Divorce, even under the best circumstances, is never easy. However, it doesn’t necessarily need to involve a drawn-out court battle. If you and your spouse can agree on the terms that will apply to the termination of your marriage, such as child custody, alimony, and property division, you can save money and time by pursuing an uncontested divorce in New Jersey. Please continue reading to learn how long it can take to settle an uncontested divorce and how our dedicated Monmouth County Divorce Attorneys can help you determine the best divorce route given the unique circumstances of your case.
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
If a divorce is imminent, it’s crucial to understand that you have options. The divorce process can be complex. That said, you should not face it without an experienced attorney by your side. In New Jersey, couples can pursue an uncontested or contested divorce. For your divorce to be uncontested, you and your soon-to-be ex must address all of the issues related to their marriage and come to a resolution. When you disagree on one or more issues, the divorce will be contested. A contested divorce is usually much more time-consuming and expensive than an uncontested divorce. When a divorce is litigated, each party will present their case. With an uncontested divorce, you can avoid litigation as all the issues at hand have been settled, there is no need to go to trial. Instead, the judge will sign off on the terms you have agreed upon and issue a final divorce decree.
Unlike other states, New Jersey doesn’t require the parties to be separated for a certain period before filing for divorce, unless they want to get a divorce based on a separation agreement. On average, an uncontested divorce takes around three to six months. However, the timeline can vary significantly depending on several factors including, the court’s current caseload, the complexity of the case, and the cooperation of both parties.
Should I Consult an Attorney?
As mentioned above, there are several divorce routes that couples can choose to pursue to dissolve their marriage. If you wish to avoid litigation, you may consider an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) such as divorce mediation, a collaborative divorce, or arbitration. With an ADR method, you can retain more control over the divorce and mitigate the impact the divorce has on your family.
At Paone Zaleski & Murphy, we are prepared to help you determine the best divorce route given the unique circumstances of your situation. Our attorneys can effectively represent your interests and fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf. Connect with our dedicated legal team today to discuss your legal options.
