A divorce can be finalized very quickly in New Jersey if the parties are able to agree on all issues and they retain experienced divorce lawyers to assist with the preparation and finalization of all paperwork. It is possible to complete a divorce from the date of initial filing to the date of the finalization of the divorce within 45 days if everyone cooperates. In order to process the divorce so quickly the parties must obviously be in agreement on all issues and have had some extensive discussions as to the manner in which they wish to resolve their divorce prior to the actual filing of the complaint for divorce.
Most divorce cases do not resolve themselves as quickly. The family courts in New Jersey attempt to finalize all divorce filings within one year from the date of the filing of the complaint. Most divorce cases are finalized within this time frame. However, if there exist complex issues such as custody disputes, valuing a business, locating marital assets etc., a divorce could take a few years to complete. Such cases are quite expensive and can cost more than tens of thousands of dollars to each side.
Divorce cases that utilize a mediator to assist in resolving all issues prior to the filing of the complaint are the ones that are resolved the most quickly and the most inexpensively.
The length of time it could take to finalize the divorce is also somewhat dependent on the county in New Jersey wherein you reside. Some counties process divorces much more quickly than other counties. There are a number of reasons for this, some counties are operating with a shortage of divorce and family law judges, some counties are more populated and therefore have a significantly more filings for divorce each year than other counties.
Should you have any questions relative to how long your divorce should take please feel free to contact the divorce lawyers at Villani and DeLuca and arrange for your initial free divorce consultation. Once you explain your particular set of facts and circumstances to the divorce lawyer, he or she should be able to provide you with an estimate as to how long it should take for you to finalize your divorce.
