Divorce is often a lengthy and emotionally grueling process for couples, children, and others involved. One of the most efficient ways to terminate a marriage is by filing an uncontested divorce. Continue reading to learn how long it can take to resolve an uncontested divorce in New Jersey and reach out to a Bergen County divorce lawyer today to obtain skilled representation and legal advice.
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree that the relationship needs to end and are on the same page regarding the terms of the divorce. Uncontested divorces are the simplest and fastest types that can be filed. The reason that divorces have a reputation of taking months or years and an emotional toll on all parties involved is that in many cases, the spouses disagree on one or more relevant issues. Topics that must be addressed and decided on during a divorce include the following.
- How property will be divided between the couple
- How debts will be divided between the couple
- Which spouse will pay alimony, if either, and the details like how much and for how long
- The custody arrangement for any shared children including who the custodial parent is, when the child will switch between the couple, visitation rights, etc.
- Which parent will pay child support and how much
Individuals may spend significant amounts of time and money attempting to sway their partner or a judge to agree with them on the above issues. In an uncontested divorce, however, both parties are in total agreement on all of the above so no negotiations or disputes are necessary.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in NJ?
In any divorce, whether contested or uncontested, the process begins with one spouse filing an official petition. The other spouse will be served and has 35 days to respond. When the two spouses agree on all relevant topics, the response will include no objections and a hearing can be scheduled before the divorce decree is issued. When there are no disputes or conflicts, an uncontested divorce in New Jersey can take as little as 6 weeks from start to finish.
It is important to note, however, that the 6-week timeline is often unrealistic. Even in an uncontested divorce, there can be administrative delays, errors with processing, courtroom backlogs, etc. On average, with all things considered, an uncontested divorce will take approximately 2 to 6 months to be resolved.
While 6 months is significantly longer than 6 weeks, this is still a relatively short timeline for a divorce to be filed and the decree to be issued. Divorces where the spouses disagree on one or more issues can take years to resolve. If you want to avoid a lengthy and drawn-out divorce process, it is important that you understand all of your legal rights and options. Contact a skilled lawyer at Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson today for more information.
