Divorce Attorney in Morris County, NJ

Q: Is New Jersey a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. New Jersey permits no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences, which does not require either spouse to prove wrongdoing. Although fault-based grounds such as adultery or extreme cruelty are still available, many couples choose no-fault divorce to focus on resolving practical matters like parenting time, support, and asset division.

Q: How long does a divorce take in Morristown?

The length of a divorce depends on whether the spouses agree on the terms. Uncontested cases often move more quickly once all required documents are filed and exchanged, sometimes concluding within a few months. Contested divorces usually take longer due to additional discovery, court scheduling, settlement efforts, and the possibility of trial.

Q: What happens after I’m served with divorce papers in New Jersey?

After being served with a Complaint for Divorce, a spouse generally has 35 days to file a written response with the court. If no response is filed, the case may proceed without that spouse’s participation. Once an answer is submitted, the process typically continues with financial disclosures, further discovery if necessary, and court-required settlement procedures.

Q: What’s the difference between divorce and annulment in New Jersey?

A divorce legally ends a valid marriage, while an annulment results in a Judgment of Nullity declaring that the marriage was void or voidable under New Jersey law. Annulments are only granted in limited circumstances, such as when the marriage was invalid from the beginning or when there were serious legal issues affecting consent or capacity.

Q: Do I have to go to court for a divorce in New Jersey?

Some divorces can be completed with little or no in-person court time, particularly when both spouses agree on all terms. More complex or contested cases may involve court conferences, settlement events, or a trial. Regardless of court appearances, every divorce must go through the court system and is not final until a judgment of divorce is entered.

Q: Do we have to be separated before filing for divorce in New Jersey?

No. New Jersey does not require spouses to be formally separated before filing for divorce. Filing under irreconcilable differences only requires that the marriage has been broken down for at least six months, even if the spouses continue living together.

Q: Do I need a divorce lawyer if we agree on everything?

A lawyer is not legally required to file an uncontested divorce in New Jersey. However, many people choose to consult an attorney to ensure that all paperwork is complete and that agreements are clear and enforceable, particularly when children, financial support, or property division are involved.

Navigating the end of a marriage is never easy, but having the right legal guidance can make all the difference to the outcome. At Odunlami Law, we help divorcing spouses in Morristown and throughout Morris County get through the process in New Jersey with care, preparation, and steady advocacy.

Practical Divorce Guidance for Morris County Families

For Ifeoma Odunlami, divorce representation is about helping people move through a difficult transition with dignity, clarity, and a focus on long-term stability. As a divorce attorney serving Morris County, she approaches each case with careful judgment, clear communication, and respect for the realities her clients face.

Clients who come to Odunlami Law during divorce value guidance that is measured and practical. Our goal is to resolve matters lawfully and thoughtfully, helping clients make informed decisions that protect their families, finances, and future.

A Brief Primer on NJ Divorce Law

New Jersey family law is governed by Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes. If you’re thinking about divorce, it helps to start here because a few details matter more than people might expect.

New Jersey allows no-fault divorce, and most cases are filed on grounds of irreconcilable differences. It also recognizes fault-based grounds, but many families choose a no-fault filing to keep the focus on resolving practical issues such as child custody and decision-making, child support, and the division of marital property and debt.

Under the statute, irreconcilable differences must have existed for at least six months, and the marriage must have no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. New Jersey also has a residency requirement, which in most cases, requires at least 12 months of residency before you can file for divorce. And while people sometimes ask about “common-law marriage,” New Jersey generally does not recognize new common-law marriages formed in-state. Marriage requires a license and proper solemnization.

Most importantly: divorce in New Jersey isn’t automatically a fight. Some cases are cooperative, some are contested— but the legal system is designed to resolve specific issues in an orderly way. Our job at Odunlami Law is to help you understand how the law applies to your marriage and guide you through the process with steady, practical advice.

A Note on Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is for spouses who reach agreement on all required issues, including custody, support, and property division. These cases tend to move more quickly and allow families greater control over outcomes.

A contested divorce arises when one or more issues cannot be resolved through agreement. In those cases, the court assists in resolving disputes through conferences, mediation, or trial. Neither path is inherently better; the appropriate approach depends on your circumstances. We help clients evaluate available options and prepare accordingly.

