Depending on the circumstances, the divorce process can be quick and easy, or drawn-out and difficult. One of the biggest factors in deciding whether or not to go through with divorce is often the length of time it will take to finalize the split. No one wants to live in an unhappy marriage, so it makes sense to know what lies ahead before taking the first steps toward divorce.
In New Jersey, the courts have mandated that no divorce should take longer than 12 months from the date the Complaint for Divorce is first filed at the clerk’s office. While exceptions can be made for complex cases, the majority of New Jersey divorces will be complete in less than twelve months.
In fact, when both parties agree to a no-fault fault divorce in New Jersey, the process can be as short as one and a half months from start to finish. It is important to note that each of the nine acceptable Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey carries its own waiting period. When you file the Complaint for Divorce, that waiting period must have already passed.
The shortest length of time for a divorce in New Jersey would be just under 2 months. That includes the time between first filing and divorce finalization with “Irreconcilable Differences” as the ground for divorce. Using this no-fault ground for divorce only requires both parties to state that the marriage has been suffering for at least six months and there is no hope for repair.
If there are children in the marriage, hotly contested division of assets, or arguable blame for at-fault divorce, the length of time from first filing to dissolution of the marriage may take much longer.
It is the New Jersey court system’s goal to keep as many divorce proceedings to less than one year. If you make sure your affairs are in order before filing the complaint for divorce, the process should move more smoothly.
Contact our experienced New Jersey divorce lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
