New Jersey Family Laws

No-fault: irreconcilable differences causing breakdown for 6+ months. Fault: adultery, willful desertion (12+ months), extreme cruelty (3-month wait), habitual intoxication (12+ months), institutionalization (24+ months), imprisonment (18+ months after marriage), deviant sexual conduct.

Marital property is divided equitably (fair, not necessarily equal). Court considers 16 factors including duration of marriage, age/health, income/earning capacity, standard of living, debts, and tax consequences. Only marital property is subject to division.

Both parents have equal rights with no preference for either parent. Court considers parents' ability to agree, willingness to accept custody, domestic violence history, child's safety and needs, and the child's expressed preference (strengthened by 2025-2026 amendments requiring judges to address domestic violence before setting parenting schedules).

Four types: open durational (marriages 20+ years, replaced "permanent," ends at payor's full retirement age), limited duration (under 20 years, cannot exceed marriage length), rehabilitative (education/training, max 5 years), reimbursement (supporting spouse through degree, non-modifiable).

Uses income shares model based on combined parental net income up to $187,200/year. Considers overnight parenting time, health insurance, and childcare costs.