How can I ensure the details of my divorce are kept private?

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If you and your spouse can no longer endure the constant fighting, you may conclude it’s time to end the marriage. However, despite agreeing to dissolve the union, that’s where the agreements end. When divorcing, you must iron out the terms that will apply to the termination of your marriage, such as child custody, child support, alimony, and property division. These are often contentious issues that can turn even the most amicable divorces ugly. When navigating a heated divorce, you are likely worried that your private information may be publicized. However, keeping your divorce confidential will protect you and your family. If you want to ensure your divorce is kept private, it is in your best interest to contact a trusted Ocean County Divorce Attorney who can help you consider alternative dispute resolution that can safeguard your privacy.

How can I keep my divorce private?

In some cases, individuals do not want the reason for their marriage’s breakdown, along with other sensitive information, to become part of the public record. In New Jersey, most divorce proceedings are public, as couples have to go before a judge to iron out the terms that will apply to the termination of their marriage. To safeguard the details of your divorce, it is imperative to explore non-tradition divorce options, as they can help keep your private information from winding up in a court file where anyone can access information regarding the dissolution of your marriage.

These alternative dispute resolution methods can include a collaborative divorce or mediation. Collaborative divorces involve a confidential process in which the information shared will remain private to you, your former spouse, and your respective attorneys. Similarly, divorce mediation is a confidential method for settling the terms that will apply to the termination of your marriage. These alternative dispute resolutions allow you to avoid litigation, meaning your divorce will not be put on public record.

Is it possible to have my divorce records sealed?

As mentioned above, court records regarding your divorce are available to the public. If you do not pursue alternative divorce methods, your attorney can file a motion to seal your case. Although you are entitled to request that your divorce records be sealed, this can be challenging to achieve.

Firstly, you and your former spouse must agree to seal the case. If you can reach an agreement, you must provide the court with valid reasoning for requesting your divorce records be sealed. Typically, the court only finds it reasonable to do so in cases involving minor children and victims of domestic violence. However, they may grant this request if you are a high-net-worth individual that wants to keep your financial information from getting out into the public.

If you want to keep the details of your divorce private, you should avoid putting your divorce on the public record. Contact a seasoned Ocean County divorce attorney from the Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC, who can help you consider alternative divorce methods that can help you protect your privacy.