Primary Issues in a New Jersey Divorce

Even when spouses agree that the marriage should end, a New Jersey divorce still has to answer certain legal questions before the court will finalize it. Some cases involve only a few of these issues. Others involve many. Either way, it helps to know what’s on the table.

In a New Jersey divorce, common issues include:

Child custody and parenting time, guided by the “best interests of the child” standard
Child support, typically calculated using New Jersey’s Child Support Guidelines
Division of marital property and debt, based on New Jersey’s equitable distribution factors
Post-judgment modifications, when life changes occur after the divorce is final
Domestic violence concerns, including restraining orders and related Family Division matters

You and your spouse may already agree on parts of the divorce, but the final agreement needs to clearly cover everything that matters. At Odunlami Law, we help you identify what needs to be addressed, prioritize what matters now, and make sure your agreement reflects the real terms of your understanding.

The Divorce Process in Morris County and Throughout the State

If you’re filing for divorce in Morristown, Morris County, or elsewhere in New Jersey, your case will move through a set series of steps. Some divorces remain fairly straightforward and amiable. Others take longer because there are complex issues to work through. Either way, here’s the general path most cases follow:

File the Complaint for Divorce to open the case
Serve your spouse and allow time to respond (typically 35 days after service)
Case management conferences to set deadlines and identify what needs to be resolved
Financial disclosures and discovery so both sides have the information required to negotiate or litigate fairly
Mediation and/or the Early Settlement Program (ESP) if ordered, to try to resolve issues without trial
Trial, only if the case cannot be resolved through agreement

At Odunlami Law, we handle the filings, keep your case organized, and advocate for your interests in negotiations and all court events.

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Morristown Divorce Cases Involving Immigration Issues

Divorce can intersect with immigration law in ways that are not always obvious. This can occur when a divorce was obtained outside the United States or when immigration status is connected to a marriage.

A foreign divorce that is valid abroad may not automatically be recognized in New Jersey. This issue commonly arises when someone plans to remarry, only to discover that the prior divorce is not legally recognized under U.S. law.

Because Odunlami Law also practices immigration law, we approach these matters with an integrated perspective. Divorce outcomes can affect immigration status, future petitions, and eligibility for benefits. Addressing family law issues without considering immigration consequences can lead to serious complications.

Our goal is to resolve family matters in a way that aligns with both New Jersey law and federal immigration requirements. For more detailed guidance, see our resource on how divorce can affect immigration status.

Local Resources for Morris County Families

Divorce affects more than legal rights. Many clients benefit from additional support during this transition. Morris County offers resources that may assist families navigating difficult changes, including:

Morris Family Justice Center, providing coordinated support services
Center for Family Services, offering counseling and family-focused programs
Atlantic Behavioral Health Services, providing mental and emotional health support in Morristown

Divorce cases for Morristown residents are handled by the Family Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, located at 56 Washington Street, Morristown, NJ 07960. The Morris County Family Court can be reached at 862-397-5700, ext. 75145.

We encourage you to take advantage of these outlets to get the support you need.

Schedule a Consultation With a Divorce Attorney in Morris County, NJ

Divorce is a significant life transition, and the decisions you make now can shape your future. At Odunlami Law, we guide clients through every phase of divorce with careful preparation and steady advocacy.

Our office is located in Cedar Knolls, just outside Morristown, at the intersection of Malapardis Road and Ridgedale Avenue, near Malapardis Park. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations to meet your needs.

If you are considering divorce or have already been served with papers, contact Odunlami Law to discuss your situation with a Morristown divorce lawyer and learn how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Jersey a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Most divorces in New Jersey are filed as no-fault under “irreconcilable differences.” New Jersey also allows fault-based grounds such as adultery, extreme cruelty, or willful desertion. No-fault grounds enable divorcing couples to keep dissolution focused on practical issues like custody, support, and property.

How long does a divorce take in Morristown?

It depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the terms. In general, uncontested divorces are usually faster once paperwork and disclosures are complete. Some uncontested divorces may be finalized in a few months. Contested divorces tend to take longer because they involve more discovery, court scheduling, settlement efforts, and sometimes trial.

What happens after I’m served with divorce papers in New Jersey?

