Many people think of divorce as a long and stressful process. In some cases, a New Jersey divorce can take many months or even years if the situation is contentious. But uncontested divorces, where both parties agree to the divorce terms, can take much less time. When a couple mutually decides to end their marriage and they are on good terms, an uncontested divorce may be completed in as little as six months. Understanding the timeline of an uncontested divorce can prepare one for going through the process.
How an uncontested divorce works
In an uncontested divorce, both parties can agree on major issues like child support, custody, spousal support and property division. An uncontested divorce can save a lot of time since the couple won’t have to spend countless hours in a courtroom presenting their cases to the court. The divorcing couple can consult their respective attorneys to better understand all the variables that need to be worked out.
Filing paperwork in a timely manner goes a long way in speeding up a divorce. Once the divorce summons is filed by the original party (the petitioner), the other party (the respondent) is served with the papers. The length of time until the divorce is finalized depends on the court. Once the divorce papers are filed with the court, the judge must read through the documents before approving and signing to finalize the divorce.
Legal help is important
Amicable couples seeking divorce still need legal assistance. New Jersey residents who wish to dissolve their marriage can consult with an experienced family law attorney. The attorney can give helpful advice based on the laws in the state and provide guidance on how best to proceed forward.