Many attorneys offer free initial consultations which allow you to meet once with them to discuss your case. Some lawyers offer free workshops and seminars, where you can learn more about divorce in New Jersey. In an effort to keep the court system running as smoothly as possible, sometimes courthouses offer free divorce workshops to the public.
Read more >>>
Self-Representation (The Last Resort)
I cannot give you legal advice. I'm merely sharing what I've learned. Following is the step-by-step process that I've had to take and what I've learned so far. Read more >>>
