Often, those seeking to dissolve their marriage are hesitant to pull the trigger on this difficult decision as they fear a lengthy and costly process that involves numerous court hearings and a trial to iron out the terms that will apply to the termination of their marriage. However, alternative divorce routes can save couples time and money while avoiding litigation. Nonetheless, to end your marriage without going to court, you and your spouse must be willing to work together toward reaching a mutually beneficial divorce agreement. If a divorce is imminent and you want to avoid going to court, it is in your best interest to contact our knowledgeable Monmouth County Divorce & Separation Attorneys, who can help you find the best divorce route tailored to your specific needs. Please continue reading to learn about the alternative divorce routes in New Jersey that allow you to end your marriage without going to court.
How can I end my marriage without going to court in New Jersey?
If you and your spouse cannot resolve your disputed issues and reach a mutual agreement on the terms that will apply to the termination of your marriage, you will have to go through a contested divorce. In a contested divorce, you will have to attend numerous court hearings to handle interim issues and undergo a trial in which a judge reigns power over the decisions regarding the dissolution of your marriage. Essentially, you cannot end your marriage without going to court when pursuing a contested divorce. Nevertheless, if you and your spouse can resolve your contested issues and reach a mutually beneficial divorce agreement, you can seek an uncontested divorce. However, even with this type of divorce, you will likely need to appear in court for the final hearing. If you prefer to avoid going to court entirely, there are alternative divorce routes, such as mediation or a collaborative divorce, that you may want to consider.
What alternative divorce routes should I consider?
If you have tried to resolve your disputed issues but still haven’t been able to work out a settlement agreement on your own, you can turn to the alternative dispute resolution method of mediation. Divorce mediation involves you and your spouse attending sessions with a natural third-party mediator that will help you find solutions to resolve your disputed issues. Mediation aims to help couples reach a mutually agreed-upon divorce settlement agreement. If you and your spouse are willing to compromise, once the process has concluded, both parties will sign the agreed-upon divorce settlement agreement, which will become legally binding.
If you do not want to pursue divorce meditation, you can opt for a similar process known as a collaborative divorce. In a collaborative divorce, you will attend sessions where you and your spouse will attempt to resolve your disputed issues to reach an agreement on the terms that will apply to the termination of your marriage. Unlike mediation, a mediator is not involved in the process. Legal representation will accompany you and your spouse, and all parties will work together to reach an agreement. If this process is successful, you can end your marriage without going to court.
For more information on the alternative options to ending your marriage without going to court, contact a seasoned attorney from Paone Zaleski & Murphy today. Our firm is committed to helping clients find the divorce route that best suits their needs.