After you’re served with a Complaint for Divorce, you typically have 35 days to file a written response with the court. This is a smart time to connect with an attorney who can help you file an answer in a way that protects your priorities. If you don’t respond, the case can move forward without your input.

Once your answer is received by the court, the case will proceed to financial disclosures, any additional discovery, and court-required settlement steps.

What’s the difference between divorce and annulment in New Jersey?

A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. An annulment is a legal remedy (not just a religious one) in which the court enters a Judgment of Nullity, treating the marriage as void or voidable under New Jersey law.

In practical terms, annulment is only available in limited situations, such as when the marriage was invalid from the start (for example, one spouse was already married, or the parties are too closely related) or when there was a serious legal problem affecting consent or capacity.

Do I have to go to court for a divorce in New Jersey?

Some divorces can be finalized with little or no in-person court time, especially when the spouses agree on the terms. Other cases—particularly contested divorces—may require conferences, settlement events, or, if necessary, a trial.

Whether or not you physically appear in court, divorce in New Jersey is still a court process. The case must be filed with the court, and the marriage is not legally dissolved until the court enters a final judgment of divorce.

Do we have to be separated before filing for divorce in New Jersey?

No. New Jersey does not require a formal separation period to file for divorce. Most people file under irreconcilable differences, which requires only that the marriage has been broken down for at least six months, not that you have lived apart.

Do I need a divorce lawyer if we agree on everything?

You may not need a lawyer to file an uncontested divorce in New Jersey. However, many people still choose to work with one to avoid preventable mistakes. Even when you and your spouse agree, the court still requires complete paperwork and legally workable terms—especially when children, support, or property division are involved. A lawyer can help make sure your agreement is clear, complete, and enforceable, and that you’re not overlooking issues that could cause delays now or disputes later.

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Testimonials

I just want to thank Miss Odunlami and her team for the wonderful work they did on my case. My case went so smooth and I received my approval in a period of less than 8 months which was record breaking. I know for a fact it was because of their hard work and all their help gathering my documents and making sure everything was alright that everything worked out the way it did. Thank you. You made the whole experience worthwhile.

This law firm knows what they are doing!! Mrs Odunlami is good at her stuff, able to keep you calm and focused on what is important. The entire staff were extremely helpful, empathetic and professional through this process. It’s such sweet relief to know this is now all sorted.

Upwards and onwards.

Highly recommend!

It was great knowing and being a client of Odunlami Law Firm. Their services and professionalism were nothing but excellent. They met all my needs. Their staffs were nice, respectful and professional in their approach. Attorney Odunlami is just too wonderful. Thank you for all you did for me as your client. I will always refer this law firm to others who need their services because they are great.

The Odunlami Law firm are very responsive, reliable and professional with everything they do. I really appreciate your effort and hard work.

I'm very much happy to use your firm for my case and today I'm the newest USA citizen, I recommend family and friends to this lovely firm and not just a firm but they help you like family from beginning to the very end, I'm so grateful to the team Odunlami law firm, I love you guys

Excellent immigration attorney! She is very compassionate and an excellent advocate for her clients.

Ms Odunlami and her staff are very helpful experienced, friendly and hard working they guided me every step of the way, helped me understand and got me APPROVED. Ms Odunlami is a great attorney that knows her job well and will get you approved with the hard work everyone puts in to make sure we all have our American dream. Thankful to very one at the Odunlami Law firm.

The Odunlami law firm was kind, courteous, professional. It is obvious that they are passionate about the work that they do and the results speak for themselves.

Ms. Odunlami is an excellent attorney that went above and beyond to ensure I had the right advice and experience. She is passionate, hardworking and my go to Immigration lawyer, that I refer whenever anyone asks.

If you want people that care about you,not just the situation you find yourself in, this is the place to go. You are family to them not just a case!

Our Locations

Odunlami Law Firm, LLC. | New Jersey Office

Odunlami Law Firm, LLC. | Houston Office

Do You Need Legal Representation?

If you need legal assistance for an immigration or family law matter, it’s important to do it right the first time by using an experienced attorney. Our experienced attorneys represent immigration clients who live in all fifty states and abroad, as well as family law clients in New Jersey. We speak English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and French.