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Do judges offer legal advice during a divorce?

by | Mar 16, 2023 | Divorce

Divorce can be difficult. Not only is it emotionally taxing, but few people have an in-depth understanding of their rights and obligations or how the process works. Sometimes this lack of information is made even more difficult by competing stories from friends and family members about their own experiences in divorce. The truth is each divorce is different because each family is different. What happened to your friend or family member in his or her divorce is likely very different from what you will experience. Removing this confusion early in the process can make all the difference when facing divorce. This is a situation where knowledge is power – knowing the truth about your rights and obligations, and how the process works, is the base way to protect your interests in a divorce.

Many believe court staff and judges offer guidance and direction to divorcing spouses, but that is not the case. In reality, judges and court staff are prohibited from offering legal advice. They can provide guidance about the process, but must remain neutral and are therefore unable to give advice specific to either spouse’s rights. You must look elsewhere for the answers you seek.

How can you find help?

It is important to have emotional support from family and friends. When it comes to legal advice, however, only an experienced family law attorney can offer the knowledge you need to be empowered with regard to your divorce or family law matter. The place to start is having a consultation with an attorney who will spend time giving you an overview of the process and how the various issues are handled. You will benefit most from legal knowledge and professional guidance when handling matters like these.

One thing you will discuss with legal counsel is whether it is advisable to involve other professionals in your matter. Those with complex or high-value assets may also need the services of a forensic accountant. Complicated custody disputes may call for the involvement of a forensic psychologist or other similar professional to evaluate what is in the best interests of children. All of these considerations can be discussed with your family law attorney. They can also help you learn more about marital property and child-related laws, as well as how to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of your position.

While you do not need to become well-versed in New Jersey divorce laws, knowledge helps to protect you and plan for how to address each of these issues in the legal process. Your family law attorney can help you understand the nuance of the law as it pertains to your unique circumstance and provide guidance about all your legal options.

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