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When Will My Divorce Be Finalized in New Jersey?
If you are contemplating a divorce, you may be curious about the timeline for finalizing the legal process before moving forward with the next chapter of your life. Whether a divorce is contested or uncontested significantly influences the duration of the legal proceedings before the divorce can be concluded. Please continue reading to learn how long it may take for your divorce to be finalized in New Jersey and why connecting with a trusted Ocean County Divorce Attorney is in your best interest.
When is a Divorce Final in New Jersey?
Firstly, a divorce decree is a legal document that formalizes the end of a marriage and outlines the specific terms of the divorce. A judge can only sign a divorce decree once all matters have been settled. The divorce decree will include information about child custody, child support, spousal support, property distribution, etc. When a judge signs the divorce decree, the divorce is final.
Divorce timelines can vary greatly, and since each divorce is unique, it can be challenging to set a specific timeline for when it will be final. However, in most instances, the court process for uncontested divorces can be resolved much shorter than for contested divorces. There is a common misconception that all divorce cases involve litigation. To avoid litigation, couples can choose to work out the terms that will apply to the termination of their marriage rather than in an adversarial manner. Therefore, couples who are amicable and agreeable to the terms of a divorce may have a smoother divorce process than those who experience a contentious one. An uncontested divorce often takes around three months to resolve. After the divorce is final, the decree must be filed with the court.
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?
As mentioned above, a contested divorce can take significantly longer to finalize. This is because it may take a substantial amount of time to resolve all disputed issues about child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, etc. Generally, a contested divorce can take anywhere from nine months to years before a divorce judgment can be signed, depending on the circumstances and the grounds of the divorce. Various factors contribute to the elongated timeline of this legal process. Unfortunately, substantial backlogs, prolonged negotiations, property distribution conflicts, and other matters may influence how long it will take to finalize a contested divorce in New Jersey.
At The Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC, we are prepared to help you determine the best action to achieve favorable results. If you are considering a divorce, please don’t hesitate to contact our firm today to discuss your case. Our legal team is committed to protecting your legal rights and fighting for your future.
