The Need for an Expert Witness in Your Divorce

During the divorce process, everything is fluid. Going through a divorce is different for everyone. The process your friend or family member described to you may not be the same as what you’re going through. In some cases, that person who explained his or her divorce said they needed the help of an expert witness. You may ultimately not, but you should at least know for certain if you do.

• According to New Jersey law:

“If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise.”

There are a wide variety of qualified individuals who may have a particular knowledge required and who may be necessary to testify during your divorce proceedings. The most common type of expert called upon during a divorce is a child custody expert.

• Child custody experts are typically used in combative custody matters between two parents to offer the family court a recommendation on what to do with the child or children. These experts are usually mental health experts who meet with the children, parents and any person who plays a large role in the child’s life.

Another common type of expert called upon in divorce proceedings is forensic accountants. These experts can be useful when it comes to the alleged dissipation of assets or valuing a business. Forensic accountants review each party’s finances and will provide insight into any situation where the financial circumstances are disputed.

Both child custody experts and forensic accountants are just two examples of why expert witnesses could be necessary in a divorce case in New Jersey. That being said, there is a multitude of experts that can be called upon for a variety of reasons. It’s also very important to consider the cost of using an expert witness in your case.

• Because expert witnesses are so costly, you should probably discuss the positives and negatives with an expert family law attorney, like Anthony Carbone. If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse disagree on the value of an asset, but the asset has little to no value, it may not be wise to get the help of an expert.

Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone

At the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we have thirty years of experience helping clients overcome the cons of divorce in New Jersey. Attorney Anthony Carbone will also advise you on whether you need an expert witness for added assistance during your case.

Contact our Jersey City office to schedule your free consultation.

CALL NOW 201-829-3829