Divorce can be taxing, both financially and emotionally. Divorce can mean making several court appearances, missing work, and making alternative arrangements where child custody issues are concerned. In short, divorce can be life-transforming, in the kindest of terms. Fortunately, a couple can opt for an uncontested divorce in New Jersey rather than having to leave it up to the court to decide how their marriage is dissolved.
Contested vs. an uncontested divorce
A contested divorce occurs when a couple cannot agree to the terms of their divorce. This happens when either party declines to sign the agreement regarding their marital issues, resulting in a lack of common ground. This is where a judge is involved to oversee the dissolution of a marriage and issue a ruling on contested topics.
An uncontested divorce, on the other hand, happens when neither party decides to hold the other partner responsible for the dissolution of the marriage. In an uncontested divorce, both parties get to agree to the terms without involving the judge.
So, what is the average timing and cost of an uncontested divorce?
In New Jersey, most divorce trials begin within one year of filing a formal divorce request with the court. To speed up the uncontested divorce process, both parties need to resolve all the issues prior to appearing before the judge. The cost of an uncontested divorce also depends largely on how quickly the couple is able to reach an agreement as to the divorce terms. Thus, the less acrimonious your divorce is, the cheaper it will be.
The process of filing for an uncontested divorce
The process of filing an uncontested divorce in New Jersey can vary based on the specific circumstances and facts of your divorce agreement. It works best when both parties work with their attorneys to settle issues and sign a settlement before filing a formal complaint for divorce.
Like with the relationship, divorce is an extremely personal affair. Working with an experienced divorce lawyer can serve as a crucial asset as you make this life-altering decision, ensuring that you are adequately informed about your options during these critical times.