New Jersey isn’t a community property state. Instead, it’s an equitable distribution or marital property state. This means that instead of simply dividing things equally, property is divided equitably, or fairly. In other words, the divorce process in New Jersey varies on a case-by-case basis and decisions are made based on each party’s entire financial situation and future financial prospects. Since the equitable distribution process can be so complex, many people choose to retain a divorce attorney—even if they pursue divorce through alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation.