Divorce Lawyer in Bridgewater

Clear Guidance When Your Marriage Is Ending in NJ

Divorce affects nearly every part of life, from your home and finances to your relationship with your children. If you are considering ending your marriage in or around Bridgewater, it can be difficult to know where to begin or how to protect yourself. You may be worried about money, parenting time, and what your future will look like.

Attorney Blaustein is a seasoned divorce attorney with nearly four decades of experience in New Jersey family courts. From a Basking Ridge office serving clients in Bridgewater and nearby communities, Gary Blaustein, Attorney helps people facing high-conflict situations, complex assets, or both. The firm’s approach is practical and steady, with a focus on understanding your unique circumstances before recommending a path forward.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Bridgewater divorce attorney. 

Why Work With Attorney Blaustein

Choosing the right divorce lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make during this process. Experience matters, especially when emotions run high or there is a great deal at stake financially. With nearly forty years devoted to divorce and family law in New Jersey, Attorney Blaustein has seen how cases unfold in many different circumstances and understands patterns that affect outcomes.

This long-term focus is particularly valuable in high conflict divorces. Clients often face spouses who are uncooperative, controlling about money, or unwilling to compromise on parenting. Attorney Blaustein’s role is to provide steady guidance, help clients avoid reactive decisions, and prepare them for each step. The firm’s preparation is detailed and methodical, which supports a clear and honest presentation of your position in settlement talks or court hearings.

Key Issues In A New Jersey Divorce

New Jersey follows an equitable distribution framework for dividing marital property and debts. This does not always mean an equal split. Courts generally look at factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living. In high asset situations, it becomes especially important to identify all accounts and interests, understand how they are valued, and distinguish marital assets from separate ones. The firm works with clients to organize financial information carefully, which supports informed negotiation and, if needed, clear presentation to the court.

Spousal support and child support are also common concerns. Spousal support, sometimes called alimony, is not automatic. Courts consider elements such as the need for support, the other spouse’s ability to pay, the length of the marriage, health, and each party’s earning history. Child support is guided by New Jersey’s child support guidelines, which generally take into account income, parenting time schedule, and certain expenses. Attorney Blaustein explains these concepts in plain terms so that clients can develop realistic expectations about possible ranges and focus their energy on constructive decisions.

When you prepare to meet with our divorce lawyer, it may help to think about these topics in advance:

• Your main financial concerns, such as the home, retirement accounts, or a family business
• Your goals for time with your children and how you see holidays and school breaks working
• Any immediate worries, such as a spouse controlling access to money or important documents
• Your longer-term priorities, including stability, privacy, and the level of conflict you can tolerate

Mediation & Litigation In Your Case

Many people facing divorce want to avoid a drawn out court battle if they can. Mediation and structured negotiation can often provide a more private, flexible, and less adversarial path. Attorney Blaustein frequently begins by exploring these options, particularly for clients in Bridgewater who want to preserve a working co parenting relationship or keep sensitive financial matters out of public view.

In mediation, spouses work with a neutral third party to discuss and resolve issues such as property division, support, and parenting schedules. Attorney Blaustein’s role is to prepare clients before mediation sessions, help them understand their rights, and coach them through the decisions they will need to make. Coaching may involve discussing negotiation strategies, likely areas of compromise, and how to stay focused on long term goals rather than immediate frustration.

However, some cases cannot be settled fully in mediation. A spouse may refuse to provide full financial information, insist on unrealistic positions, or use the process to delay. In those situations, litigation becomes necessary to move the case forward and protect your interests. Litigation can involve court conferences, motions, and, if issues remain, a trial where a judge makes decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you handle a high-conflict divorce?

High-conflict matters are approached with careful planning and calm, consistent communication. Attorney Blaustein focuses on safety, documentation, and realistic goals, then uses mediation when possible and litigation when necessary. The aim is to reduce unnecessary escalation while still protecting your rights and your relationship with your children.

What if my spouse controls all our finances?

If one spouse controls money or information, the first step is to identify what records can be gathered safely and legally. Attorney Blaustein regularly works with clients in this position and uses formal legal tools when needed to obtain financial documents. The goal is to create a clear picture before discussing settlement.

Will we have to go to court for our divorce?

Many divorces are resolved through negotiation or mediation without a full trial, although court appearances are still common for certain steps. The firm generally begins with mediated or negotiated discussions, then turns to litigation if core issues remain unresolved. Your path depends on your spouse’s cooperation and the complexity of the case.

How does child custody work in New Jersey?

New Jersey bases custody and parenting time decisions on the best interests of the child. Courts typically consider factors such as each parent’s involvement, communication, and the child’s needs. Attorney Blaustein helps parents craft realistic parenting plans and prepares them for how judges in Somerset County generally review custody issues.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Bridgewater divorce lawyer.